Tsurugi Bashi Kendo Kai
Kendo Ranking
| Terminology | Swords | Ranking | Equipment |
Modern kendo uses the dan-to-kyu grading system originally introduced by Kodokan Judo in the 19th century, with the difference that there is no external indication of one's grade such as a differently coloured belt. The kyu grades start from 6th (lowest) up to 1st and are followed by the dan grades, corresponding to "black belts" in other martial arts, from 1st (lowest) up to 8th.
There are restrictions on how soon one can attempt a grading after having passed the previous one. These requirements go up with the grade: you need to practice for at least one year between 1st dan and 2nd dan, two between 2nd and 3rd, three years between 3rd and 4th, and so on.
There is also a system of honorific titles known as sho-go which, in addition to one's technical level (mental elements included) as indicated by the dan grade, indicates one's level of achievement with respect to leadership and judgement as a kendoka. There are three levels: renshi (must be at least 6th dan), kyoshi (at least 7th dan) and hanshi (at least 7th dan). Hanshi swordsmen are the absolute highest level of authority in kendo.
