Regulations of Toho Iaido - Dan
The promotional structure shall follow a three-level systum, ranking from 3 kyu to 1 kyu and then an eight-level system, ranking from 1 dan to 8 dan, on the basis of the overall skills of the practitioners of Nishio-ryu Iaido and their achievements as determined by the judgement of the President. The promotion methods shall be EXAMINATION.
Dan grading
| Those seeking promotion up to levels of 8 dan (Hachidan) by examination must satisfy the following promotion criteria. | |
|---|---|
| 1 dan (Shodan) | Those who have been training for more than 1 year (200 hours) since gaining the level of 1 kyu and being greater than 20 year of age. |
| 2 dan (Nidan) | Those who have been training for more than 1 year (200 hours) since gaining the level of 1 dan and being greater than 20 year of age. |
| 3 dan (Sandan) | Those who have been training for more than 2 years (350 hours) since gaining the level of 2 dan and being greater than 25 year of age. |
| 4 dan (Yondan) | Those who have been training for more than 3 years since gaining the level of 3 dan and being greater than 30 year of age. |
| 5 dan (Godan) | Those who have been training for more than 5 years since gaining the level of 4 dan and being greater than 35 year of age. |
| 6 dan (Rokudan) | Those who have been training for more than 6 years since gaining the level of 5 dan and being greater than 45 year of age. |
| 7 dan (Nanadan) | Special criteria. |
| 8 dan (Hachidan) | Special criteria. |
