Iaijutsu Promotion Requirements—Nanakyū (7th Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Masaoka-Ha Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū iaijutsu to the rank of nanakyū (7th kyū), sometimes called shichikyū.  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 nanakyū, 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 hachikyū
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour iaijutsu training classes since promotion to hachikyū
  n Own and wear an iaidō-gi (or approved substitute) that conforms to Seishin-Kan standards
  n Own and use a bokken (aka bokutō) or iaitō that conforms 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 (or approved keiko-gi) 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 Te-basami ("hand-scissors') to propel the sword during nukitsuke
  n Koyubi nigiri (little finger squeeze) to initiate kirioroshi
  n In no Kamae ("Yin" posture) with the katana vertical at the right side
  n Yō no Kamae ("Yang" posture) with the katana vertical at the left side
  n Chi no Shizuku o Otosu Chiburi ("blood drops falling" chiburi)
  n Gyaku Kiri-ageru  (reverse rising cut) from left hip to right shoulder of aite
  n Gyaku Kesa-giri (reverse kesa cut) from right shoulder to left hip of aite
  n Tsuka-ate (handle strike) to jōdan (ganmen)
  n Ushiro-zuki (rear [one-handed] thrust) to chūdan


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Waza (Technique)

Correctly perform the following waza:

  n Ganmen-ate (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Seiza Ushiro (Eishin-Ryū Seitei Kata)
  n Shihō-tō Sono Ichi (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)
  n Shihō-tō Sono Ni (Eishin-Ryū Battō-hō)

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Kumitachi (Choreographed Sparring)

Correctly perform the following kumitachi:

  n Ukekomi (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)
  n Tsukikage (Tachi-uchi no Kurai)

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Who was Miura Takeyuki Hidefusa and what is his significance to our style of iaijutsu?
  n Name the five essential components of every iaijutsu technique (nukitsuke, furikaburi, kirioshi, chiburi, and nōtō).
  n What is the difference between ZNKR Seitei Kata and Eishin-Ryu Seitei Kata?
  n What was the Jikishin-Kai, and what is its significance to the KNBK and Seishin-Kan?
  n What is the difference between a bokken and a bokutō?
  n What is the difference between a tachi and a katana?
  n Explain the terms tōshin and koshirae.

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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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