RANK
REQUIREMENTS
GOKYU
Warm-up exercises, vocabulary, and commands
YONKYU
All of the above, first 6 strikes
SANKYU
All of the above, first 12 strikes
NIKYU
All of the above, all 12 strikes, alone and with partner, 1st & 2nd kata
IKKYU
All of the above, 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th kata, both jo & sword, basic teaching skills
SHODAN
All of the above, increased skills, ability and teaching.
NIDAN
All of the above with advanced skills, 1-8 of kata inclusive, both jo & sword
SANDAN
Advancement in all skills, especially in the areas of teaching and the application of
the principles of our system and of Jodo, 1-10 of kata inclusive both jo & sword.
YONDAN
A PhD level rank, the candidate must demonstrate extra-ordinary knowledge of all
Jodo principles, kata 1-12 inclusive, and techniques
GODAN
Assistant professor, advancement in all skills
ROKUDAN
Full professor, extra-ordinary teaching and leadership skills