YUDANSHA TECHNICAL EXAMS & QUALIFICATION

The Association issues Dan ranks from Shodan (1 Dan) to Hachidan (8 Dan) along with technical requirements there are also age requirements for Dan rank applicants.

Shodan Minimum age of 18 years old.
Nidan A minimum of 1 years training after their Shodan test, and 20 years old.
Sandan A minimum of 2 years training after their Nidan test and 23 years old.
Yondan A minimum of 3 years training after their Sandan test, hold Iaido Shodan, and 28 years old.
Godan A minimum of 4 years training after their Yondan test, and 35 years old
Rokudan A minimum of 5 years training after their Godan test, and 40 years old.
Nanadan* A minimum of 5 years training after Rokudan, and 47 Years old.
Hachidan* A minimum of 5 years training after their Nanadan test but not less 55 Years old.

Honorary Degrees

Honorary Degrees can be awarded to people who have contributed to the development of the organisation in recognition of their contributions.

The Menkyo Kaidensha can authorize ‘honorary awards'. A person who is an honorary member of the Association, who is issued an ‘honorary Dan rank certificate’, does not hold the authority to conduct instructional duties nor conduct rank tests.

Notes

*Nanadan & Hachidan grades are awarded collectively by 2 Menkyo Kaidensha and only at international events.

In exceptional circumstances such as the skill level, and character of the applicant, time limits can be reduced at the discression of Menkyo Kaidensha.

If a current non-association instructor is joining the Association, who has a high degree level in any recognized style of Japanese Budo, and if they join with their group of students, that Instructor can begin by taking the 1 Dan certification test. In their case and dependent on ability and knowledge the time limits for higher rank testing, up to and including to their existing Budo rank, can be removed at the discression of the Menkyo Kaidensha. Ranks are dependent on the test requirements being met. Rank tests may not be skipped, and each Dan rank tests must be taken and passed in sequential order.