初しょ段だん

noun

first dan; lowest black-belt rank; shodan

The initial dan rank in martial arts (judo, karate, kendo, etc.) and board games (go, shogi). It is the first step above kyu grades and is often considered the beginning of serious study. In some contexts, it can simply mean the lowest rank.

• 彼かれは柔じゅう道どうで初しょ段だんを取とった。

  He earned his first dan in judo.

• 囲い碁ごの初しょ段だんは、まだまだ勉べん強きょうが必ひつ要ようだ。

  A first dan in Go still has a lot to learn.