The Ranking System of Kendo
The ranking system of kendo consists of “kyū” and “dan” levels, which are used to measure the technical proficiency of practitioners.
- Kyū Levels
• Levels: Typically range from 6th kyū to 1st kyū, with smaller numbers indicating higher proficiency.
• Target Audience: Beginners and intermediate practitioners.
• Exam Content: Basic movements, etiquette, fundamental striking techniques, etc.
- Dan Levels
• Levels: Range from 1st dan to 8th dan, with higher numbers indicating greater proficiency.
• Target Audience: Advanced practitioners.
• Exam Content: Advanced techniques, practical combat skills, kendo theory, etc.
- Details of Dan Levels
• 1st Dan: Mastery of basics, possession of elementary combat skills.
• 2nd Dan: More proficient techniques, deeper understanding.
• 3rd Dan: Stable techniques, possession of relatively high combat skills.
• 4th Dan: Exquisite techniques, understanding of the spirit of kendo.
• 5th Dan: Mature techniques, possession of instructional abilities.
• 6th Dan: Superb techniques, profound understanding of the spirit of kendo.
• 7th Dan: Outstanding techniques, significant influence.
• 8th Dan: Kendo master, unparalleled technique.
Advancement usually requires a certain amount of practice time. Age and experience requirements: There are age and experience restrictions for advancing in kendo ranks. For example, 1st dan requires being at least 13 years old, and each subsequent dan requires a certain number of years of practice after achieving the previous dan, such as 1 year for 2nd dan after 1st dan, 2 years for 3rd dan after 2nd dan, and so on. Up to 7th dan, the required practice time increases by 1 year for each dan. However, 8th dan requires 10 or more years of practice after achieving 7th dan, and the practitioner must be at least 46 years old. As the dan level increases, the exam difficulty also increases.
In addition to the kyū and dan ranking system, kendo also has a title system, such as Renshi (having 6th dan qualification and good judgment), Kyoshi (having Renshi 6th dan qualification and good instructional abilities), and Hanshi (having Kyoshi 8th dan qualification, with noble character, profound understanding of kendo principles, and exquisite techniques, and being at least 55 years old), among others.
The ranking system of Japanese kendo not only reflects technical proficiency but also embodies the spirit and cultivation of the practitioner.