Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Shodan (1st Dan)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of shodan (1st dan).  To achieve shodan rank, students must essentially demonstrate that they have developed proficiency in the entire shoden (foundational) curriculum of Eishin-Ryū, and are therefore ready to begin training in the chūden (intermediate) curriculum.  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 shodan, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below:

  n A minimum of three (3) months additional training in Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu, consisting of at least 25 one-hour classes, since promotion to ikkyū, and a minimum of 24 months cumulative training in Eishin-Ryū
  n Be at least 13 years of age**
  n Own and wear a complete iaidō-gi (hakama, kaku-obi, iai-uwagi, and tabi) that conforms to Seishin-Kan standards
  n Own and use a bokken, iaitō, and shinken 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

**NOTE: Students below the age of 13 who meet all other requirements may be promoted to the rank of shodan-ho ("provisional shodan") until such time as they meet the minimum age requirements for shodan or above.  Thereafter, they must meet the minimum age requirements for each subsequent rank sought.


>back to top

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), tōrei (bow to sword), and zarei (kneeling bow) with a bokken or iaitō.

>back to top

Kihon (Fundamentals)

Correctly perform the following fundamentals: 

  n Demonstrate improved performance of all kihon previously required
  n Kamae (postures):  all basic stances of Eishin-Ryū


>back to top

Waza (Techniques)

Correctly perform the following waza:

  n Any three Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any three Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata (1 seiza, 1 tatehiza, and 1 tachiwaza) selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any three Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō (1 shokyū, 1 chūkyū, and 1 jōkyū) selected by the test examiner(s)

>back to top

Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Any two Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata no Ōyō selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any three Tachi-uchi no Kurai selected by the test examiner(s)

>back to top

Shizan (Test Cutting)

Correctly perform shizan (aka tameshigiri or suemono-giri) in the following manner:

  n Rokudan-giri (double-rolled goza):  six successive cuts to a single target

>back to top

Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Who created the Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō, and what was his role in Eishin-Ryū history?
  n Explain Kankyō to Seimei Fu Ni.
  n Explain the difference between Budō and Bushidō.
  n What is the difference between a bushi and a samurai?
  n Explain bushi damashii.
  n Explain the key differences between budō, bujutsu, and heihō.
  n Explain how the bushi originated in Japan.
  n Explain Utsuri-yuku Seimei.
  n Explain Shi-Tei Fu Ni.

>back to top

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.

>back to top

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

Related Links