The instructor program at Honbu was created to train the next generation of Sensei (master teachers). Currently 25 individuals are training in this special program.

Only students who have demonstrated a strong spirit, good technical skill, excellent character and leadership are offered a position in the instructor training program. The most capable of these individuals will become the next generation of master teachers.

An individual will gradually progress from Assistant Instructor, Instructor, Senior Instructor and finally to Sensei. Not all individuals who start out as assistant instructors will make it to the Sensei level. At the instructor or senior instructor level, individuals are encouraged to open their own dojo. In this way they can continue to study while beginning to teach their own students. Obviously, one cannot progress to a master teacher (Sensei) without having his or her own students. An Instructor who is given permission to open a Pinewood branch, does not immediately become a Sensei. Until promoted by Headquarters, they are referred to by their students as Sempai (senior student). These instructors are supervised very closely by Headquarters and their Sensei.

Instructor training at Pinewood Headquarters is held once weekly on Thursday night. These classes are restricted to individuals in the Instructor training program (uchi deshi). The classes are personally taught by Dr. Andrews.