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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.

Kito-ryu Jujutsu, founded in 17th-century Edo Japan, is a famous samurai koryu school from which Jigoro Kano derived Judo's Nage-waza and Koshiki-no-kata. Its 5-license structure (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates armored throws (Yoroi Kumiuchi), off-balancing (Kito), and energy flow.

Shoden (Beginning Transmission)

初伝Rank #1
Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Basic Omote no Kata throwing forms kneeling/standing and Ukemi fall principles.

Symbolism & Meaning

Koryu school founded in 17th century, direct ancestor of modern Kodokan Judo.

Chuden (Middle Transmission)

中伝Rank #2
Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Hidden counter forms Ura no Kata, fluid takedowns leveraging opponent's Ki.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening principle of rise and fall (Ki - to / Rising and Falling).

Okuden (Secret Transmission)

奥伝Rank #3
Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Full samurai armor grappling Yoroi Kumiuchi and ground immobilizations.

Symbolism & Meaning

Secret combat techniques intended for battlefield in Sengoku period.

Mokuroku (Catalog of Techniques)

目録Rank #4
Typical gap since previous grade: 48 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Official scroll of techniques. Mastery of Kito-ryu no Kata (Koshiki no Kata in Judo).

Symbolism & Meaning

License confirming deep knowledge of ancient throwing forms.

Menkyo Kaiden (Full Transmission)

免許皆伝Rank #5
Typical gap since previous grade: 72 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Highest master scroll. Completion of Ryobu internal energy and lineage passing.

Symbolism & Meaning

Menkyo Kaiden = Full keeper of the koryu tradition of Kito-ryu.