Jōjutsu Promotion Requirements—Yonkyū (4th Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Shindō Musō-Ryū jōjutsu to the rank of yonkyū (4th kyū).  Rank in jōjutsu 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 Katachi (Standardised Practice Patterns)
n Waza (Choreographed Techniques)
n Shindō-Ryū Kenjutsu (Swordsmanship Techniques)
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 nine (9) months training in Shindō Musō-Ryū jōjutsu
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour jōjutsu training classes since promotion to gokyū
  n Own and wear an keikō-gi , bokken , and jō 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), and zarei (kneeling bow) with a bokken and jō.

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Kihon (Fundamentals)

Correctly perform the following fundamentals: 

  n All kihon previously required, demonstrating improved performance


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Seitei Katachi (Standardized Practice Patterns)

Correctly perform the following seitei katachi:

  n Sakan
  n Monomi

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Waza (Choreographed Techniques)

No koryū jōjutsu waza are required for promotion to kyū ranks.


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Shindō-Ryū Kenjutsu (Swordsmanship Techniques)

Correctly perform the following Shindō-Ryū kenjutsu techniques:

n Jū
n Chi Barai
n Sarin

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Briefly describe how and why jōjutsu was created.
  n Who revealed the secret of jōjutsu to Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi?
  n Who created Shindō-Ryū kenjutsu, and why?
  n What is the meaning of "Maruki o motte, suigetsu o shire"?
  n What is the difference between budō and bushidō?
  n Where did Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi go to meditate and train after his defeat by Miyamoto Musashi?
  n What is the proper length and diameter of a jō?

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Registration of Rank

NOTE:  all promotion tests in the art of jōjutsu 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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