The black belt or shodan is awarded to students who have demonstrated knowledge and teaching ability. They may nominate for commendations during award ceremonies and testing. The black belt studies interpersonal psychology and communication skills, combat psychology, use of terrain, humor, compassion, camouflage, deception, chi transfer, and attack & defense with weapons. A black belt in hoshin demonstrates mastery of meditation, knows over one hundred throws and joint locking techniques, is comfortable with an array of weapons -- both traditional and modern, has accomplished the lesser kan and li, and is knowledgeable of roshi healing traditions. He or she is a beginner in the teaching traditions but technically sound as a practitioner.