There are many versions of the DAN/KYU ranking system originally devised by judo founder Jigoro Kano. This was first designated at Kano’s Kodokan Judo School (1882) and later all other systems (Karate and Aikido as well) adopted their own version.
Kyu grades (Mudansha) are below black belt (DAN or Yudansha). Regardless of the use of kyu colored belts, all kyu grades are considered white relative to the black belt.
Times in grade are considered a minimal general baseline. Exceptions are possible but rare, depending upon the individual and amount of time dedicated toward practice and study.
Aibukan Budo and the Aibukan Dojo USA uses the following belt grade and title certification system:
RANKING | BELT | TIME IN GRADE REQUIRED |
7th Kyu (Nanakyu) | 3 months in beginning grade | |
6th Kyu (Rokkyu) | 3 months as 7th kyu | |
5th Kyu (Gokyu) | 3 months as 6th kyu | |
4th Kyu (Yonkyu) | 3 months as 5th kyu | |
3rd Kyu (Sankyu) | 6 - 12 Months as Yonkyu | |
2nd Kyu (Nikyu) | 6 - 12 Months as Sankyu | |
1st Kyu (Ikkyu) | 9 - 12 Months as Nikyu |
RANKING | BELT | TIME IN GRADE REQUIRED |
1st Dan (Shodan) (Mentor/Leader) |
1 Year as Ikkyu | |
2nd Dan (Nidan) (Leader/Assistant Trainer) |
2 Years as Shodan | |
3rd Dan (Sandan) (Trainer/Asst. Instructor) |
2 Years as Nidan | |
4th Dan (Yondan) (Certified Instructor) |
3 Years as Sandan | |
5th Dan (Godan) (Certified Senior Instructor) |
4 Years as Yondan | |
6th Dan (Rokudan) (Master/Shihan) |
5 Years as Godan | |
7th Dan (Nandan) (Master Teacher) |
6 Years as Rokudan | |
8th Dan (Hachidan) (Professor Master Teacher of Teachers) |
7 Years as Nandan | |
9th Dan (Kudan) (Professor/Grand Master) |
8 Years as Hachidan | |
10th Dan (Judan) (Professor/Grand Master, System’s Treasure) |
9 Years as Kudan |
LKD Grade System (hover your cursor above any belt image above to see the LKD level)
This is the outline model equivalent to the old style Kyu/Dan promotional grading system. This is intended for adaptation to a modern Martial Arts grading system and training. The idea of this view is such that training in Martial Arts is a learning process of the training methods, techniques and material presented to the one who is studying. Once a practitioner learns a level of the curriculum, it is the desired objective that the material is retained as Knowledge. It is to keep and be recalled from memory and body movement as needed. Thus, we arrive at the name of grading level as Learning/Knowledge Domain Levels. The levels begin at 1 and continue upward needed for the curriculum. It should be noted that the correlating name titles to LKD numbers are additional recognition and not standard issue with the grade level. It should also be noted that Aibukan Budo trains its members for individual responsibility. That is for every level to mentor those training at levels below you so as to have an ongoing group of members at various levels and experience with whom to train. That is one who has gone before you to help show the way in addition to perfecting your training with qualified instructors.
Aibukan Dojo
925 Hale Pl. #B-12
Chula Vista, CA 91914
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ADULTS
Tuesday 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Thursday 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
YOUTH
Wednesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Saturday 11:00 am - 12:30 pm