Dan (rank) highest level that might be attained, with instructor certification and judge/judgment authorization being understood as higher-level or more sophisticated. Many arts use between one and ten dan ranks: In some martial arts, black belts are worn for all "dan" grades. In others, the highest grade (10th "dan") wears a red colored belt. In Jūdo and Shotokan 6th to 8th "dan" may wear a red and white-patterned belt and 9th to 10th "dan" may wear a solid red belt. There is some variation even within styles. Generally, belts do not have markings that indicate the actual "dan" grade. Okinawan styles used
Dan (rank) the highest attainable rank. Unlike Judo, all "dan" promotion within the All Japan Kendo Federation, International Kendo Federation and its member countries is by examination. Whereas "dan" grades are awarded for technical ability, there is a parallel "shogo" system awarding the higher teaching grades of "renshi", "kyoshi", and "hanshi". "Renshi" and "kyoshi" are awarded by written examination while "hanshi" by election. Although the "dan" system is distinctly Japanese, it has been adopted by many other martial arts styles. The "dan" system and the well-known symbol of a black belt have been absorbed into common usage to represent a person with