Kendo grading

In kendo there are no outward signs of rank, like the coloured belts in the mentioned martial arts, distinguishing between kenshi of different level, so a complete  beginner looks exactly the same as an advanced practitioner in terms of clothing.

In kendo there are six basic grades called kyu 『級』, being the sixth the lower one and the first the higher achievable at this stage.

The intermediate and advanced levels are comprised in a category  called dan 『段』. The order from lower to higher rank is opposite to kyu, being the lowest the first dan and the highest the eighth dan.

The levels from kendo are obtained by passing exams. The exams for the kyu levels, up to ikkyu (1st kyu), are usually regulated internally by the kendo clubs. Ikkyu and dan exams are regulated by the National and International organisations and it usually requires to undertake them in specific seminars or competitions (taikai 『大会』). The test usually follows a fairly standard format of kirikaeshi/keiko, kata and often, a written questionnaire.

The exams for the higher levels (6th and  above) should be taken in Japan.

The International Kendo Federation (IKF) has established a set of regulations for promotional examination specifying the requirements for each rank. Some federations set additional requirements as necessary to meet their standards to promote the growth and quality of Kendo.

A tribunal conformed by dan holders discusses the promotion of examinees after the exam.