Kendo

Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that is best described in the West as Japanese fencing. Beginners in kendo will spend time learning basic footwork and striking as well as posture, stance and etiquette. Typically it will take at least 4 months or more to achieve a skill level to wear armor and start sparring.

Ranking in kendo is a typical kyu/dan ranking system although there is no outward sign of rank in kendo ( i.e. no colored belts, patches, etc). Kyu ranks would be equivalent to below black belt levels and dan ranks equivalent to black belt levels in other martial arts.Promotion and advancement in kendo is slower than many martial arts and it can take anywhere from about 2-4 years for most people to attain the lowest dan rank (shodan).