Kashima-Shinryū ranks

Instead of the dan/kyu grading, typically used in modern budo, Kashima-Shinryū ranks are as follows:

Kirigami 切紙 (white belt)
Shomokuroku 小目録 (white belt, black hakama)
Shoden 初伝 (black belt, black hakama)
Chūden 中伝 (black belt, black hakama)
Okuden 奥伝 (black belt, white hakama)
Kaiden 皆伝 (black belt, white hakama)
Menkyo-Kaiden 免許皆伝 (white belt, white hakama)

The rank of a Kashima-Shinryū exponent indicates the amount of tradition he has received, and what he is currently studying. In addition, it tells the level of instruction he can give himself. The highest ranks in Finland are currently Menkyo-Kaiden (1), Kaiden (1) and Okuden (2). The Finnish branch can grant ranks up to Chūden.