Ranking

In the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (All Japan Kendo Federation), ranking for both kendo and iaido has the same structure. Obviously, the specific requirements will be different, but similar ranks require similar skill in the two arts.

The first level of ranking are kyu ranks. As they are mainly children's ranks, at OSUKC and our parent club, Obukan, adults and teenagers do not test in kendo until they are ready for sankyu, or in iaido until ready for ikkyu. The kyu ranks from lowest to highest are:

Sixth  Fifth  Fourth  Third  Second  First

Rokkyu (kendo only)  Gokyu (kendo only)  Yonkyu (kendo only)  Sankyu  Nikyu  Ikkyu

After kyu ranks come the dan ranks. These are the "black belt" ranks despite the fact that kendoka usually do not wear belts, and iaidoka can wear what ever color they would like. The minimum requirement to operate a recognized independent dojo is godan. From lowest to highest, they are:

First  Second  Third  Fourth  Fifth  Sixth  Seventh  Eighth

Shodan  Nidan  Sandan  Yondan  Godan  Rokudan  Nanadan  Hachidan

Separate from the kyu and dan ranks, there are shogo, which are instructor ranks. The tests for shogo are even more difficult than for high level dan ranks, with separate requirements for passing. Renshi is only available to those who are already rokudan. A person's rank is their combination of dan and shogo. Hachidan hanshi is the highest rank currently awarded by the ZNKR. Holders of this ranks are truly exceptional masters of their respective arts.

Renshi
Kyoshi
Hanshi

Testing in the ZNKR is different from many other martial arts organizations in that all tests for ikkyu and above must be done in front of a grading comittee, not just one's own instructor. In the Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation (PNKF), to which OSUKC belongs, all tests are conducted this way, almost invariably in the Seattle area.

For kendo, the tests for rokkyu through sankyu consist of performing the basic strikes (men, kote, do) and kiri kaeshi (a standard exercise), then a short bout of sparring. During the sparring section of the test, participants should try to demonstrate good kendo, not try to "win" (though they should be earnestly attempting to strike their opponent). The examiners are looking for such things as good footwork, proper swinging of the shinai, good distancing, not who can hit smaller and faster. Tests for nikyu usually consist of just sparring, though they are sometimes conducted like those for lower ranks. The tests for ikkyu and higher ranks consist of sparring, kata, and a written examination. The kata requirements are as follows:

Nikyu and lower  Ikkyu  Shodan  Nidan  Sandan and higher

none  1st through 3rd  1st through 5th  1st through 7th  All 10

For iaido, the tests consist of performing a set number (usually five) of kata which are almost always specified beforehand. At kyu and low dan ranks, all the kata will be from the seitei gata. As rank increases, the test taker is required to perform kata of his or her choice from a koryu. As with kendo, tests for ikkyu and higher have a written examination.

For more detailed requirements for rank in kendo, see the rank requirements page.