The first transmission is the highest.

"'Shôden wa okuden nari' (初伝わ奥伝なり – the first

transmission is the highest transmission). You need to
practice the first set of methods like they are the
highest methods, the deepest level of knowledge. The
highest level came from the first level. The highest
technique came from the basic. This is the nature of all
skill-based endeavors. You must push yourself to rise in
quality, not in quantity. It’s not about developing or
using strength. It is being able to do it correctly, the
way the men who developed the techniques intended.”