Kendo Ranks Overview
Kendo has ranks similar to other martial arts, but the ranks have no belts or other things that would show ones rank. Certification is validated by the various federations and further information is available from their websites. Kenshi may not have colored belts or tags , but rank is still an important part of kendo.
| 6 kyu | Beginning MWKF rank | none |
| 5 kyu | none | |
| 4 kyu | none | |
| 3 kyu | Beginning rank for adults, usually | none |
| 2 kyu | Highest purely MWKF rank | none |
| 1 kyu | Rank just before "black belt". First rank that is certified by the AUSKF. | 12 |
| 1 dan | 1st "black belt" rank. Can test for this 6 months after attaining 1 kyu. | 14 |
| 2 dan | Can test for this 1 year after getting 1-dan. | 18 |
| 3 dan | Can test for this 2 years after getting 2-dan. | none |
| 4 dan | Can test for this 3 years after getting 3-dan. | none |
| 5 dan | Can test for this 4 years after getting 4-dan. | none |
| 6 dan | Can test for this 5 years after getting 5-dan. 6-dan may test for "Renshi shogo". | none |
| 7 dan | Can test for this 6 years after getting 6 dan. 7-dan may test for Kyoshi if they already possess Renshi. | none |
| 8 dan | Can test for this 8 years after getting 7 dan. 8-dan may test for Hanshi if they already have attained Kyoshi. | 45 |
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