STANDARD GUIDELINE FOR DAN/KYU EXAMINATIONINTERNATIONAL KENDO FEDERATION(Objective)
Article 1: These regulations pertain to Kendo/Iaido/Jodo promotion examinations and theawarding of Dan grades administered by the International Kendo Federation.
(General Provision)
Article 2: The Dan/Kyu stipulated in this Standard Guideline shall be from 1 Kyu (Ikkyu) to 10
Dan (Jyu Dan), shall be granted by the President of Organization according to the overall
ability of an applicant, and shall be mutually recognized as being equivalent amongOrganizations.
(Applicant’s Qualifications)
Article 3:
1. An applicant shall be a registered member of Organization and shall have the following
periods of practice.
Examination Grade
1 Kyu (Ikkyu)
1 Dan (Sho Dan)2 Dan (Ni Dan)
3 Dan (San Dan)
4 Dan (Yon Dan)
5 Dan (Go Dan)
6 Dan (Roku Dan)
7 Dan (Shichi Dan)
8 Dan (Hachi Dan)
9 Dan (Kyu Dan)
10 Dan (Jyu Dan)

Practice Periods
1 Kyu holder
One year or more after 1 Dan
Two years or more after 2 Dan
Three years or more after 3 Dan
Four years or more after 4 Dan
Five years or more after 5 Dan
Six years or more after 6 Dan
Ten years or more after 7 Dan
After granting of 8 Dan
After granting of 9 Dan

Lowest Ages
13 years old and over46 years and over
65 years and over

2. Those who desire to apply for a 6, 7 or 8 Dan examination, 60 years old or older and havepracticed for a certain years as below shall be allowed to apply.
Examination Grade
6 Dan
7 Dan
8 Dan

Practice Periods
Two years or more after 5 Dan
Three years or more after 6 Dan
Five years or more after 7 Dan(Examiner’s Qualification, Required Number of Examiners and Eligibility Criteria)
Article 4: Examiner’s qualifications, required number of the examiners and eligibility criteria
are as follows:1Examination
Grade1 Dan
2 Dan
3 Dan
4 Dan
5 Dan6 Dan
7 DanExaminer

NumberCriteria

4 Dan & over
5 Dan & over
5 Dan & over
6 Dan & over
7 Dan & over
7 Dan & over
7 Dan & over

555
6
6
6
6

Consent of min. 3 Examiners
Consent of min. 3 Examiners
Consent of min. 3 Examiners
Consent of min. 4 Examiners
Consent of min. 4 Examiners
Consent of min. 4 Examiners
Consent of min. 4 Examiners

Article 5: Concerning the 4-Dan or higher Dan examinations, if the required number ofqualified and suitable examiners cannot be appointed by the method stipulated in theArticle 5, the number of the examiners may be reduced to 5. In this case, the consent ofminimum 4 examiners shall suffice for the decision of passing.
(Executing the examination)
Article 6: An examination shall be conducted by Organization; however in case whereOrganization lacks qualified examiners to meet the required number given in the Article 4,other Organization(s) may provide qualified examiners with the approval of the President(s)of that Organization(s).
(Examinations for Kyu and 8 Dan & Over)
Article 7: The examinations for Kyu and for 8 Dan and over shall be determined by eachOrganization. Regarding the 8 Dan and higher Dan examinations, each Organization shalldetermine a rigorous way of examination including Jitsugi evaluation.
(Method to Appoint Examiners)
Article 8 Examiners shall be appointed by the President of Organization after a discussion
with the officials and fully-competent Dan holders. ‘Fully-competent Dan holders’ heremeans persons with equal or higher grades stipulated in the Article 4, Examiners’
Qualifications.
(Fees for Examination and Registration)
Article 9: Fees for examination and registration shall be stipulated by Organization.
(Return or Deprivation of Dan/Kyu)
Article 10: The President of Organization may, in consultation with the council or theinvestigation committee of the Organization, order a Dan/Kyu grantee of Organization to
return his/her Dan/Kyu or deprive him/her of the same, in case where the grantee disgraced
the Dan/Kyu.
(Issuing Certificate and Recording)
Article 11: Organization shall issue a certificate with the signature of the President ofOrganization to each successful applicant. Organization shall keep the Dan/Kyu records
properly.
(Dan/Kyu Examinations in a non-affiliated country)
Article 12: In case of a Dan/Kyu examination held in a non-affiliated country, the‘Memorandum of Dan/Kyu Examinations in an FIK Non-affiliated Country’ as of May 23,
2005 shall apply.

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(Kendo Examination)(Examination Subjects)
Article 13: Examination subjects are as follows:
Examination Grade
1 Dan ～ 5 Dan
6 Dan, 7 Dan

Examination Subjects
Jitsugi, Nippon-Kendo-Kata and Written Test
Jitsugi, Nippon-Kendo-Kata

Article 14: Nippon-Kendo-Kata shall be examined as follows:
Examination Grade
1 Dan
2 Dan
3 Dan4 Dan – 7 Dan

Number of Forms
Tachi-no-Kata 3 or more forms
Tachi-no-Kata 5 or more forms
Tachi-no-Kata 7 forms
Tachi-no-Kata 7 forms and Kodachi-no-Kata 3 forms

Article 15: If an applicant fails in Nippon-Kendo-Kata or in written test after the success in
Jitsugi, he/she may be allowed to take that subject only again at an examination heldafterwards. This special treatment shall apply only once for one occasion per applicant.

3(Criteria for Awarding Dan Grades; ‘Fuyo Kijun’)
Article 16: At a Dan examination, examiners evaluate candidates for promotion for eachDan grade based on evidence of an appropriate level of training, and the degree of technicalproficiency and stability acquired through the course of their study. The acceptability
criterion of each Dan ‘Fuyo Kijun’ is described as follows.
(1) The central concern for Shodan, 2-Dan and 3-Dan is the level of ‘Kihon’ (basictechniques) demonstrated by the examinee. The examiner assesses whether thecandidate has learnt and correctly acquired the basic skills.
(2) The central concern for 4-Dan and 5-Dan is the level of basic Kendo techniques andadvanced techniques (Kihon and Oyo). The examiner assesses whether the candidate
has fully acquired and able to utilize basic and advanced skills.
(3) The central concern for 6-Dan and 7-Dan is the ability to demonstrate ‘Jiri’ (techniqueand theory). Besides the basic and advanced Kendo techniques, the examinerassesses whether a candidate has acquired sufficient knowledge and understanding ofJiri, the techniques of Kendo accompanied with theory or principles.
(4) The central concern for 8-Dan and above is whether or not the candidate has reachedthe highest stage of Jiri referred to as ‘Jiri-Itchi’ (total integration of Ji and Ri). Thecandidate will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate a profound understandingof Jiri-Itchi in addition to the aforementioned points for 7-Dan and below.
(Points for Observation ‘Chakugan-ten’)
Article 17: Each Dan examiner is required to make a decision after paying careful attention
to the following points in accordance with the above criteria:
1. Shodan, 2-Dan, 3-Dan(1) Chakuso and Reiho. The candidates appearance and whether they are correctly
wearing the Kendo-gi and Hakama, and are holding the Shinai correctly (Chakuso);
Appropriate manners and deportment (Reiho).
(2) Correct posture(3) Datotsu (strikes and thrusts) in accordance to the correct basic Kendo techniques(4) Strong spirit (Kisei).
2. 4-Dan, 5-Dan
Same criteria as Shodan to 3rd Dan with addition of the following criteria:(1) Level of proficiency acquired in advanced Kendo techniques(2) Level of mental and physical discipline demonstrated(3) Strategic skills to control and win a match.
3. 6-Dan, 7-Dan 8-Dan and higher Dan
The Jitsugi examination for 6th Dan to 8th Dan will consider all the assessment points
relevant to Shodan through to 5th Dan with the addition of the following two elements
and an expected higher overall level of technical proficiency.
(1) Understanding of ‘Riai’ (The candidate must be able to execute Waza and move in away that is rational and purposeful.)(2) ‘Fukaku’ and ‘Hinkaku’ (Demonstrating one’s own style which is dignified andelegant.)
The examiners are expected to make their evaluations and final decisions based on theabovementioned criteria within the prescribed examination time.

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(Iaido Examination)(Examination Subjects and Methods)
Article 18: Examination subjects are as follows:
Examination Grade
Shodan to 3rd Dan
4th Dan and 5th Dan
6th Dan and 7th Dan

Examination Subjects
Jitsugi & Written
Jitsugi & Written
Jitsugi

Article 19: The content of the Jitsugi examination and the number of forms are as follows:
1. The required number of techniques is stipulated below. Compulsory AJKF Iai forms willbe specified on the day of the examination. Koryu forms will not be specified. They
should be decided by the candidate.
Examination Grade
Shodan-3rd Dan
4th Dan & 5th Dan
6th Dan & 7th Dan

Number of Forms
AJKF Iai 5 forms (1 Koryu form may beincluded)
AJKF Iai 5 forms (1 Koryu form may beincluded)
AJKF Iai 6 forms (2 Koryu forms may beincluded)

Time Limit
6 minutes
6 minutes
7 minutes

2. Torei (protocols for sword etiquette) must be that used in AJKF Iai.
3. Examination time commences from the bow to the Shomen after entering theexamination area and ends when the candidate stands up holding the sword to the side
after performing the final bow.
4. Inclusion of Koryu is determined by the hosting organization.
(Points for Observation ‘Chakugan-ten’)
Article 20: In addition to the criteria stipulated in Article 16, the pass or fail result for
examinations for 5th Dan and below should be based on elements for observation outlinedin the “AJKF Iai Handbook for Shinpan and Examiners” with particular consideration given tothe following factors. Notwithstanding, the methodology for conducting the examination
will be decided in accordance with conditions in the organizing federation.
1. Shodan to 3rd Dan(1) Correct appearance and etiquette.
(2) Precise Nukitsuke and Kiritsuke.
(3) Precise Chiburi and [blade] angle.
(4) Precise Noto
2. 4th Dan and 5th Dan
Same criteria as Shodan to 3rd Dan with addition of the following criteria:(1) Mental composure.
(2) Metsuke (gaze)(3) Kihaku (vigour)(4) The unison of Ki (spirit), Ken (sword), and Tai (Body).
3. 6-Dan, 7-Dan 8-Dan and higher Dan
The Jitsugi examination for 6th Dan to 8th Dan will take into consideration all theassessment points relevant to Shodan through to 5th Dan with the addition of thefollowing two elements and an expected higher overall level of technical proficiency.
(1) Riai (Understanding of the rationale behind the techniques)(2) Fukaku, Hinkaku (Grace and dignity in deportment)5

(Jodo Examination)(Examination Subjects and Methods)
Article 21: Examination subjects are as follows:
Examination Grade
Shodan to 3rd Dan
4th Dan and 5th Dan
6th Dan and 7th Dan

Examination Subjects
Jitsugi & Written
Jitsugi & Written
Jitsugi

Article 22: The content of the Jitsugi examination and the number of forms are as follows:
1. Number of forms:
Examination Grade
Shodan-3rd Dan
4th Dan & 5th Dan
6th Dan & 7th Dan

Number of Forms
AJKF Jodo 5 forms
AJKF Jodo 5 forms
AJKF Jodo 6 forms

Designated Forms
AJKF Jodo forms will be decided
in advance
AJKF Jodo forms will be decided
on the examination day

2. In all Dan examinations, candidates will perform both sides (Uchi and Shi) of the AJKF
Jodo forms.
(Points for Observation ‘Chakugan-ten’)
Article 23: In addition to the criteria stipulated in Article 16, the pass or fail result for
examinations for 5th Dan and below should be based on elements for observation outlinedin the “AJKF Jodo Handbook for Shinpan and Examiners” with particular consideration given
to the following factors. Notwithstanding, the methodology for conducting the examination
will be decided in accordance with conditions in the organizing federation.
1. Shodan to 3rd Dan(1) Correct appearance and etiquette.
(2) Precise Nukitsuke and Kiritsuke.
(3) Precise fundamental striking and thrusting(4) Replete spirit
2. 4th Dan and 5th Dan
Same criteria as Shodan to 3rd Dan with addition of the following criteria:(1) Proficiency in timing, distance and angle(2) Proficiency in use of the sword (Jo)(3) Unison of Ki (Spirit), Ken (Jo), and Tai (Body)(4) The unison of Ki (spirit), Ken (sword), and Tai (Body)
3. 6-Dan, 7-Dan 8-Dan and higher Dan
The Jitsugi examination for 6th Dan to 8th Dan will take into consideration all theassessment points relevant to Shodan through to 5th Dan with the addition of thefollowing two elements and an expected higher overall level of technical proficiency.
(1) Riai (Understanding of the rationale behind the techniques)(2) Fukaku, Hinkaku (Grace and dignity in deportment)

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Appendix:
Article 1: This Standard shall be established and put in force as of April 11, 1975.
Article 2: This Standard shall be revised and put in force as of May 11, 1987.
Article 3: This Standard shall be revised and put in force as of March 26, 1997.
Article 4: This Standard shall be revised and put in force as of July 3, 2003.
Article 5: This Standard shall be revised and put in force as of December 7, 2006.
Article 6: This Standard shall be revised and put in force as of May 24, 2012.
Article 6: This Standard shall be revised and put in force as of September 13, 2018.

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