1dan
1-dan, often written as 1-dan or shodan in Japanese, is the first degree in many dan-ranking systems used across East Asian martial arts and board games. The term dan means level or grade, and 1-dan marks the initial step above beginner or kyu ranks. The exact responsibilities, requirements, and status of 1-dan vary by discipline and organization, but the common idea is formal recognition of a certain level of competence and experience.
In board games such as Go and Shogi, dan ranks express increasing strength. Players progress from introductory
In martial arts, 1-dan is usually equivalent to the first black belt, known in Japanese as shodan.
Overall, 1-dan serves as a standardized initiation point into formal dan ranks, signaling a transition from