Hey everyone, I was talking to a friend the other day about his learning kendo...He practiced for about 10 years, but I have no idea why he didn't take a test until the ninth year (he took the shodan and got it [after 10 years you would think so] and now he's 2 dan). When I first met him i only practiced around 2 years and was absolutely shocked he never took an exam.

I thought he wanted to take advantage of tourneys or something, (but he never competed!), and he told me he just couldn't be bothered to walk around with a rank or take the test. I find that really weird but I respect that as well.
Mind you, he can beat me to Japan and back without breaking a sweat. And most of the sensei acknowledge him as really strong which is cool.

Anyone ever had such an experience? Fighting someone with no rank but lots of experience? (I mean i myself practiced 2 years before I took my first a test so it's not exactly uncommon...but 10 years!! (i thought my 2 years was bad enough))