Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Rokkyū (6th Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of rokkyū (6th kyū).  Rank in iaijutsu is not identified by belts or other visible insignia, but only by the issuance of menjō (diplomas).

n Shikaku (Eligibility Requirements)
n Sahō to Reihō (Preparation & Etiquette)
n Kihon (Fundamentals)
n Waza (Standarised Techniques)
n Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring Exercises)
n Shizan (Test Cutting)
n Gakka (Scholarship)

Shikaku (Eligibility Requirements)

To be eligible to test for rokkyū, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below:

  n A minimum of two (2) months additional training in Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu since promotion to nanakyū
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour iaijutsu training classes since promotion to nanakyū
  n Own and wear an iaidō-gi (or hakama with approved uwagi) that conforms to Seishin-Kan standards
  n Own and use  a bokken (aka bokutō) and iaitō that conform to Seishin-Kan standards
  n Consistently exhibit appropriate attitude and behaviour in the dōjō
  n Submit a written request for promotion testing on the prescribed form

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Sahō to Reihō (Preparation & Etiquette)

Sahō (Preparation):   Correctly wear hakama and keep it clean and neat, correctly tie obi (belt), consistently arrive in time to assist with class set-up and remain afterward to assist with sōji (clean up).

Reihō (Etiquette):   Consistently perform correct etiquette upon entering and leaving the dōjō,  greeting sensei and sempai and fellow participants, correctly perform hairei (venerating bow), tachi-rei (standing bow), and zarei (kneeling bow) with a bokken or iaitō.

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Kihon (Fundamentals)

Correctly perform the following fundamentals: 

  n Te no Uchi ("within the hands'):  all aspects of use of hands to grip and control a sword
  n Kamae (postures):  all basic stances of Eishin-Ryū
  n Happō-giri (8-direction cuts):  cut at all 8 fundamental angles
  n Demonstrate improved performance of all kihon previously required


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Waza (Technique)

Correctly perform the following waza:

  n Mae (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Migi (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Sampō-giri (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Ukenagashi (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Zantotsu-tō (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)
  n Zenteki Gyaku-tō (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)

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Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Suigetsu-tō (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)
  n Zetsumyo-ken (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)

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Gakka (Scholarship)

Be prepared to answer any or all of the following questions:

n Who was Shimabukuro Masayuki Hidenobu and what is his significance to our style of iaijutsu?
  n Explain the meaning of the phrase, "Jikishin kore dōjō nari."
  n Explain the meaning of the phrase, "Nukitsuke wa iaijutsu no seimei desu."
  n Why are there so few blocking techniques in iaijutsu?
  n What is the Kokusai Nippon Budō Kai, and what is its relationship to the Seishin-Kan?
  n What is the difference between a shōtō, chūtō, daitō?
  n What is the difference between a kodachi and an ō-dachi?
  n Identify all the parts of the katana and saya.

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Registration of Rank

NOTE:  all promotion tests in the art of iaijutsu are conducted under the auspices of the Nippon Budō Seishin-Kan at one of its member dōjō or kenkyūkai.  The rankings awarded as a result of these tests are valid only among member dōjō of the Seishin-Kan, and should not be assumed to be transferable to any other dōjō or governing organisation.

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Questions?

QuestionMark

If you are preparing to test and you are not sure you know or meet all the requirements described on this page, please be sure to ask your sempai or sensei during a class session.

Promotion Requirements

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