Promotions FAQ

• What is the ranking system in Kendo?
  Kendo ranks consisted of Kyu and Dan.  Kyu rank from lowest to highest are Rokkyu (6th Kyu) through Ikkyu (1st Kyu). Dan rank from lowest to highest are Shodan (1st Dan) through Judan (10th Dan). Shodan is the equivalent of a "black belt" in most other martial arts ranking systems.  Upon Rokudan, the rank holder can apply for honorary title such as Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi.  For Hanshi is the highest honor of all.  For example, a Nanadan Renshi is lower ranking than a Rokudan Kyoshi.  These titles are granted to those have contribute to the Kendo community more than just training in Kendo.
  
  Although 10th dan is the highest rank, 9th dan and 10th dan cannot be obtained through testing.  9th dan and 10th dan are honorary titles that rarely granted by the Emperor of Japan and the Kendo committee.
  

• When are the promotions?
  Promotions are usually held one day before or after a tournament from 6th Kyu up to 4th Dan.
  

• How do I get promoted?
  You should ask the head instructor whether you are ready to test, and the appropriate rank to test for.  In some dojo that test 6th Kyu up to 4th Kyu internally, but Minnehaha Kendo Dojo does not have that system.  When testing at the regional/national level, one is required to be in bogu and able to demonstrate basic skills when asked. 
  
  

• What are the requirements for testing?
  Different region has different requirements for Shinsa (testing). Minnehaha Kendo Dojo belongs in the Midwest Kendo Federation (MWKF), the basic premise of the MWKF requirements are as followed (that may changed from time to time):
  
  * 6th Kyu up to 2 Kyu - judges announce the set of skills that they want the testers to demonstrate
  
  1 Kyu and above has two portions of the test: Shinai-geiko, and Kata.  One will be asked to perform Kata once they have successfully passed Shinai-geiko.
  
  1 Kyu: Kirikaeshi, Jigeiko / Kata 1-3 / Written essay
  1st Dan: Jigeiko / Kata 1-5 / Written essay / Age 14 or older
  2nd Dan: Jigeiko / Kata 1-7 / Written essay  / Age 18 or older
  3rd Dan & 4th Dan: Jigeiko / Kata 1-10 / Written essay
  
  Only up to 4th Dan can be tested at the regional level, 5th Dan and up are required to be tested at the National level.  For more information: visit MWKF website and the AUSKF website.
  

• How often can I test?
  Besides your frequency of training and the instructor's discretion, 6th Kyu to 1st Kyu can be promoted as often as you can attend.  Although, after 1st Kyu, there is a 3 months probation period before you can test for 1st Dan.  For each rank of Dan will be a probation period according to your rank.  Such as 1st Dan will have a one year probation period before testing for 2nd Dan, 2nd Dan has a two years probation period and so on... up to 8th Dan.