Rank in Judo are ranked in ascending numerical order. The ninth ("kudan") and tenth degree black belt ("jūdan") and, theoretically, those higher, have no formal requirements. Only 15 individuals have been promoted to the rank of Kōdōkan 10th dan. On January 6, 2006, three individuals were promoted to this rank simultaneously: Daigo Toshirō, Ichirō Abe, and Ōsawa Yoshimi. This is the most ever at the same time, and the first in 22 years. No one has ever been promoted to a rank higher than 10th "dan", but in theory the Judo rank system is not limited to 10 degrees of black belt. The
Judo in Canada by the National Grading Board. Most of the responsibility for grading, however, is delegated to other organizations. All "kyū" grade promotions are based on examination at the student's club by the club's head instructor or grading board following the Judo Canada grading syllabus. "Shodan" (first "dan") to "hachidan" (eighth "dan") promotions are based on examination by a provincial or territorial grading board, and must be ratified by Judo Canada. "Kudan" (ninth "dan") and "judan" (tenth "dan") promotions are rare honours that are conferred directly by Judo Canada, the International Judo Federation, or the Kodokan. The time between promotions for "kyū"