Promotion
At Norwalk Dojo, promotion occurs in the following stages:
    Beginners
  1. starting kenshi
  2. uchikomi-geiko
  3. keikogi and hakama
  4. do, tare, and kote
  5. men

    Kyu
  6. 6 to 4 kyu
  7. 3 to 2 kyu
  8. 1 kyu

    Yudansha
  9. 1 dan
  10. 2 dan
  11. 3 dan

    Sensei
  12. 4 dan
  13. kodansha
Advancement in kendo builds upon basics learned in previous levels. However, do not think that because you can do a thing well now that you have mastered it for life. You are only it doing well for your current level. Having attained a new level, one must work to bring everything up to the standards of that level. This is what makes kendo challenging, and something one can do for a lifetime. This is a good thing. Do not become discouraged!


The amount of time a kenshi spends as a beginner (not yet wearing full bogu, including men) depends on many factors, including age, natural ability, and diligence. There is no "average" time, but a serious adult with good coordination may be ready to test for the each successive beginner level in perhaps 2 months. A young child may take twice that, or longer. It all depends on the student.

The biggest factor is attendance, i.e. the amount of time you spend seriously applying yourself to learning kendo. This is true for all kendo stages, but it is especially true in the beginning stages. Attendance will be a big factor in obtaining sensei approval for advancement.

Starting Kenshi
In order to start learning kendo at Norwalk Dojo, a prospective student must fulfill the following requirements:

  • watch at least one keiko from start to finish
  • read and understand all the information in the NEW MEMBERSHIP section (see HOME page)
  • turn in all required forms and sign up fees
The starting kenshi must be prepared for a long-term commitment to learning kendo. Do not consider that you "did kendo" unless you have practiced it for at least four years.

The starting kenshi begins learning kendo wearing regular work out clothes. This is more affordable for the beginner, and it affords the instructors better visibility to the student's handwork and footwork. The kenshi will begin learning basic concepts, rei-gi, kihon-dosa and, eventually, kiri-kaeshi.

Uchikomi-geiko
In order to advance to participating in uchikomi-geiko, the student must be able to demonstrate, at least at a beginner's level, an understanding of rei-gi and basic concepts, especially kamae, ashi-sabaki, and the basic targets.

The student will be tested on selected points out of the following:

The student will be eligible to test under the following conditions:
  • has sensei approval
  • has participated in the previous kihon shiai
  • has attended four Norwalk Dojo keikos prior to the test (the count resets to zero if two keikos in a row are missed)

Passing the test demonstrates that the student is learning the fundamentals of kendo, can understand the basic terminology necessary for further advancement, and is able to participate, at a beginner's level, in uchikomi-geiko.

The kenshi should expect to spend a similar amount of time in this stage as in the previous stage, assuming the same level of diligence is applied.

Keikogi and Hakama
In order to advance to wearing keikogi and hakama, the student must continue to develop their understanding of basic concepts, rei-gi, and kihon-dosa.

The student will be evaluated on the following:

The student will be eligible to test under the following conditions:
  • has sensei approval
  • has participated in the previous kihon shiai
  • has attended four Norwalk Dojo keikos prior to the test (the count resets to zero if two keikos in a row are missed)

Passing the test demonstrates that the student has mastered, at least at a beginner's level, the fundamentals of kendo.

The kenshi should expect to spend a similar amount of time in this stage as in the previous stage, assuming the same level of diligence is applied.

Do, Tare, and Kote
Before being given permission to wear bogu, the student must continue to develop their understanding of kendo and be able to properly perform kiri-kaeshi and uchikomi-geiko.

The student must pass an evaluation including areas tested at the previous level and adding the following:

  • folding keikogi and hakama
  • ability to put on tare and do properly
The student will be eligible to test under the following conditions:
  • has sensei approval
  • has participated in the previous kihon shiai
  • has attended four Norwalk Dojo keikos prior to the test (the count resets to zero if two keikos in a row are missed)

The student will initially wear just do and tare, learning the proper way to put them on, take them off, and put them away. Then the student may begin wearing kote, to start breaking them in and to relearn the basics wearing bogu. The kenshi should expect to spend a similar amount of time in this stage as in the previous stage, assuming the same level of diligence is applied.

Men
Before being given permission to wear men, the student must pass an evaluation including areas tested at the previous level and adding the following:

  • care of shinai, including untying and retying the nakayui
  • ability to put on tenugui and men properly
The student will be eligible to test under the following conditions:
  • has sensei approval
  • has won at least one kihon shiai match (or at least has done well)
  • has attended four Norwalk Dojo keikos prior to the test (the count resets to zero if two keikos in a row are missed)

Kyu
tbd

Yudansha
tbd

Sensei
tbd


©2006. Norwalk Kendo Dojo. Everything within these pages are property of Norwalk Kendo Dojo and may not be used without written permission.