Kendo

Concept and Purpose of Kendo
In 1975 the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) developed then published 'The Concept and Purpose of Kendo' which is reproduced below:

Concept
Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana.

Purpose
To mould the mind and body.
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor.
To associate with others with sincerity.
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
Thus will one be able:
To love ones country and society.
To contribute to the development of culture
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

A Short History of Kendo

The history of Kendo, although is not called in the beginning that is developed out of Japan long historical past and is entirely an original martial art of Japan. It originated from the ancient Kenjutsu (method of the Sword) approximately in eight century. Not until fourteen century, the first dojo was established to train young BUSHI (warrior) in Kenjutsu. During this period, the BUSHIDO (the way of the warrior) philosophy was gradually developed and become very important part of ancient Japanese life. The warrior was required to continue a course of daily training throughout his life to reach the goal of perfection. BUSHIDO was recognized as the soul of ancient Japan. Later the SAMURAI or Japanese knights came to play an increasingly important part in political, social, and economic affairs of Japan. SAMURAI was trained to serve people or Emperor and was highly respected in the society. They are trained to be loyal, integrity, passion, highly discipline and follow the solemn code of conduct made by the Emperor government.

In the late of nineteen century, due to SAMURAI uprisings, Kenjutsu was banned by Emperor MEIJI. Until 1873 MEIJI government grant famous SAMURAI called Kenkichi Sakakibara permission to open first fencing exhibition in Tokyo. In November, 1909, at Tokyo University, the first college Kendo federation was created.

kendo

In 1928, All Japan Kendo Federation was officially organized in Tokyo. This national federation gave membership to all professional and amateur kendo dojo and to any individual kendoka who passed a set of examinations at a dojo. Upon recommendation of his teachers, the federation would grant the individual kendoka a rank. The purpose of organization is to hold annual examination to grant kendoka rank, as well as to inspect the quality of teaching and practicing in Japan.

The end of World War II In 1945 made Japan total surrender to Allies. Kendo association with militaristic aggression, with all its demolishing consequences, led to a ban being imposed by the American Occupation Authorities on its practice, a ban which remained in force throughout the occupation years. However, in October 1952, All Japan Kendo Federation modified on the principle of Kendo not as a martial art but as an educational sport and later unified the All Japan Kendo Kata, and since then continued to practice as modern Kendo to present.

Shiro Kinmoku, Kendo - Rokudan

USMAF Kendo Program
Promotion Requirements

Rank to be examined	Eligibility for examination	Examiners	Criteria	Basic Demonstration
6-Rokkyu	Determined by local organization, need at least 6 month from start practice	Dojo Sensei		Follow the dojo rules and respect to sensei and all kendoka. How to dress kendogi and hakama well. Finish the Ippon Waza (Ippon Uchi Men,Ippon Uchi Kote, Ippon Uchi Do, Hikibana Kote, Katsugi Kote, Katsugi Men)
5-Gokyu	Determined by local organization, at least 6 month after 6-Rokkyo	Dojo Sensei		In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to perform correct Nidan Waza (Kote-Men, Kote-Do, Men-Do, Tsuki-Men)
4-Yonkyu	Determined by local organization, at least 6 month after 5-Gokyo	Dojo Sensei		In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to perform correct Sandan Waza (Kote-Men-Do, Kote-Men-Kote, Tsuki-Kote-Men)
3-Sankyu	Determined by local organization, at least 6 month after 4-Yonkyo	Dojo Sensei		In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to perform correct Harai Waza (Harai-Age-Men Omote, Harai_Age_Men Ura, Harai-Kote Omote, Harai-Kote Ura, Harai-Tsuki Omote, Harai-Tsuki Ura
2-Nikyu	Determined by local organization, at least 6 month after 3-Sankyo	Dojo Sensei		In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to perform correct Debana Waza (Debana-Men, Debana-Kote)
1-Ikkyo	No time period stipulated,. Matches, kata 1-3 and	Dojo Sensei		In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to perform correct Nuki Waza (Men-Nuki-Men, Men-Nuki-Kote, Men-Nuki-Do, Kote-Nuki-Men, Kote-Nuki-Kote, Kote-Nuki Katate Yoko Men, Tsui-Nuki-Men, Tsui-Nuki-Kote). Also perform matches test,
1-Shodan	4 months or more after receipt of 1-Ikkyo and age 15 or higher. Matches, kata 1-5 and written examination	Five examiners with 4 Dan or over	Consent of min. of 3 Examiners	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to perform correct Suriage Waza, Uchitoshi Waza and assist Sensei to instruct junior kendoka.
2-Nidan	1 year or more after receipt of Shodan. Matches, Kata 1-7. Written examination.	Five examiners with 5 Dan or over	Consent of min. of 3 Examiners	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to perform correct Kaeshi Waza, Hiki Waza, and Maki Waza. Also know how to fix sinai
3-Sandan	2 years or more after receipt of Nidan. Matches, Kata 1-7 and Kodachi kata 1-3. Written examination.	Five examiners with 5 Dan or over	Consent of min. of 3 Examiners	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to demonstrate instruction to junior kendoka. Be able to demonstrate draw sword and perform basic cutting.
4-Yondan	3 years or more after receipt of Sandan. Matches, Kata 1-7 and Kodachi kata 1-3. Written examination.	Seven examiners with 6 Dan or over	Consent of min. of 5 Examiners	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to demonstrate instruction to junior kendoka. Be able to demonstrate draw sword and perform Intermediate cutting.
5-Godan	4 year or more after receipt of Yondan. Matches, Kata 1-7 and Kodachi kata 1-3. Written examination.	Seven examiners with 7 Dan or over	Consent of min. of 5 Examiners	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to demonstrate instruction to junior kendoka. Be able to demonstrate draw sword and perform Advance cutting.
6-Rokudan	5 year or more after receipt of Godan. Matches, Kata 1-7 and Kodachi kata 1-3. Written examination and referring.	Seven examiners with 7 Dan or over	Consent of min. of 5 Examiners	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to write article or establish a kendo dojo to promote Kendo.
7-Nanadan	6 year or more after receipt of Rokudan. Matches, Kata 1-7 and Kodachi kata 1-3. Written examination and referring.	Seven examiners with 7 Dan or over	Consent of min. of 5 Examiners	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to write book or act as a judge in international tournament.
8-Hachidan	10 year or more after receipt of Nanadan. Matches, Kata 1-7 and Kodachi kata 1-3. Written examination, referring, and thesis.	10 years in Nanadan	Honorship-continue contribute to Kendo	In addition to prior requirement, examinee need to hold national Kendo conference annually to promote Kendo activity.

6-Rokkyu
5-Gokyu
4-Yonkyu
3-Sankyu
2-Nikyu
1-IkKyu