Kendo ranking system

The kendo ranking system is the same as most Japanese arts. It uses a kyu/dan system. The kyu ranks are the novice grades while the dan ranks are the advanced grades.

There are ten kyu grades from 10th kyu or jyukyu, which is the lowest kyu, to 1st kyu or ikkyu which is the highest kyu.

Higher than the kyu grades are the dan grades, or black-belt grades. These range from 1st dan or shodan which is the lowest dan to 8th dan which is the highest attainable dan. There is a 9th and 10th degree, or dan, in kendo, however those ranks are reserved as a type of title instead of an earned rank.

There are three special titles that go to those who are 6th dan and above should they meet special qualifications. These special titles, in order from lowest title to highest title, are Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi.

Renshi can be attained once the kendoist has reached the 6th dan, Kyoshi can be attained once the kendoist has reached 7th dan, and Hanshi can be attained once a kendoist has reached 8th dan if a 7th dan candidate is over a certain age (70 years).

The attainment of a rank is not, however, does not guarantee that the kendoist can attain a title. Titles are earned and are not given away trivially.

Kyu ranks are awarded usually within the dojo or school. An instructor may give away kyu grades up to 2nd kyu, or nikyu. From then on, the kendoka (kendo practitioner) must test in front of a panel of highly qualified judges for every subsequent grade thereafter.

Unlike karate or judo, kendo has age and experience limits that restrict when a kendoist can test for a certain rank. The table below specifies this relationship: