1.
first dan; first-degree rank (martial arts, go, shogi)
The first and lowest 段 (dan) rank in martial arts, go, shogi, and similar disciplines, reached after clearing the 級 (kyū) grades. In martial arts it corresponds to the first-degree black belt.
柔道で初段を取った。
I earned first dan in judo.
彼は剣道初段の腕前だ。
He has the skill of a first-dan in kendo.
何年も稽古を続けて、ようやく書道で初段に認定された。
After years of practice, I was finally certified at first dan in calligraphy.
初段 is the entry-level 段 rank in martial arts, board games (go, shogi), and traditional arts. 段 ranks count upward (初段 → 二段 → …), so 初段 is the start of the higher ranking system, reached after the 級 grades.
RELATED TERMS:
- 級: kyū — the grades below 段; these count downward toward 一級
- 二段: second dan — the next rank up
- 黒帯: black belt — worn from 初段 in many martial arts