Kendo Rankings : From beginner to Kendo Master

Most martial arts systems have a ranking system. Kendo is no different. With the absence of belts or an outward show of ranking though, the kendo ranks aren't known as well as those of the other budo. The system of ranking for modern kendoka isn't complicated. To help you gain the knowledge of kendo ranks we have put together this guide. Kendo ranks are split into two groups (like most Japanese martial arts). There is the Kyu, which are your beginner levels, and then the Dan, which are equivalent to black belt and above. Most Kendo dojos do not give belts as outward signs of rankings. Some may give badges or belts to younger members as incentives to move forward.

Kyu

When you're just getting started in Kendo, you will begin testing with the Kyu. The rankings for the Kyu are numbered backwards. There are 6 Kyu in all. The levels for beginners are: ro-kyu(6th level) go-Kyu (5th level), yon-kyu (4th level), san-kyu (3th level), ni-kyi (2nd level), i-kyu (1st level).

Dan

Beyond i-kyu the kendoka moves on to the Dan levels. There are 10 Dan levels traditionally, with the first one loosely identified as the equivalent to black belt. As the kendoka moves up the Dan levels the testing gets harder, and the time that he must wait for the next test increases.

1. Sho-dan - The first dan level can be tested for after 3 months as an i-kyu.

2. Ni-dan - One full year must be spent as a sho-dan before testing for ni-dan.

3. San-dan - After two years as a ni-dan, the kendoka may test for san-dan.

4. Yon-dan - Three years after achieving San-dan testing for this level is allowed.

5. Go-dan - After four years as a yon-dan, testing is available.

6. Roku-dan - Five years must be spent as a go-dan before testing.

7. Nana-dan - Six year wait before testing

8. Hachi-dan - 10 years or more must pass before testing for hachi-dan is allowed.

9. Kyu-dan - Cannot be tested as there are no longer instructors, or judges at this level.

10. Ju-dan - Cannot be tested as there are no longer instructors, or judges at this level.

Hachidan is the highest achievable level in today's world. Each year about 1500 people go to Japan to try to move from Nana-dan to Hachidan, the pass rate is about 2%. A kendoka with a ranking of Sandan or above can teach kendo.