How does the ranking work in kendo and iaido?
Kendo is strongly organised, with most kendo governed by a single federation in each country receiving direction from the International Kendo Federation (which grew from the Japanese organization, the Zen- Nippon Kendo Renmei, or ZNKR). Iaido is usually affiliated with either the IKF/ZNKR or the Zen-Nippon Iaido Renmei (ZNIR). Kendo and iaido have a pretty consistent nine dan system of ranking. Dojo-dan are not allowed – you must grade in front of a committee. A typical committee for first dan would be six or more people ranked fifth dan or higher. Often, bigger committees are used for higher ranks, if enough qualified people are available. For IKF-affiliated organizations, responsibility for conferring the ranks rests with each member country, but every other country is bound to recognise ranks awarded by member countries. Kyu (“coloured belts”) are given to children as incentives, but not usually adults. If kyu are given, they may start at tenth or more usually sixth and advance up t
