← Back to martial art

General overview of grades

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

Komagawa Kaishin-ryu, founded by Komagawa Tarozaemon in 16th-century Japan (Shinkage-ryu branch), is a celebrated samurai koryu school of Iaijutsu quick-drawing and Kenjutsu fencing. Its 5-license hierarchy (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates sword drawing from Seiza/walking, Jutte truncheon deflection, and decisive thrusting.

Shoden (Beginning Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Iaijutsu Kamae stances, sword drawing from Seiza, and paired kata.

Symbolism & Meaning

16th-century Muromachi period koryu school founded by Komagawa Tarōzaemon.

Chuden (Middle Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Kodachi short sword combat, Naginatajutsu halberd, and rapid Iai counters.

Symbolism & Meaning

Kaishin = "Open mind". Unifying body and blade in a single fluid moment.

Okuden (Deep Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Jutte truncheon combat vs sword, armored Kumiuchi grappling, & escapes.

Symbolism & Meaning

Secret samurai techniques to neutralize an armed opponent without killing.

Mokuroku (Catalog Scroll)

Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Official koryu technique scroll. Authorization to lead dōjō in Kuroda lineage.

Symbolism & Meaning

Shihan = Licensed master and keeper of Kuroda Tetsuzan Soke's lineage.

Menkyo Kaiden (Full Transmission)

免許皆伝Rank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 120 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Highest koryu scroll. Living Soke (Kuroda Tetsuzan) and absolute global guarantor.

Symbolism & Meaning

Menkyo Kaiden = Supreme living Soke and representative of Komagawa Kaishin-ryu.