Dan grade

Dan (which rhymes with "John") is a Japanese term that refers to martial arts rank on a black belt level. The term is used in Japanese and Okinawan arts such as karate, aikido, judo, jujitsu, and the Japanese sword arts.

Related Topics:
Black belt - Karate - Aikido - Judo - Jujitsu

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Most of these arts have from eight to ten dan grades. They are, in ascending order:

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• shodan: first degree black belt
• nidan: second degree black belt
• sandan: third degree black belt
• yondan (or yodan): fourth degree black belt
• godan: fifth degree black belt
• rokudan: sixth degree black belt
• nanadan (or shichidan or sichidan): seventh degree black belt
• hachidan: eighth degree black belt
• kudan: ninth degree black belt
• judan: tenth degree black belt

In karate, shodan typically implies that all the basics of the style have been mastered. At sandan the karateka is deemed capable of teaching independently as a sensei. At rokudan, the karateka may receive certification as a shihan. Generally, the lower dan ranks are awared on the basis of knowledge and physical skill. The higher the dan rank, the more leadership ability, teaching experience, and service to the art play a role in promotion.

Related Topics:
Karateka - Sensei - Shihan

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In British Judo there are 3 grade levels: "Mon", meaning "gate" in Japanese, "Kyu" meaning "student," and "Dan" meaning "expert". To gain promotion from 1st to 5th Dan, Judoka (Judo players) demonstrate theoretical technique and competitive skill in graded competitions. Promotions from 6th to 10th Dan are awarded for services to the sport of Judo.

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The ranks below the dan grades are called kyu grades.

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