What is the ranking system of the KRNS?
The colored belt system is a relatively new innovation pioneered by Jigaro Kano, the founder of Judo. It is important to understand that such a ranking system did not exist in the martial arts of pre-Tokugawa Japan. Rather, among the Ko-ryu (ancient styles) of martial arts the Menkyo system of rank was used, whereby a practitioner would receive licenses during their training in the art. Less and less arts today use the Menkyo system of ranking, it is for that reason that the KRNS uses both systems. Practitioners are ranked from 10th Kyu (Jukyu) to 10th Dan (Judan). All Dan ranking practitioners shall wear a black belt. The Menkyo ranking shall consist of 4 ranks. 10th Kyu-1st Kyu belt colors are at the discretion of the respective instructor. At 1st Dan-3rd Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Shoden. At 5th Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Chuden. At 8th Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Okuden. At 10th Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Kaiden. **
