Technical Requirements

5th Kyu

Demonstrate good clean basics. Can be methodical. No need for speed or power. Show technically correct fundamentals. Connect to your partner. Focus is always on precision and clearly demonstrating the required techniques and the required proper ukemi for the technique.

  1. Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote & ura)
  2. Shomenuchi Iriminage
  3. Katatetori Shihonage (omote & ura)
  4. Ryotetori Tenchinage (omote & ura)
  5. Tsuki Kotegaeshi (omote & ura)
  6. Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi
  7. Morotetori Kokyuho
  8. Sitting Kokyuho (Kokyu Dosa)
  9. Tai No Henko (Tenkan Exercise)
  10. Bokken: 1st , 2nd, 3rd Suburi (basic strikes)
  11. Jo: 1 Basic Yokomen, 1 Basic Tsuki

4th Kyu

Demonstrate good basics. No need for speed or power. Focus is on precision and deeper attention to detail. Begin fuller connection to your partner. Introduction to technique variations. Clean technique, smooth application, control of yourself, control of your partner, control of the technique.

  1. Suwari Waza Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote & ura)
  2. Suwari Waza Katatori Nikyo (omote & ura)
  3. Suwari Waza Katatori Sankyo (omote & ura)
  4. Shomenuchi Nikyo (omote & ura)
  5. Yokomenuchi Shihonage (omote & ura)
  6. Tsuki Iriminage (5 ways min.)
  7. Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo
  8. Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi
  9. Sitting Kokyuho (Kokyu Dosa)
  10. Tai No Henko (Tenkan Exercise)
  11. Bokken: 8 Basic Suburi
  12. Jo: 2 Basic Yokomen, 3 Basic Tsuki

3th Kyu

Expansive and open. More dynamic. Clean, correct technique, smooth application. Show command of the space around you, your partner and the mat without sacrificing control of yourself, your technique and your partner.

 

  1. Suwari Waza Shomenuchi Iriminage
  2. Suwari Waza Shomenuchi Nikyo (omote & ura)
  3. Hanmi-Handachi Katatetori Shihonage (omote & ura)
  4. Hanmi-Handachi Katatetori Kaitennage (omote & ura/uchi & soto)
  5. Yokomenuchi Iriminage (4 ways min.)
  6. Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi (4 ways min.)
  7. Tsuki Kaitenage (5 ways min.)
  8. Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo (omote & ura)
  9. Morotetori Iriminage (4 ways min. – omote & ura)
  10. Shomenuchi Sankyo (4 ways min. – omote & ura)
  11. Bokken: 20 Basic Suburi
  12. Jo: “13 Kata” and/or “31 Kata”
  13. 2-Person Randori (multiple attack)

2nd Kyu

Higher level of technique and presence, combine speed and power with control, fuller command of yourself, your technique, your partner(s) and the mat.

 

  1. Hanmi Handachi – Katatetori Nikyo (3 directions & 3 ways)
  2. Hanmi Handachi – Shomenuchi Iriminage (omote & ura)
  3. Hanmi-Handachi Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi (omote & ura)
  4. Shomenuchi Shihonage (4 ways)
  5. Shomenuchi Kaitenage (5 ways)
  6. Yokomenuchi Gokyo (2 ways)
  7. Morotetori Nikyo (2 ways)
  8. Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage
  9. Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage
  10. Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage (static & in motion)
  11. Bokken: Ki Musubi No Tachi Jo: 1st thru 4th Kumijo
  12. 3-Person Randori (multiple attack)

1st Kyu

1st kyu is essentially a preliminary Shodan test; Shodan is essentially a Nidan test; etc.. Demonstrate confident command of yourself, your partner/s, and the surroundings. Technical mistakes are never allowed. Review your basic entries and the techniques that come from them. Demonstrate clean control while adding speed, power and proficiency.

 

  1. Suwari Waza Ikkyo, Nikyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo, Gokyo, Iriminage, Kaitenage, etc.
  2. Hanmi-Handachi – All previous plus Ushiro Waza
  3. Yokomenuchi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  4. Shomenuchi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  5. Tsuki – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  6. Katatetori Ai Hanmi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  7. Katatetori Gyaku Hanmi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  8. Ryotetori – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  9. Katatori – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  10. Katatori Menuchi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  11. Morotetori – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  12. Koshinage – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.)
  13. Ushiro Waza – Ushiro Katatori, Tekubitori & Kubishime
  14. Tantotori (knife disarming)
  15. Tachitori (bokken disarming)
  16. Jotori (jo disarming)
  17. Jo Musubi (leading with the jo)
  18. 3-Person Randori (multiple attack)

1st Dan (Shodan)

The testing candidate should demonstrate with increased proficiency and understanding both the essential elements and an embodiment of all those elements and technical requirements noted above.

 

  • All previous requirements
  • 4-Person Randori
  • Henka Waza (switching from one technique to another)

2nd Dan (Shodan)

The testing candidate should demonstrate with increased proficiency and understanding both the essential elements and an embodiment of all those elements and technical requirements noted above.

  • All previous requirements
  • 5-Person Randori
  • Henka Waza (switching from one technique to another)

3rd Dan (Shodan)

The testing candidate should demonstrate with increased proficiency and understanding both the essential elements and an embodiment of all those elements and technical requirements noted above.

  • All previous requirements
  • 5-Person Randori
  • 2-Person Bokken & Jo Randori
  • Henka Waza (switching from one technique to another)
  • Kaeshi Waza (reversal techniques)

Other Requirements

A student must have attended the appropriate number of classes and seminars to be considered for rank. Other factors taken into consideration include:

  • Proper Etiquette
  • Good Manners
  • Good Attitude
  • Appearance
  • Punctuality
  • Dojo Caregiving
  • Volunteering & Helpfulness