The document outlines the grading requirements for Kendo ranks from 6th kyu to 5th dan. It details the techniques, forms, and exams required at each level, with increasing complexity. Higher ranks require mastery of fundamentals, refined spirit, rational striking, effective instruction, and spontaneous adaptation to opponents. The highest goals are perfect technique through long training, and embodying nobility and beauty in one's Kendo.
The document outlines the grading requirements for Kendo ranks from 6th kyu to 5th dan. It details the techniques, forms, and exams required at each level, with increasing complexity. Higher ranks require mastery of fundamentals, refined spirit, rational striking, effective instruction, and spontaneous adaptation to opponents. The highest goals are perfect technique through long training, and embodying nobility and beauty in one's Kendo.
Original Description:
Requerimientos para Examen de Kendo desde 6to Kyuu hasta 5to Dan
The document outlines the grading requirements for Kendo ranks from 6th kyu to 5th dan. It details the techniques, forms, and exams required at each level, with increasing complexity. Higher ranks require mastery of fundamentals, refined spirit, rational striking, effective instruction, and spontaneous adaptation to opponents. The highest goals are perfect technique through long training, and embodying nobility and beauty in one's Kendo.
The document outlines the grading requirements for Kendo ranks from 6th kyu to 5th dan. It details the techniques, forms, and exams required at each level, with increasing complexity. Higher ranks require mastery of fundamentals, refined spirit, rational striking, effective instruction, and spontaneous adaptation to opponents. The highest goals are perfect technique through long training, and embodying nobility and beauty in one's Kendo.
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The key takeaways are that there are progressive requirements to achieve each kyu and dan level in Kendo ranging from basic techniques and forms to more advanced applications and qualifications to instruct.
The requirements for each kyu and dan level are outlined on pages 1-3 and include mastery of techniques, forms, proper etiquette, spirit, and theory assessments through both demonstration and written exams.
Some of the assessment criteria for 4th dan (Yondan) include demonstrating nobility of spirit, rational striking, effective use of maai, mastery of all kata forms, qualifications to instruct, and ability to respond rationally to changes in an opponent's techniques.
Kendo Grading Requirements from
6 Kyu to 5 Dan abstracted and modified from: Section 2, Manual of Documents, Australian Kendo Board , Australian Kendo Renmei (1998)
Roku (6) kyu Requirements
Correct Hakama & Keikogi
Correct Bogu Rei and Sonkyo Ashi-sabaki
Kihon-waza to be executed with Motodachi, candidates wearing Tare and Do:
Kihon Men Kihon Kote Kihon Do Kihon Kote-Men Kihon Kote-Do Kiri-Kaeshi
Go (5) kyu Requirements
As for rok-kyu plus: Kihon Kote-Men Kihon Kote-Do Kiri-Kaeshi
Yon (4) kyu Requirements
Full Bogu and demonstrating against each other. As for go-kyu plus: Nidan-waza Sandan-waza Kiri-Kaeshi Kiri-Kaeshi as Motodachi Uchi-Komi Geiko
San (3) kyu Requirements
As for yon-kyu.
Ni (2) kyu Requirements
As for 3 kyu plus:
Kakari Geiko Ji Geigo
Ik (1) kyu Requirements
As for ni-kyu plus: Kata - 0-dachi Ipponme (1) to Sanbonme (3)
Sho (1) dan Requirements
As for 1 kyu plus: Kiai - the application of kiai to be in harmony with yoko-datotsu, i.e. ki-ken-tai ichi Chudan No Kamae - Chudan-no-kamae is maintained before and after striking. Grip of shinai - correct grip on shinai should be automatically assumed in Chudan-no-kamae with Teno-Uchi immediately after the strike. Ashi-waza - the main point being correct foot placment and attention to the height of the left heel. Appearance -the reflection of the spirit of Kendo in dressing. Kihon-waza - basic big techniques are exhibited. Rei - correct attitude and manners displayed. Shisei - correct posture and attitudes maintained appropriate to the actions being carried out. Kiri-kaeshi - fluency of Kiri-kaeshi is maintained without loss of maai and correct striking of Men with the mono-uchi. Kata: 0-dachi: Ipponme (1) to Gohonme (5) Written exam: What do you want to learn from training in Kendo? Explain Maai.
Ni (2) dan Requirements
As for shodan plus: Shikake waza - ability to display correct form in executing methods of shikage-waza. Ojiwaza - ability to display correct form in executing methods of oji-waza. Shin - Spirit - demonstrate a true spirit during shiai. Timing of strikes Maai (advanced) Kiri-kaeshi (advanced) Kata - 0-dachi: Ipponme to Nanahonme Written exam
Explain why etiquette is important to Kendo.
Explain the opportunity for Datotsu.
San (3) dan Requirements
As for ni-dan plus: Seme - pushing in to gain centre Usage of Maai Effective strike Attitude and posture Spirit Zanshin Kata - o-dachi lpponme (1) to Nanahonme (7), ko-dachi: Ipponme (1) to Sanbonme (3) Written exam Explain why it is important to practice Kendo Kata. Explain why it is necessary to practice Kiri-kaeshi.
Yon (4) dan Requirements
As for san-dan plus: Kigurai - nobility - for Yondan, nobility and near perfect kendo spirit are required. Nobility is something naturally generated as one progresses to a higher level in terms of technique and spirit. Rei - this requirement applies to any grade but for Yondan, a clear refinement should be shown. Rational strike - in short, this means that one never misses opportunities to attack, use of maai to the advantage demonstrate a good body maneuver and utilize San-sappo (Kill sword, kill spirit and kill technique of opponent). A state of Kendo where one does not miss opportunities to attack, control Maai, do not engage in unnecessary attacks and utilizes San-sappo. Seme with effective Kensen (shinai tip) - for Sandan a strike using Seme was a requirement. For Yondan, additional types of Seme are also required, including Seme with Spirit and Seme the sword. To place oneself in a state of total concen tration and coerce opponent with Kensen. Qualifications as an instructor - after achieving requirements for Shodan, Nidan and Sandan, the candidate is required to obtain a higher level of techniques such as Suri-age, Kaeshi-waza, Uchiotoshiwaza, Nuki-waza and apply these techni ques depending on opponents.The candidate is required to understand Kendo both in technique and in theory with achievement in a higher level of Kendo than Sandan. Also required to perfect all ten Kata and able to instruct them. Rational response (to opponents attacks and change in techniques) - the more senior one becomes, more rational response to a change is required, such as not to be perturbed by opponents, show rational response to attacks or a change in op ponents attacks. It is a condition to be Yondan that one remains calm against any changes in opponents techniques and respond rationally to it with desirable techniques. Zanshin - the more senior one becomes, the better the Zanshin is required. Speed and Te-no-Uchi - quick, fast and crisp strikes
Kata - o-dachi 1-7, ko-dachi 1-3
Written exam What is the important thing about learning basics in Kendo? Explain the meaning of Zanshin. Explain the correct manner of Kendo.
Go (5) dan Requirements
As for yon-dan. The process from Yondan to Godan involves polishing through further training what has been achieved so far. For Godan, one would have to have mastered all requirements for Shodan up to Yondan through long persistent training. While the requirements to be qualified as Godan are similar to that for Yondan, there is a certain variation in the order of priority. That is, ones' quality as an instructor becomes more important. For instance, the following are the requirements for Godan in order of priority. Rational strike - in techniques, Godan should be able to utilise Shikake-waza, Oji-waza spontaneously in a match and should never miss opportunities to attack. One is also required to demonstrate a good footwork, manoeuvre well and good Z anshin after blows. Rational strikes are the highest state in Kendo technique one can achieve. There should be no unnecessary movements or strikes, it is a result of perfect balance, hit, techniques and spirit. Once one achieves this level of Kendo it becomes a beauty in its style and makes ones sense of the art in it. Kigurai - If one trains both physical and mental aspects of kendo and face opponents with a belief of winning rather than being possessed by winning, his or her Kendo will achieve high nobility. Qualifications as an instructor - as with yondan, quality as an instructor is important for Godan and it should be more refined. Correct attitude. Zanshin - Kensen must be 'alive'. Kata - o-dachi 1-7, ko-dachi 1-3 Written exam
Explain your own mental attitude toward being a Kendo Instructor.
Explain the meaning of Yuko-datotsu. Explain the importance of Kihon (Fundamentals) in Kendo. Explain the Referee's duties. Explain when it is the best time to attack.