yondan

Yondan, meaning "fourth dan," is a rank used in many Japanese martial arts to indicate an advanced level of expertise within the black belt spectrum. The term combines yon (four) and dan (degree or rank). It is commonly romanized as "yondan" or sometimes "yon-dan." The concept belongs to the dan ranking system adopted from early 20th-century Japanese martial arts, notably Judo, and later used by disciplines such as Karate, Aikido, Kendo, and others.

In most arts, dan ranks proceed shodan (first dan), nidan (second dan), and sandan (third dan), with yondan as the fourth level and often followed by godan (fifth dan). Promotion to yondan is typically earned through a formal examination or review by senior instructors, and it generally requires demonstrated technical proficiency, understanding of theory, and, in many cases, teaching ability. Specific requirements vary by organization and school.

Significance and role: Yondan practitioners are typically recognized as experienced instructors capable of mentoring lower ranks and contributing to classes and seminars. The rank often marks a transition from focus on learning fundamentals to leadership, refinement of technique, and responsibility for upholding the art’s standards and traditions.

Variations exist in how belts or insignia are used across styles; many arts maintain a black belt for postgraduate levels, with yondan representing a defined step beyond shodan and nidan. The term is widely used as part of the traditional dan-system ranking across multiple martial disciplines.