13 December 2007

QUESTIONS FOR IAIDO and JODO DAN EXAMS

Below are the questions to be answered for the AKR Iaido and Jodo Dan exams to be conducted on, 27 January 2008 at Tallebudgera, Queensland.

Australian Kendo Renmei – Iaido Board
2008 WRITTEN EXAMINATION – IAIDO SHINSA QUESTIONS
Applicant’s Name (print legibly):
Regional Federation:                                  Dojo:
Birthday:                    Age:
Each applicant testing for Shodan and above is required to answer two of the test questions given for the rank they are testing for. Please answer them by writing (clearly/legibly) in English. You may use the reverse of this paper or a separate sheet. If using a separate sheet please insure the information above is on your answer sheet.
Shodan candidates:
1: Name, and briefly describe, the five basic on-guard postures (kamae) used in swordsmanship.
2: What is the purpose of chiburi?
3: List the names of all 12 All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido katas.
4: Explain what is meant by the term saya-biki. Describe its use in one All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido kata.
Nidan candidates:
1: Draw a simple diagram of a katana, label as many parts as you can.
2: Tsuki (thrusts) occur in five of the All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido kata. Name these kata, and identify their target areas.
3: Discuss the concept of zanshin. Describe its use in at least one All Japan Kendo Federation kata.
4: Explain the proper way of gripping the katana when cutting.
Sandan candidates:
1: What is kirioroshi? Describe its use in one All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido kata.
2: Describe how to clean a sword (shinken and/or iaito).
3: How should the left hand function while drawing the sword?
4: Describe the action of furikaburi in All Japan Kendo Federation kata Ipponme (Mae).
Yondan candidates:
1: Write what you know about kokyu (breath control) in Iaido.
2: What is meant by jo-ha-kyu? Describe its application in one All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido kata.
3: Is it important, or is it not important to participate in Iaido Competitions? Explain your rationale.
4: Discuss reiho: What does the word mean, why is it important in the dojo?
Godan candidates:
1: Discuss reiho: What does the word mean, why is it important in the dojo?
2: Discuss metsuke.
3: Name the 2 sitting postures used in Iaido. Describe how to sit in each, and how to get up.
Rokudan candidates:
1: What is kigurai?
2: What are ma and maai? Describe their application in one or two All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido kata.
3: What is important when teaching Iaido to beginners?

Australian Kendo Renmei – Jodo Board
2008 WRITTEN EXAMINATION – JODO SHINSA QUESTIONS
Applicant’s Name (print legibly):
State Renmei:                                   Dojo:
Birthday:                    Age:
Each applicant testing for Shodan and above is required to answer two of the test questions given for the rank they are testing for. Please answer them by writing (clearly/legibly) in English. You may use the reverse of this paper or a separate sheet. If using a separate sheet please insure the information above is on your answer sheet.
Shodan candidates:
1: Explain the advantage of the Jo over the Katana.
2: State the purpose of learning Jodo.
3. Is it important, or is it not important to participate in Jodo Competitions? Explain your rationale.
4. Discuss metsuke.
Nidan candidates:
1: What are the important points for beginners instruction
2: Give a brief summary of the term “Ma-ai” as it is applied in Jodo.
3: Discuss the concept of zanshin. Describe it’s use in at least one All Japan Kendo Federation Jodo kata.
4: Explain the proper way of gripping the bokken when cutting.
Sandan candidates:
1: List the names of all 12 All Japan Kendo Federation Jodo katas.
2: Give an explanation of “Zanshin”.
3: List key procedures and warning advice necessary to the safe practise of Jodo
4: State the important points when holding the Jo in “Tsune-no-kamae”.
Yondan candidates:
1: Write what you know about kokyu (breath control) in Jodo.
2: What are ma and maai? Describe their application in one or two All Japan Kendo Federation Jodo kata.
3: What is important when teaching Jodo to beginners?
4: Discuss reiho: What does the word mean, why is it important in the dojo?