dan

The word “dan” means a ranking level of black belt awarded in martial arts such as judo or karate, or a person holding that rank. In plain terms, most commonly met today as the numbered grades of black belt in martial arts.

“Dan” is pronounced dan (/dæn/ in IPA).

Here is “dan” used in a sentence: “She tested for her third dan in taekwondo last spring.”

“Dan” is a noun.

The word “dan” comes from Latin. From Middle English "dan"/"daun", borrowed via Anglo-Norman from Latin dominus, "lord" — the same root that gives us "don".

“Dan” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Dan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a ranking level of black belt awarded in martial arts such as judo or karate, or a person holding that rank.

In martial arts like judo and karate, kyu grades are the student ranks below black belt, counting down toward expertise. Dan grades begin at black belt and count upward, marking advanced practitioners. So a beginner works through the kyu ranks first, then earns their first dan when they achieve black belt status.

Most martial arts systems recognise ten dan ranks, from first dan (shodan) up to tenth dan. Lower dan grades are earned through gradings and competition, while the highest ranks are usually honorary, awarded for a lifetime of contribution. Very few people ever reach the top levels of the dan system.

First dan, or shodan, is the entry level of black belt: proof that a student has mastered the fundamentals and is ready to begin deeper study. Despite being an achievement, it is often seen as a starting point rather than an ending, marking the transition from student to serious practitioner.