Jōjutsu Promotion Requirements—Godan (5th Dan)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Shindō Musō-Ryū jōjutsu to the rank of godan (5th dan). 

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 godan, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below:

  n A minimum of four (4) years training in Shindō Musō-Ryū jōjutsu since promotion to yondan
  n Be a minimum of 25 years of age
  n Own and wear a complete keikō-gi (hakama, kaku-obi, iai-uwagi, and tabi) that conforms to Seishin-Kan standards
  n Own and use a 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)

Demonstrate the ability to correctly instruct kōhai in 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 Any three seitei katachi of the examiner's choosing

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Waza (Choreographed Techniques)

Correctly perform the following omote waza:

  n Any three (3) Omote Waza of the examiner's choosing
  n Any three (3) Chūdan Waza of the examiner's choosing
  n Any three (3) Kage Waza or Ranai Waza of the examiner's choosing
  n Any three (3) Samidare Waza or Midare Waza of the examiner's choosing
  n Any three (3) Okuden Waza of the examiner's choosing

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Shindō-Ryū Kenjutsu (Swordsmanship Techniques)

Correctly perform the following Shindō-Ryū kenjutsu techniques:

n Any three waza of the examiner's choosing

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Explain the meaning of "Okuden".
n Plus other questions to be announced in 2019.

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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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