Jōjutsu Promotion Requirements—Rokkyū (6th Kyū)

Shinsa (Promotion Testing)

This page presents the requirements for promotion in Shindō Musō-Ryū jōjutsu to the rank of rokkyū (6th 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 rokkyū, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below:

  n A minimum of three (3) months training in Shindō Musō-Ryū jōjutsu
  n Participate in a minimum of twenty-five (25) one-hour jōjutsu training classes
  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 Musubi Dachi (heels closed stance)
  n Sage Jō (jō lowered stance)
  n Ritsu Jō (upright jō stance)
  n Tsune no Kamae ("normal" posture) with the jō directed at the eyes of aite
  n Honte no Kamae (normal hands posture) with the jō directed at the eyes of aite
  n Gyakute no Kamae (reversed-hands posture) with the jō directed at the eyes of aite
  n Honte Uchi (normal hands strike)
  n Gyakute Uchi (reversed-hands strike)
  n Hikiotoshi Uchi (normal hands strike)
  n Kaeshi Zuki (returning thrust)
  n Gyakute Zuki (reversed-hands thrust)
  n Makiotoshi (winding drop)
  n Mawari Kata (turning method)
  n Osame Kata (finishing methods)


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Seitei Katachi (Standardized Practice Patterns)

Correctly perform the following seitei katachi:

  n Tsuki-zue
  n Suigetsu

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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 Teitō ("established" sword) holding sword firmly at left side
  n Seigan no Kamae ("true sight" posture)
  n Hassō no Kamae ("8-phase" posture)
  n Jodan no Kamae (overhead posture)
  n Waki Gamae (side posture)
  n Kirioroshi (downward cut) with kissaki pointed between the eyes of aite
n Kiritsuke ("sticking" cut) to shōmen and yokomen
n Uke Kata (receiving methods) for jō no uchikata (jō strikes)

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Gakka (Scholarship)

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

n Who was the founder/creator of jōjutsu?
  n Who is considered to have been the 25th Sōshihan of Shindō Musō-Ryū?
  n Who is the  is the current Sōshihan of Shindō Musō-Ryū?
n What are the two proper Japanese terms for the jō-user, and which is preferred?
  n What are the two proper Japanese terms for the sword-user, and which is preferred?
  n Name the major parts of the jō in Japanese.
  n Name the major parts of the bokken in Japanese.

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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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