Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Yonkyū (4th Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of yonkyū (4th 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 yonkyū, 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 gokyū
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour iaijutsu training classes since promotion to gokyū
  n Own and wear an iaidō-gi (or hakama with approved uwagi) that conforms to Seishin-Kan standards
  n Own and use a bokken (aka bokutō) and iaitō 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
  n Use okuden nōtō for Shihōgiri and all subsequent Seitei tachiwaza


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Waza (Techniques)

Correctly perform the following waza:

  n Yaegaki Omote (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Yaegaki Ura (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Shihōgiri (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Tsuka Dome (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Koteki Gyaku-tō (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)
  n Koteki Nukiuchi (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)

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Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Uchikomi (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)
  n Hashiri-Deai (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)
  n Hashiri-Tsukekomi (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)

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Shizan (Test Cutting)

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

  n Kesa-giri (double-rolled goza):  two separate parallel cuts to demonstrate consistency
  n Yoko Ichi-mon-ji Giri (same double-rolled goza)

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Who was Tanimura Kame no Jō Yorikatsu, and what is his importance to Eishin-Ryū?
  n Explain the key movments and vulnerabilities of chiburi.
  n Explain the key movement and vulnerabilities of nōtō.
  n Explain the differences between the five methods of bowing:  hairei, tōrei, shirei, tachirei, and zarei.
  n Explain sayabiki, sayabanari, and te no uchi.
  n Explain metsuke, kokyū, shisei, and zanshin.
  n Define seichūsen and explain its importance in iaijutsu.
  n Name and demonstrate three methods of chiburi.
  n Name at least two styles of iaijutsu/iaidō other than Eishin-Ryū.

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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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