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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.

Asayama Ichiden-ryu, founded by Asayama Ichidentsai Kuramitsu in 17th-century Edo Japan, is a celebrated samurai koryu school of unarmed Jujutsu and short sword combat. Its 5-license hierarchy (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates close-quarters joint dislocation, ground pinning, Kenjutsu sword, and knife disarming.

Shoden (Beginning Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Kamae stances, unarmed Taijutsu grappling, and 17th-century katana cuts.

Symbolism & Meaning

Ancient Edo period koryu school founded by Asayama Ichidensai.

Chuden (Middle Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Kama sickle combat, rapid Iaijutsu sword drawing, and emergency disarming.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening fluid force flow from body core into non-traditional weapons.

Okuden (Deep Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Armored grappling Yoroi Kumiuchi, Tanto dagger combat, and joint leverage.

Symbolism & Meaning

Secret samurai techniques to neutralize an opponent in full battlefield armor.

Mokuroku (Catalog Scroll)

Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Official Asayama Ichiden technique scroll. Authorization to instruct in dōjō.

Symbolism & Meaning

Shihan = Licensed master of Asayama Ichiden-ryu koryu 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 the tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Menkyo Kaiden = Supreme living Soke and representative of Asayama Ichiden-ryu.