Kendo Rankings : From beginner to Kendo Master
77Most 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.
THE KENDO RANKINGS – KYU AND DAN
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.
- Sho-dan - The first dan level can be tested for after 3 months as an i-kyu.
- Ni-dan - One full year must be spent as a sho-dan before testing for ni-dan.
- San-dan - After two years as a ni-dan, the kendoka may test for san-dan.
- Yon-dan - Three years after achieving San-dan testing for this level is allowed.
- Go-dan - After four years as a yon-dan, testing is available.
- Roku-dan - Five years must be spent as a go-dan before testing.
- Nana-dan - Six year wait before testing
- Hachi-dan - 10 years or more must pass before testing for hachi-dan is allowed.
- Kyu-dan - Cannot be tested as there are no longer instructors, or judges at this level.
- 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.
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Howdy,
I attached a YouTube link to a documentary about taking the 8 dan test. It is moving and a times funny. I recomend it to budoka in general but most especially kendoka and folks interested in the various sword arts.
Enjoy,
e.
Thxs Eric...nice docu !
The ranks aren't perfect, yet, they are. One would spend an entirety of his or her life attempting to obtain a rank of Hachi-dan. This is more then likely for this reason: One must be completely dedicated, and never give up. The many or few who have reached Hachi-dan, I sincerely give a life time of congradulations to you. One must not only have great dedication, but understanding as well. Not just in the art, but in life itself. As to your comment of reaching Ni-dan within a couple years, I will not wish you luck. Luck is not something that gives you the knowledge to obtain such a rank, only hard-work, and near constant training will let you obtain Ni-dan. And even that might not give you the experiance and knowledge needed. You must dedicate your blood and soul.
so not working for a living and doing kendo. then you might get hachi-dan. but not many people in the real world can do that. For wot, to shirk responsibility to obtain a selfish goal. yeah thats understanding life.
katanaliz 3 years ago
Looks like it's a tough climb from the i-kyu up to the highest achievable rank! Cheers to those who have reached San-dan and keep it up to those who are in the Sho-dan level - at least you're now equal to a black-belter in ranking. Whoever created these categorical rankings of Kendo must have been a tough guy as nobody has ever reached the highest level. It's like never being good enough on the art of Kendo despite your never-ending practice and training.
I think that someone should revise the rankings and convert it to a more reasonable and achievable set of standards so that it is possible to reach the highest level in the rank. This is just my personal opinion though and I respect the traditional martial arts system. In fact, I am aiming to reach at least the Ni-dan level in a few years time. Good luck to me!