Shodan is the first black belt rank in Kenpo Karate and all Japanese martial arts. The rank is always awarded as Shodan by a Kenpo Karate Yudansha, while those Kenpo Karate instructors who were never awarded a rank by a Yudansha give only a first degree black belt rank
Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) consists of 30 Self Defense Techniques and 20 Variations, 2 Katas.
This is the lowest of the Dan levels and the time requirement for Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) varies from person to person, since each person advances at their own rate and is tested individually. The time required for test preparation and review is approximately 52 weeks. This review & test preparation time varies depending on how much review time is needed for the student.
The Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) Test consists of all techniques taught Yellow Belt thru 1st Degree Black Belt, All Basics taught Yellow Belt thru 1st Degree Black Belt, and all Katas taught in Orange Belt thru 1st Degree Black Belt.
At this point in the students training they have learned 427 Self Defense Techniques and Variations & 16 Katas.