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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.

Toda-ryu Kenjutsu, founded by Toda Seigen in 16th-century Japan (ancestor of Toda-ha Buko-ryu), is a famous samurai koryu school of short sword (Kodachi) and katana fencing. Its 5-license hierarchy (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates short blade parrying against long swords, inside-guard entries, and throat thrusts.

Shoden (Beginning Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Kamae stances, wooden Bokken cuts, and 16th-century paired kata.

Symbolism & Meaning

Ancient Sengoku period koryu school founded by Toda Seigen specialized in Kodachi.

Chuden (Middle Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Famous Kodachi short sword vs long katana combat, and Iaijutsu sword drawing.

Symbolism & Meaning

Overcoming long sword reach advantage through lightning close-quarters entry.

Okuden (Deep Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Chigiriki flail-chain combat, armored Kumiuchi grappling, and weapon disarming.

Symbolism & Meaning

Secret samurai techniques to neutralize an opponent in full gear.

Mokuroku (Catalog Scroll / Shihan)

Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Official Toda-ryu koryu technique scroll. Authorization to instruct in dōjō.

Symbolism & Meaning

Shihan = Licensed master and keeper of Toda Seigen'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 Toda-ryu.

Symbolism & Meaning

Menkyo Kaiden = Supreme living Soke and representative of Toda-ryu Kenjutsu.