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Dojo terminology too can be confusing, with some people avoiding the use of the word “kamiza” in the belief that it means god seat. In most cases the meaning is high seat, the same as the translation of joseki. Nevertheless you will often hear the high side of the dojo referred to as shomen or shinzen, both terms refer to “straight ahead.”

There are no rules for which grades sit on which side of the dojo. This depends on who teaches and the respective seniority of members and may change from session to session. For example, in my dojo individuals leading the adult practice change with those who taught the earlier children’s practice. Sometimes more senior students are placed in joseki. In the Shudokan dojo of Osaka Castle, 8^th dan and above only sit in kamiza with 7^th dan placed at the far end at a right angle.

Kendo grades

Like many other martial arts and martial sports, kendo uses a system of kyu and dan grades to measure progress. Kyu grades start at 6^th kyu and count-down to 1^st kyu. In the UK 6^th to 2^nd kyu are awarded by the students’ own dojo. 1^st kyu is a national grade and examinations take place under the national federation.