Shodan / 1st Dan
初段
First degree black belt rank (1st Dan) in Japanese and Korean martial arts.
Quick Facts
CategoryTitle
Pronunciation/[shoh-dahn]/
Alternative NamesFirst degree black belt, Beginning degree
Definition
Shodan translates literally to 'beginning degree'. Contrary to Western misconceptions that a black belt represents supreme mastery, reaching Shodan simply indicates that a practitioner has mastered the basic alphabet and is now ready to study deeply.
Related Terms
Obi帯
Belt used to secure the training jacket and indicate technical rank.
Budo武道Umbrella term for Japanese martial ways focusing on spiritual and personal growth.
Dan段Advanced master rank in Asian martial arts denoting black belt status.
Kyu / Gup級 / 급Student technical grade prior to attaining the master Dan ranks.
Associated Martial Arts
Tomari-teSatojuku KarateTakamura Shindo Yoshin-ryuShorinji Ryu RenshinkanEnshin KarateTenjin Shin-ryu JujutsuYoseikan AikidoShorinji-ryu KenkokanSeiwakai Goju-ryuJikishin-ryu JujutsuIwama RyuKosen JudoKawaishi JudoYoshinkan AikidoGensei-ryuTomiki AikidoChito-ryu KarateShito-ryuMotobu-ryu KarateAshihara KarateByakuren KaikanShorei-ryuUechi-ryuAsayama Ichiden-ryuTenjin Shin'yo-ryu JujutsuShotokanKyushin-ryu JujutsuMatsubayashi-ryuTakagi-ryu JujutsuShorin-ryu ShidokanShorin-ryu SeibukanIsshin-ryu KarateKendoChokushin-ryu JujutsuShindo Yoshin-ryu JujutsuUnkei-ryu JujutsuSeidokaikan KarateShorin-ryuSekiguchi-ryu JujutsuHontai Yoshin-ryu JujutsuKito-ryuShuri-teMeibukan Goju-ryuShorin-ryu KyudokanJundokan Goju-ryuShinno Shinto-ryu JujutsuSix Harmonies Praying Mantis (Liuhe Tanglangquan)Kyokushin BudokaiReal AikidoNaha-teShibukawa-ryu JujutsuShorin-ryu Shorinkan