Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Yondan (4th Dan)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of yondan (4th dan).  To achieve yondan rank, students must demonstrate improved proficiency in the shoden (foundational) and chūden (intermediate) curricula, as well as the okuden (deep level) tachiwaza.  In addition, they must learn the complete okuden suwariwaza and Daishō Tachidori sets.

 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 three (3) years additional training in Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu since promotion to sandan, consisting of a minimum of 300 one-hour classes
  n Be at least 21 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 Okuden Suwariwaza 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 Any three Tsumeai no Kurai selected by the test examiner(s)
  n Any three Daishō Zume 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 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 Define and explain kokoro.
  n Explain Genin to Kekka.
  n Teach the correct performance of Yaegaki, Yokogumo, and Yukizure, as if to a student trying them for the first time, covering all important aspects of each.
  n Explain rakkan shūgi.
  n Explain danketsu shin.
  n Explain the saying, "Shoshin o wasureru bekarazaru."

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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?

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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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