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Grading Procedures: January 2006. This article is a guide to the BKA regulations in line with the IKF regulations for Dan/Kyu examinations. Gradings taken in all member countries should as closely as possible, follow the pattern set out below. 1. Recognised Grades 2. Applicants Eligibility for Kendo 3. Examination Method for Kendo, Iaido & Jodo 4. Examination Subjects: Kendo 5. Kata'' requirements for Kendo grading candidates 6. Kendo Refereeing requirements for grading candidates: Regulations [Consolidation] 7. Kendo Examiner’s Qualification, Required Number of Examiners and Eligibility Criteria for Kendo, Iaido & Jodo 8. Criteria for Awarding Kendo Dan Grades [Guidelines for Assessing the Pass-Fail in Kendo Examinations] 9. Iaido Section 10. Jodo Section 11. Pass and Fail Criteria: Iaido & Jodo 12. Grading Fees for Kendo, Iaido & Jodo 1. Recognised Grades The recognised grades for which examinations shall be taken are 1st Kyu (Ikkyu) up to and including 8th Dan (Hachidan). These shall be granted by the representative organisation according to their overall ability and shall be mutually recognised as being equivalent among member organisations. 2. Applicants Eligibility for Kendo The applicant shall be a registered member of an IKF member country/organisation. Note: - If taking a grading overseas then the permission of the BKA President must be obtained in writing prior to going to the country where you wish to take your grading Also overseas students wishing to take a grade in the UK must obtain similar permission from the head of their own national organisation. The Applicant shall have the following periods of practice
Those who desire to apply for a 6, 7 or 8th Dan examination, 60 years old or older and who have practiced for the number of years as listed below, shall be allowed to apply. GradePractice Periods 6th DanTwo years or more after 5th Dan 7th DanThree years or more after 6th Dan 8th DanFive years or more after 7th Dan All BKA members must maintain full membership for the entire period between grades, failure to do so will result in the grading clock being reset to zero for the grade you wish to take. Once you have satisfied the required time delay in years, your next grade can be taken in the same calendar month. e.g. After 1st Dan on the 20th August in one year then you may take 2nd Dan any time after the 1st of August the following year, but if 1st Dan was taken on the 1st of September, then the applicant will not be eligible on August the 31st of the following year, but must wait until the next grading after 1st September. Note: - If for some reason you feel that you have a case for permission to be granted to take a grading despite not keeping up regular membership then you must write to the Chairman and President, so that your case can be put before the EC. Please remember that the EC only meets four times a year and could mean that the meeting will come too late for your grading. 3. Examination Method for Kendo, Iaido & Jodo The host organisation shall provide the examiners. In cases where member countries lack the required number other member organisations may provide qualified examiners. In the case of European or World Championships then the examiners will be selected by the EKF/IKF respectively in conjunction with the host nation. 4. Examination Subjects: Kendo
(i) Note:- The requirements for 1st Kyu to present Kihon keiko ho [4 forms] In place of Kata, will come into effect at the Southern area grading on the 26th March 2006. (ii) Note:- There have been several 'grumbles' in the past, about the changing emphasis on different aspects in the examination process of Kata when grading. 5. Kata requirements for grading candidates After reviewing the overall presentation of Kendo Kata demonstrated at gradings throughout 2004 it was decided to concentrate on raising the required standard. This was undertaken at the various seminars throughout 2005 and from the Autumn grading held in London after the Lidstone Taikai, the examination process was tightened up to include the following: IKKYU: To complete the first four forms of Kihon keiko ho without any error and to show the correct Reiho and individual appearance. SHODAN: To complete the first three kata forms without error and show the correct cutting action from each kamae used, in addition Utsu-maai must be effective. NIDAN: To complete the first five kata forms without error, distance and timing also the manner of all actions should be clearly visible. Overall an understanding of practical application of the forms should be evident. (Why you are doing what you are doing) SANDAN: To complete seven kata forms without error using the correct Utsu-maai and manner (pace of the form and cutting timing) The forms should show the correct purpose and intention with regard to the action/reaction principles. YONDAN: To complete all ten kata forms without error and showing effective use of the bokken. Also the connection between Uchidachi and Shidachi in regard to timing and spirit should be at a high level. The performance should also reflect the principles of Juho and Goho. GODAN: To complete all ten kata forms and the performance should contain the virtues of Grace, Sincerity, Dignity and Wisdom. Effective action and reaction should be visible, mental contact between Uchidachi / Shidachi should also be un-broken. ROKUDAN: To complete all ten kata forms and the performance should contain the virtues of Grace, Sincerity, Dignity and Wisdom. Effective action and reaction should be visible, mental contact between Uchidachi / Shidachi should also be un-broken. Understanding of ‘Riai’ (The candidate must be able to execute Waza and move in a way that is rational and purposeful) together with‘Fuukaku’ and ‘Hinkaku’ (Demonstrating one’s own style which is dignified and elegant) Procedures in the event of an error being made during presentation: 1 further attempt to demonstrate the correct procedures if either candidate feels they have made an error or if asked by the panel to demonstrate again. This applies 1st kyu to 3rd Dan only. For 4th Dan and above 1 attempt only to demonstrate the correct procedures if either candidate feels they have made an error. Further to this Notification the following concession will be made for all persons taking 1st Dan to 6th Dan [excluding 1st Kyu]: If on passing the Shinai section of their grading and then failing the Kata section, a further one off attempt at the Kata section will be permitted within a set time frame after the date of the failed grading. Further attempts after these periods will not be permitted and an applicant will have to re-apply to take all of the sections [Shinai, Kata and written paper] of the Kendo grading. This concession will apply to BKA National gradings only and will not forfeit a member wishing to take a full overseas grading in the interim. Period of validation: For those failing 1st Dan to 6th Dan: 6 months In all cases a further full BKA grading fee will be required (iii) Note:- The following is an announcement from the Kendo Bu of importance to all Kendoka grades 3rd Dan and above. We are in a position of extreme crisis regarding refereeing in this country, efforts have been made to encourage and promote refereeing at National courses over the years and yet attendance still remains poor and those prepared to: 'stand up and be counted' do still not come forward, putting unnecessary pressure on an already overworked and often maligned band of hard working officials who may not always be there to do 'the business.' As an example at a Sir Frank Bowden Taikai, not thatlong ago, there were only 6 referees in attendance, this was totally unacceptable both for the referees who participated and for the people competing. It is of paramount importance that the highest standards of refereeing are met at all times and that situations like this are not allowed to happen now or in the future. As you are aware or should be, refereeing and shiai are as much a part of Kendo as Kata and all the various types of shinai practice; therefore it will now become a grading requirement for an applicant within this group to comply with the following refereeing policy in order to take their next grade, both here and abroad and a refereeing book will be issued for recording this information. It will also be used to assist in the future selection of International referees. There will, however, also be the opportunity to gain accreditation by attending one of the regional seminars held throughout the year if they are unable to attend the National course. [Applicants from other countries will also need to have similar accreditation to take examination in this Country]. We apologise only for the direct nature of this policy, but reiterate, swift action must be taken in order to rectify the serious situation that has developed. We trust that you the membership will understand that we are not trying to impose new rules just for the sake of it, or restricting people from progressing in Kendo by 'moving the goal posts' or other well known chestnuts - we are just trying to build a healthy foundation for the future of shiai and refereeing and ultimately Kendo in this country. We know from the data held on the membership that at present there are over 100 registered grades from 3rd Dan to 5th Dan plus 6th and 7th Dan [the latter who as we know already referee]. Therefore it is our intention that the following policy be introduced from next year: that all 3rd 4th and 5th Dan commence an educational programme of refereeing by attending a National course which will be organized annually [dates to be announced] and that within this group 4th and 5th Dan as well as attending the National courses, will as a 'future' requirement, be actively involved at one National competition a year and this rule will also apply to 6th Dan if they are not already doing so, 7th Dan being senior members are, already involved and they will also feature predominantly in teaching the required refereeing skills at the National Courses, the regional seminars will also continue to have refereeing and shiai practice as an integral part of their curriculum thus continuing to introduce refereeing to all members irrespective of grade. All grades within this group should have met the criteria The announcement of the policy decision to include refereeing as a grading requirement for candidates taking their 4th Dan examination and above was given inthe ‘Newsonline’ and the website, together with some of the reasons and initial thoughts. What follows is an amplification of the reasoning behind the decision and the procedures that will come into force to implement the policy decision. The reasons for this decision are two-fold: - Refereeing is a part of kendo as much as kata and shinai ability. Referees are engaged in shiai as much as the combatants. Refereeing requires the same elements of distance, timing and quick decision-making as any other part of kendo. The presentation, posture and movement of the person must look good, the flags used correctly and with clear commands and decisions need to be made instantly and with good spirit. The elements of ki-ken-tai ichi are clear and a complete understanding of all kendo techniques is of paramount importance, therefore focussed observations of the aspects of kendo made during competition makes Refereeing an excellent vehicle for attaining this technical understanding. Referees are necessary for taikai and there has been a dearth of candidates coming forward to take up this role in the BKA. So the policy change is based upon (i) the premise that high-grade kendoka should add refereeing knowledge and skill to their repertoire of kendo and (ii) that from this base more people will develop this part of their kendo up to national and international level. The Procedures and Regulations which follow are driven by the following principles: Fairness and transparency, Accessibility to all members, Ease of administration To be as abuse-proof as we can make them There will be a time of Transition and then a time of Consolidation. Transition Procedures Year 1: Everyone in the category [3rd 4th and 5th Dan] taking gradings between 1st January-31st December 2003 will have a compulsory question about refereeing in their grading paper. This must be satisfactorily answered for the grade to be awarded. If a person in this category produces an unsatisfactory answer but passes the Keiko and kata parts then the grade will be withheld until a satisfactory answer is produced. Year 2: Everyone in the category [3rd 4th and 5th Dan] taking gradings between the 1st January and the 31st December 2004 will have the compulsory question and must produce evidence of attendance at a seminar which has refereeing practice in the programme. Year 3: Everyone in the category [3rd 4th and 5th Dan] taking gradings between 1st January-31st December 2005 will have the compulsory question, must produce evidence of attendance at a seminar and either evidence of refereeing 3 matches at a competition or attendance at a second seminar with refereeing practice as part of the programme. 6. Refereeing requirements for grading candidates: Regulations [Consolidation] These will come into operation for candidates passing 3rd, 4th and 5th Dan gradings in 2003. The year 2006 will see the first of the 3rd Dans eligible for 4th Dan examination under these regulations, the first 4th Dans will be eligible for 5th Dan in 2007 and the first 5th Dans will be eligible for 6th Dan in 2008. From 1st January 2006 the Regulations will be as follows; That each grade, bearing in mind as stated above that 3rd Dans have a three year period to the next grading, 4th Dans 4 years and 5th Dans 5 years. 3rd Dan: Attendance at a minimum of one seminar and the refereeing of at least 6 matches as assistant referees at recognised competitions together with a compulsory grading question. 4th Dan: Attendance at a minimum of 2 seminars and the refereeing of at least 12 matches of which 2 must be as chief referee together with a compulsory grading question. 5th Dan: Attendance at a minimum of 2 seminars and refereeing throughout a competition as required by the chief referee plus a compulsory grading question. A match is deemed to be the episode when two people are fighting. It does not mean a team match. The endorsements for both refereeing and seminar attendance will be given to people immediately after the event in such a form [Hanko - stamp plus signature] which can be entered into their ‘Blue’ book and can be presented as evidence to the grading officer when they apply to take their specific grading. The Kendo Bu will construct current lists and contact details of people who need refereeing experience to help the Bu and Taikai organisers in the selection of referees; these names will be forwarded to the Senior Referees overseeing the competition and a rota constructed. The Kendo Bu will fill out the ‘Blue’ book for signature post-event. Written material on refereeing is published regularly in the News Online and on the Web site and regulation handbooks will also be issued to successful 3rd Dan candidates. Presentation of the ‘Blue’ book at registration for grading will be required in order to provide a checking mechanism. For people who wish to take gradings abroad, the Refereeing requirements as to grading in this country will have to be met prior to the examination in order that permission is granted to grade abroad. The compulsory question will still be asked and have to be answered to satisfactory standard for the grade to be recognised in the UK. All members have ample opportunities to fulfil the requirements, because as well as National Refereeing seminars being available; all other official BKA seminars include refereeing and shiai as an integral part of their programmes. For those overseas visitors wishing to take Dan examination within the afore mentioned categories in the UK, they will normally be expected to abide by the grading regulations and will be asked for written evidence of refereeing experience prior to their application being approved. Candidates wishing to attend Seminars for refereeing should contact the Kendo Bu in order to register. 7. Examiner’s Qualification, Required Number of Examiners and Eligibility Criteria for Kendo, Iaido & JodoKendo
(iiii) Note:- Special Treatment Concerning examinations for 4th Dan and above, if the required number of qualified and suitable examiners cannot be appointed, the number of the examiners may be reduced to 5. In this case, the consent of a minimum of 4 examiners shall determine the final decision. 8. Criteria for Awarding Kendo Dan Grades [Guidelines for Assessing the Pass-Fail in Kendo Examinations] At a Kendo examination, examiners evaluate candidates for promotion for each grade based on the evidence of an appropriate level of training and the degree of technical proficiency and stability acquired through the course of their study. The central concern for evaluation in examinations for the grades of 1st Kyu, Shodan, 2-Dan and 3-Dan is the level of ‘Kihon’ (basic techniques) demonstrated by the examinee. The examiner assesses whether the candidate has learnt and correctly acquired the basic Kendo skills. The central concern for evaluation in examinations for the grades of 4-Dan and 5-Dan is the level of basic Kendo techniques and advanced techniques (Kihon and Oyo). The examiner assesses whether the candidate has fully acquired and is able to utilise basic and advanced Kendo skills. The central concern for evaluation in examinations for the grades of 6-Dan and 7-Dan is the ability to demonstrate ‘Jiri’ (technique and theory). Besides the basic and advanced Kendo techniques, the examiner assesses whether a candidate has acquired sufficient knowledge and understanding of Jiri, the techniques of Kendo accompanied with theory or principles. Points for Observation Each Dan examiner is required to make a decision after paying careful attention to the following points in accordance with the above criteria: 1st Kyu, Shodan, 2-Dan, 3-Dan 1. Chakuso and Reiho. The candidate’s appearance and whether they are correctly wearing the Keiko-gi and Hakama, and are holding the Shinai correctly (Chakuso); appropriate manners and deportment (Reiho) 2. Correct posture 3. Datotsu (strikes and thrusts) in accordance to the correct basic Kendo techniques 4. Strong spirit (Kisei). 4-Dan, 5-Dan 1. Chakuso and Reiho. The candidate’s appearance and whether they are correctly wearing the Keiko-gi and Hakama, and are holding the Shinai correctly (Chakuso); Appropriate manners and deportment (Reiho) 2. Correct posture 3. Datotsu (strikes and thrusts) in accordance to the correct basic Kendo techniques 4. Strong spirit (Kisei) 5. Level of proficiency acquired in advanced Kendo techniques 6. Level of mental and physical discipline demonstrated 7. Strategic skills to control and win a match 6-Dan, 7-Dan and higher Dan 1, Chakuso and Reiho. The candidate’s appearance and whether they are correctly wearing the Keiko-gi and Hakama, and are holding the Shinai correctly (Chakuso); Appropriate manners and deportment (Reiho) 2. Correct posture 3. Datotsu (strikes and thrusts) in accordance to the correct basic Kendo techniques 4. Strong spirit (Kisei) 5. Level of proficiency acquired in advanced Kendo techniques 6. Level of mental and physical discipline demonstrated 7. Strategic skills to control and win a match 8. Understanding of ‘Riai’ (The candidate must be able to execute Waza and move in a way that is rational and purposeful) 9. ‘Fuukaku’ and ‘Hinkaku’ (Demonstrating one’s own style which is dignified and elegant) The examiners are expected to make their evaluations and final decisions based on the above mentioned criteria within the prescribed examination time. 9. Iaido Section
10. Jodo Section
When taking a Jodo grading you are allowed to choose your own partner. Please ensure that you both register (so your partner knows your grading number) and that the person not being examined performs the Tachi side first. 11. Pass and Fail Criteria: Iaido & Jodo
12. BKA Grading Fees for Kendo, Iaido & Jodo Fees for BKA gradings are as follows (all prices are in £ sterling (GBP)).
A full current BKA membership must have been in place for six months before applying to take 1st kyu For gradings abroad:- Application must be made with the president and from the 1st April 2006 an administration charge of £15 will be made for such applications up to and including 5th Dan. All application fees are payable in advance. Registration fees must be paid by successful applicants on the day of the grading, before collecting their menjo. Applications for gradings will not be taken on the day. Grading dates will be published in the ‘Newsonline’ and the calendar each January. Please consult for the dates and send in your application two calendar months before the date of the grading at the latest. Your application form must include the following. Your name BKA number and date of birth. A photocopy of the menjo of your current grade (not applicable to 1st Kyu applicants). A cheque made payable to the BKA [numbered account] for the correct application fee only. Dojo Leaders signature Please do not:- make cheques payable to the grading officer. Include the registration fee. Grading questions for Kendo will only be published on the website. Completed papers must be handed in on the day of the grading. Failure to do so will result in the grade not being awarded. Only when you are successful the following applies:- Your BKA membership book Cash/Cheque to pay the registration fee which includes the cost of your menjo. You must pay the full amount on the day, if not the grade will not be awarded. Your yellow EKF card if you have one. You also need to collect a green EKF Registration form from the grading official; this in turn should be sent to the address on the form. (Not applicable for 1st kyu applicants). It is hoped these guidelines prove helpful to the membership and will help make everybody's day a little easier and that you have a reasonable idea of what to do When you register for a grading. It has been for some time now the general policy in regard to Kendo examination [1st Kyu and above in the UK], that as all such examinations are attached to a seminar, members wishing to grade should therefore attend the seminar in order to take the examination. |
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