Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Nikyū (2nd Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of nikyū (2nd 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 nikyū, 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 sankyū
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour iaijutsu training classes since promotion to sankyū
  n Own and wear an iaidō-gi (or hakama and 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 Tsukekomi (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Tsukikage (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Sōgiri (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Nuki Uchi (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Any two chūkyū Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō selected by the test examiner(s)

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Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Sampōgiri no Ōyō (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata, three opponents)
  n Shihōgiri no Ōyō (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata, four 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 Yondan-giri (double-rolled goza):  four cuts in succession to a single target

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Describe the major historical events and people in the development of Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu.
  n Explain Shu-Ha-Ri.
  n Explain shūgyō no mokuteki.
  n Explain saya no naka no kachi.
  n Explain the purpose of the mekugi, habaki, fuchigane, menuki, tsukamaki, bohi, and shinogi of a katana.
  n Define omoiyari and explain why is it vital to budō.
  n Explain go and sen.
  n What is a musha shūgyō?

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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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