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General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Hozoin-ryu Takada-ha Sojutsu, founded by Buddhist monk Hozoin In'ei in 16th-century Nara (Kofukuji Temple), is Japan's premier koryu school of the cross-bladed Kamayari spear. Its 5-license structure (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates hooking and deflecting katana swords using the spear's sickle blades, thrusts, and paired kata.

Shoden (Beginning Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic crescent Kamayari spear stances, thrusts, & deflecting swords in paired kata.

Symbolism & Meaning

Famous 16th-century koryu school from Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara (founded by Inei).

Chuden (Middle Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Mastery of 14 basic Omote no Kata against sword, hooking blades with crescent.

Symbolism & Meaning

Famous motto: "Slash, it's a sword; thrust, it's a spear; hook, it's a sickle".

Okuden (Deep Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Ura no Kata counter-sets, close-quarters weapon counters, and armored parries.

Symbolism & Meaning

Secret combat applications of the crescent Kamayari tip against samurai.

Menkyo (Teaching License / Shihan)

Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Official technique scroll. Authorization to instruct at Kōfuku-ji & dōjō.

Symbolism & Meaning

Shihan = Licensed instructor of the Hozoin-ryu Sojutsu tradition.

Menkyo Kaiden (Full Transmission)

免許皆伝Rank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 120 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Highest koryu scroll. Living Soke and absolute global guarantor of Hozoin.

Symbolism & Meaning

Menkyo Kaiden = 21st Soke and supreme head of Hozoin-ryu Sojutsu in Nara.