{"id":2131,"date":"2025-04-24T20:46:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T11:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/?p=2131"},"modified":"2025-04-24T21:17:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T12:17:00","slug":"dan-not-done","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/?p=2131","title":{"rendered":"Budo Beat 22: Dan, Not Done"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The \u201cBudo Beat\u201d Blog features a collection of short reflections, musings, and anecdotes on a wide range of budo topics by Professor Alex Bennett<\/a>, a seasoned budo scholar and practitioner. Dive into digestible and diverse discussions on all things budo\u2014from the philosophy and history to the practice and culture that shape the martial Way.<\/em>
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There\u2019s an allure, subtle yet irresistible, about the endless road in Japanese budo, to those in the know. One could (should) spend an entire life unravelling its intricacies, losing oneself in the poetry of technique, philosophy, and the disciplined pursuit of something ever slightly beyond grasp. Part of the challenge in this fascinating voyage lies the tantalisingly enigmatic, and maddeningly frustrating system of \u201cdan<\/mark><\/em>\u201d (\u6bb5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On first glance, dan<\/em> might appear little more than a glorified marker of superhuman skill\u2014the elusive \u201cblack belt<\/mark>\u201d that Hollywood loves to fetishise\u2014but its true meaning swims around in richer philosophical depths than most practitioners, much less casual onlookers, ever realise they\u2019re paddling in. Yet there\u2019s always another side to this particular coin, where some folks lavish upon dan<\/em> an almost mythical significance it was never meant to carry.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Kan\u014d Jigor\u014d (1860\u20131938), founder of Kodokan Judo (1882), whose philosophy transcended mere physical technique to emphasise character building, education, and mutual welfare.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At its simplest, dan<\/em> translates roughly as \u201cstep\u201d, \u201clevel\u201d, or \u201cgrade\u201d. Historically, it first emerged within Japanese culture through the world of traditional board games such as Go and Shogi, indicating a player\u2019s skill level. Kan\u014d Jigor\u014d, the legendary founder of judo, introduced the dan<\/em> ranking system into martial arts during the late 19th century. Kan\u014d saw clearly that structured progression through well-defined ranks could ignite a drive for continual growth and disciplined practice. His revolutionary approach soon rippled outward, sweeping through the full spectrum of budo\u2014kendo, sumo, karate, kyudo, and everything in between. It even became the ranking system for Korean and Chinese martial arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Edo period, Japanese martial arts typically employed the traditional menkyo<\/mark><\/em> (licence) system for ranking practitioners. Unlike modern dan<\/em> and ky\u016b<\/em> grades, the menkyo<\/em> system consisted of progressive levels and accompanying scrolls of transmission\u2014such as shoden<\/em> (initial transmission), ch\u016bden<\/em> (intermediate transmission), and okuden<\/em> (inner or advanced teachings)\u2014culminating in full mastery, known as menkyo kaiden<\/em>. Rather than standardised examinations like in modern budo, promotion depended largely on the master\u2019s personal judgement and recognition of the student\u2019s development and readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The author training with a furib\u014d<\/em> (\u632f\u308a\u68d2) in Kashima Shinden Jikishin Kage-ry\u016b\u2014an art that, like many classical kobud\u014d<\/em> traditions, eschews dan grades. Nowadays, a fair number kobud\u014d<\/em> don’t even issue traditional licences for progression. There’s not so many people left to grant them. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The widespread perception in popular culture\u2014especially in the West\u2014is that achieving a \u201cblack belt\u201d equates to becoming some kind of martial arts superhuman. But anyone genuinely embedded in budo understands it\u2019s merely an entry point into deeper, more profound learning. As many martial artists can testify, reaching your first dan (Shodan), for example, is akin to finally grasping the alphabet of a new language; only now can you genuinely begin to read, write, and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, a dan<\/em> grade is not, contrary to cinematic and popular misconceptions, \u201ca licence to kill<\/mark>\u201d, nor even an automatic guarantee of unbeatable skill. Rather, it is meant to signify dedication, maturity, and resilience; it shows a willingness to engage with one\u2019s vulnerabilities and strive beyond them. The most profound aspect of dan<\/em> is less about meeting arbitrary external standards than it is about surpassing one\u2019s previous self. At least, that\u2019s the ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Karate practitioners wearing black belts\u2014symbolising their dan grades. But a black belt is not the final destination; it marks the beginning of a deeper journey. Whether it represents a humble first step or decades of dedicated slog, black holds many meanings and endless possibilities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At the moment, I find myself waist-deep in the Sisyphean odyssey that is chasing an 8th dan<\/em> in kendo\u2014a bold pursuit both humbling and absurdly ambitious. Just the other day, I found myself spectating at the 8th Dan Kendo Tournament, experiencing that curious blend of awe and mild despair as I watched Japan\u2019s kendo elite move with seemingly effortless precision and subtle psychological cunning. It was a potent reminder of just how far I remain from the rarefied peaks they occupy. This infinite and perpetually elusive nature of the journey is precisely what makes the idea of dan<\/em> quite compelling\u2014it isn\u2019t about finally having arrived, but continually setting out afresh, forever chasing a finer grasp of both competence and oneself.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The 8th Dan Kendo Tournament, showcasing the pinnacle of kendo expertise. Although kendoka don\u2019t display their rank with belts, when you face one of these masters, you’ll soon find out exactly how high their grade is when you get “belted”.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This theme of dan<\/em> and personal growth over mere technical prowess was brought home to me yesterday in an unexpected and inspiring manner. I received a message from Sweden regarding a young lad with Down syndrome whom I\u2019d met on a previous visit in February this year. At the time, I taught him his first Iaido kata<\/em>, though retaining new information was challenging for him. To my delight, his teacher informed me that recently he\u2019d begun to recall and perform this kata<\/em> with remarkable enthusiasm. Now, they are preparing to include this kata<\/em> as part of his upcoming Shodan grading through the Association of Budo Culture for the Disabled (ABCD). Hearing this filled me with joy\u2014not merely due to his accomplishments to date, but because this encapsulates the true essence of dan<\/em>: focusing on what one can achieve, irrespective of external limitations or standards.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The author teaching iaido at the annual February seminar for ABCD in Sweden. With careful tweaks and a few thoughtful adjustments, the intricate discipline of iaido becomes accessible and rewarding for anyone eager to learn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dan<\/em>, then, serves not as a \u201cbadge of honour\u201d per se, but as a marker on an endless road towards deeper understanding and skill. Each rank attained represents hours of practice, introspection, and the quiet resilience to persist despite setbacks. Everybody\u2019s journey is different. Everybody\u2019s skill level is different. Everybody\u2019s motivations are different. Indeed, the only universally shared aspect of the journey is that no one quite knows where they\u2019re headed, but they\u2019re heading there all the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the unfortunate reality is that budo, like many spheres of human endeavour, isn\u2019t immune to snobbery or criticism from self-appointed gatekeepers. There are those curious characters who, upon achieving some lofty (or, not-so-lofty) dan<\/em> rank, suddenly ascend into a celestial state of self-regard. Overnight, they metamorphose from humble practitioners into insufferable demigods, dispensing wisdom nobody asked for and commands nobody wishes to obey. It\u2019s as though they believe attaining high dan automatically confers upon them divine right to lord it over the mere mortals who still stumble about on earth. Watching them strut is entertaining at first, until you realise you\u2019re witnessing the martial arts equivalent of someone crowned King of the World simply because they found a throne unoccupied.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Seen this guy?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Then there are the keyboard warriors, ever quick to judge and disparage. These self-appointed guardians of martial purity wage their fiercest battles exclusively with a \u201ccaps lock\u201d, comfortably shielded by anonymity. They gleefully fat-shame practitioners whose physiques fail to align with their cinematic fantasies, or non-lethality-shame martial artists whose techniques wouldn\u2019t instantly dispatch an assailants in a \u2018real\u2019 fight. They show astonishing inventiveness in their relentless quest to critique every detail. \u201cHuh! A BLACK BELT<\/mark> shouldn\u2019t be like that!\u201d they lament. \u201cMust be more BULLSHIDO!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All this righteous indignation is supposedly justified because martial arts must always be\u2026 well, exactly how they see it. Such critics fail to grasp a crucial point: a dan<\/em> or black belt means vastly different things across various disciplines, and for different people, at different stages in their lives. And, frankly, it\u2019s none of their bloody business anyway, is it?<\/p>\n\n\n

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Young karateka proudly wearing their coloured belts, representing various ky\u016b<\/em> grades\u2014the colourful stepping stones on their journey towards achieving their first black belt. Of course, white is where it all begins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Criteria for dan<\/em> in kendo, for example, differ markedly from the same ranks in judo, reflecting each discipline\u2019s distinct philosophies and practices. Even within karate, different styles maintain their own criteria shaped by tradition and lineage. Some schools or styles make it easier than others to pass examinations. Some federations emphasise technical excellence in dan examinations right to the end, while others also reward significant personal contributions in promoting and preserving their art. I think that such differences are not flaws, but a testament to the richness and adaptability that make budo arts endlessly fascinating to so many people from all walks of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are, of course, the notorious \u201cpay me cash and I\u2019ll give you a black belt\u201d establishments, often derisively termed \u201cMcDojos.\u201d Most people don\u2019t realise, however, that these McDojos have existed in Japan for centuries; samurai and townsmen regularly exchanged envelopes of cash with dojo proprietors for titles and ranks. This is nothing new. But, to be brutally frank, why should anybody give a damn about such trivialities? There is no universally definitive dan<\/em> rank. If some people wish to create their own, good luck to them, I say. If they want to buy a blackbelt, well so be it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Do you want fries with that?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

My focus remains singularly on my own personal improvement<\/mark> in the budo disciplines I choose to study. And to me, dan<\/em> examinations serve to keep me honest, motivated, and humble. It\u2019s my path\u2014what others do on theirs is none of my concern (unless they ask for my opinion). Many people don\u2019t even care about taking dan<\/em> examinations. They just enjoy training and\/or competing. And good luck to them as well! I know many. They would argue that budo is NOT<\/mark><\/em> about attaining dan grades. I don\u2019t disagree, but they DO<\/mark> have their place in the culture of modern budo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think in the final analysis that Kan\u014d Jigor\u014d\u2019s innovation was quite brilliant. The dan<\/em> ranking system in budo is invaluable for clearly marking a student\u2019s progression, motivating consistent improvement and personal growth. It establishes structured goals and milestones, guiding practitioners steadily from fundamental techniques to advanced mastery. By providing standardised benchmarks, the system ensures uniform evaluation within a discipline across diverse dojo, schools, and regions, and federations. It enhances safety and responsibility, ensuring students develop foundational skills thoroughly before attempting higher-level techniques. Dan<\/em> ranks foster humility and ongoing learning, as achieving a given dan<\/em> signals the real start of deeper understanding rather than a final achievement. The hierarchy generally promotes mutual respect among practitioners, clearly distinguishing roles and responsibilities within the dojo. Ultimately, the dan<\/em> system preserves the integrity of the martial art, safeguarding traditions, and ensuring authentic transmission to future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Bud\u014d is not about ranks or dan grades\u2014it’s about cultivating respect and character. Still, having clear milestones to aim for can give purpose and direction to your daily training.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sadly though, I know quite a few people who give up budo altogether after failing some dan<\/em> examination a few times. This attitude is disappointing, as it entirely misses the point. These individuals allow pride and external validation to overshadow the genuine purpose of their practice. Dan<\/em> grades are merely guideposts along the journey, not ultimate destinations. When practitioners lose sight of this fact, they risk turning away from invaluable personal growth and deeper understanding. Just because you take an exam doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll pass. I would have thought that was a given. If this is not acceptable, I guess there are plenty of McDojos where you can go and buy a certificate to hang on the wall\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, the dan<\/em> system isn\u2019t just about rank\u2014it\u2019s about shaping character, preserving authenticity, and inspiring lifelong growth in the fascinating pursuit of budo. In a world often caught up in superficial standards and digital gatekeeping, perhaps the most meaningful aspect of dan<\/em> is simply this\u2014it is an indication of what we can become, rather than what we already are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, I still want to pass<\/mark> that exam on May 2 in Kyoto! Ganbarimasu~<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The \u201cBudo Beat\u201d Blog features a collection of short reflections, musings, and anecdotes on a wide range of budo topics by Professor Alex Bennett, a seasoned budo scholar and practitioner. Dive into digestible and diverse discussions on all things budo\u2014from the philosophy and history to the practice and culture that shape the martial Way. There\u2019s an allure, subtle yet irresistible, about the endless road in...","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2147,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[63,60,61,62],"class_list":["post-2131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-b-b-blog","tag-budo-grade","tag-dan","tag-kyu","tag-menkyo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2131"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2153,"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2131\/revisions\/2153"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}