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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.

Ryushin Shouchi-ryu is a traditional Japanese koryu school of Iaijutsu and Kobudo, deriving from Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu and Yagyu Shinkage-ryu lineage as refined by Kawabata Terutaka. Its 5-license structure (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates smooth sword drawing from Seiza/standing, Suio slicing, and Kumitachi Bokken paired drills.

Shoden (Beginning Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Battojutsu Kamae stances, sword drawing cuts, and Suwari-waza kneeling forms.

Symbolism & Meaning

Traditional Battojutsu and Iaijutsu school founded by Kawai Toyo & Kunikazu Yahagi.

Chuden (Middle Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Paired Kumitachi koryu forms with wooden Bokken and rapid Iai transitions.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening precise Maai distance control and strike timing in a duel.

Okuden (Deep Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Secret walking Battojutsu forms under pressure, opponent disarms, and pins.

Symbolism & Meaning

Unifying mind and blade in a single indivisible moment of impact.

Mokuroku (Catalog Scroll / Shihan)

Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Official technique scroll. Authorization to instruct and grade students in dōjō.

Symbolism & Meaning

Shihan = Licensed master and guarantor of Kunikazu Yahagi 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 and absolute global guarantor of the tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Menkyo Kaiden = Soke Kunikazu Yahagi and supreme head of the Tokyo school.