Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Sandan (3rd Dan)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of sandan (3rd dan).  To achieve sandan rank, students must demonstrate improved proficiency in the shoden (foundational) and chuden (intermediate) curricula, and be able to perform all of the okuden (deep level) tachiwaza.  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 sandan, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below:

  n A minimum of two (2) years additional training in Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu since promotion to nidan, consisting of aa minimum of 200 one-hour classes
  n Be at least 18 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

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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 Any three Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any three Eishin-Ryū Chūden Waza selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any three Eishin-Ryū Okuden Tachiwaza 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)

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Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Any two Eishin-Ryu Seitei Kata no Ōyō selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any three Tachi-uchi no Kurai selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Yurumi, Tsubame-gaeshi, Ganseki Otoshi, Suigetsu-tō, and Kasumi Ken (Tsumeai no Kurai)

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Shizan (Test Cutting)

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

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

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Who created the okuden waza, and what was his role in Eishin-Ryū history?
  n Explain Rokudo Rinne.
  n Explain Ika ni shinu ka.
  n Teach the correct performance of Mae, as if to a beginner, covering all important issues for a beginner to understand.
  n Explain seishin ryoku.
  n Explain Shō-Jū-Kan-Chō and constrast it with Dai-Kyō-Soku-Kei.
  n Explain the meaning, purpose, and significance of Kagami Biraki.
  n Explain yudan nashi.

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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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