General overview of grades
This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.
6th Kyu – Rokkyu
Basic Kamae stance, Shinai grip, and Suri-ashi footwork.
Foundational rank of official ZNKR Japanese way of the sword.
5th Kyu – Gokyu
Men, Kote, Do strikes and donning Bogu protective armor.
Active integration of Kiai vocal energy and Ki-Ken-Tai-Ichi unity.
4th Kyu – Yonkyu
Full-armor Uchikomi-geiko drills and Tsuki throat thrusts.
Unification of mind, sword, and body at impact.
3rd Kyu – Sankyu
Ji-geiko free sparring, Harai-waza counters, and Kendo Kata 1-3.
Tactical preparation for Shiai tournament matches.
2nd Kyu – Nikyu
Debana-waza anticipatory strikes and Kendo Kata 1-5.
Mastering timing and reading opponent's intent.
1st Kyu – Ikkyu
Execution of Kendo Kata 1-7 and Shodan examination prep.
Pre-master maturity before entering the Dan ranks.
1st Dan – Shodan
Full master Dan rank. Official competitor registered in FIK.
Shodan = Mastering foundational Japanese fencing principles.
2nd Dan – Nidan
Integrating Kodachi Kata (short sword) and advanced Shiai tactics.
Deepening versatility with both long and short swords.
3rd Dan – Sandan
Complete 10 Nihon Kendo Kata and dōjō instruction.
Teaching maturity in preparation for Shogo titles.
4th Dan – Yondan
Regional club leadership and referee certification.
Prerequisite for obtaining the Renshi teaching title.
5th Dan – Godan (Renshi)
Training national instructors and studying Fudoshin.
Renshi = Certified teacher with an unshakeable mind.
6th Dan – Rokudan (Kyoshi)
Kyoshi title. Directing international Dan grading.
Kyoshi = Professor of the sword transmitting Budo.
7th Dan – Nanadan (Kyoshi)
Elite sword master and World Championship referee.
High international authority of Japanese fencing.
8th Dan – Hachidan (Hanshi)
Highest active Kendo rank (pass rate under 1%). Hanshi title.
Hanshi = Living legend and spiritual paragon of Kendo.