Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Ikkyū (1st Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of ikkyū (1st 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 ikkyū, 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 nikyū, and a minimum of 18 months cumulative training in Eishin-Ryū
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour iaijutsu training classes since promotion to nikyū
  n Own and wear an iaidō-gi (or hakama with approved uwagi) 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

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

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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


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Waza (Techniques)

Correctly perform the following waza:

  n Oikaze (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Nukiuchi (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Any two Eishin-Ryū Seitei-kata selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any two jōkyū Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō selected by the test examiner(s)

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Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Sōgiri no Ōyō (Eishin-Ryu Seitei Kata, five opponents)
  n Nukiuchi no Ōyō (Eishin-Ryu Seitei Kata, one opponents)
  n Any two Tachi-uchi no Kurai selected by the test examiner(s)

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Shizan (Test Cutting)

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

  n Godan-giri (double-rolled goza):  five successive cuts to a single target

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Describe how the Eishin-Ryu Seitei Kata were created, by whom, and for what purpose.
  n Explain Bushi no Me.
  n Explain Budō no Arikata.
  n Describe the seven major principles of Bushidō.
  n Explain the purpose and method of mokusō.
  n Explain the key differences between Eishin-Ryū waza, seitei kata, and battō-hō.
  n Explain the mechanics of kirikata (cutting) with a katana.
  n Explain jō-i uchi.
  n Why is it important to practice shizan?

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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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