Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Gokyū (5th Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of gokyū (5th 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 gokyū, 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 rokkyū
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour iaijutsu training classes since promotion to rokkyū
  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 bokuto) 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 the 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 Correctly sit in tatehiza
  n Use chūden nōtō when performing Soetezuki and all Seitei tatehiza kata


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Waza (Technique)

Correctly perform the following waza:

  n Hidari (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Ushiro (Eishin-Ryū Shoden Waza)
  n Soetezuki (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Tsuka Ate (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Zenteki Gyaku-tō Sono Ni (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)
  n Tateki-tō (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)

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Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Dokumyō Ken (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)
  n Shinmyō Ken (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 (cutting a single rolled goza)

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Who created the Ōmori-Ryū seiza waza and what was his inspiration?
  n Explain enshin ryoku and how to achieve it.
  n Explain the meaning of the phrase, "Shoshin o wasuru bekarazu."
  n Explain the purpose of kirioroshi.
  n Explain the concept of seme.
  n Define the terms teitō, taitō, sagetō, and dattō.
  n Name and demonstrate at least three kamae.
  n Explain the concept of Dai-Kyō-Soku-Kei.

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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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