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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.

Yagyu Seigo-ryu Iaijutsu, derived from Yagyu Shinkage-ryu in 17th-century Japan by Mizoguchi Shogoro, is a specialized samurai koryu school of quick-drawing long katana and short Kodachi. Its 5-license hierarchy (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates rapid blade drawing from Seiza/walking, Nukitsuke single strike, and Chiburi.

Shoden (Beginning Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Battojutsu Kamae stances, Nukiuchi sword drawing, and core kata.

Symbolism & Meaning

Koryu Battojutsu school founded by Nagaoka Fusashige (Seigo) linked to Yagyu clan.

Chuden (Middle Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Paired Kumitachi koryu forms with wooden Bokken and rapid counter-attacks.

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, Kodachi short sword, & disarms.

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 Seigo-ryu Battojutsu 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 head of Yagyu Seigo-ryu Battojutsu.