What is the purpose of grading?

Gradings are a necessary part of the path to learning Martial Arts. It is a way to show your instructors the level of your progress, to identify any areas that need to be worked on and to test you mentally.

Tenshin Ryu students receiving their grading certificates from the late Sensei Tudor Box 8th Dan Hanshi.

The pride and satisfaction from gaining a grade cannot be measured. It is an award for all the hard work, discipline and commitment shown. Tenshin Ryu has 6 Kyu grades before Shodan (Black Belt). The Black belt system has a maximum of 10. It is considered that 5th dan and above to be master grades. Obtaining a Black belt does not mean that any expertise has been gained, only that you have reached a sufficient level for the real training to begin.

What do i have to do to grade?

Regularly attend training sessions, seminars and courses. Be determined in your resolve to achieve more. Practice, practice, practice. Become familiar with your grading syllabus, dojo etiquette, Kamiza etiquette and be able to demonstrate how to look after an Iaito (Katana) and name all parts of the Iaito. Ensure your license is up to date.

Your instructor who sees you on a regular basis will advise you on your progress and whether you have reached a sufficient standard to grade. You will only be put forward for grading at the appropriate time.

What is the Grading Syllabus?

The full Tenshin Ryu syllabus can be viewed Here. There are 16 tachi (standing) forms and 13 seiza (kneeling) forms, 8 two man kata (Katana) and 8 two man kata (Wakazashi). What you need to be able to demonstrate for your grade is as follows:

6th Kyu - First two seiza waza and first two tachi waza from the syllabus. Care of the Katana, Dojo etiquette, Kamiza procedure.

5th Kyu - All the above plus, third and fourth forms tachi and seiza.

4th Kyu - All the above plus, fifth and sixth forms tachi and seiza.

3rd Kyu - All the above plus, seventh to tenth forms tachi and seiza. Two Kata (Katana) and (Wakazashi).

2nd Kyu - All the above plus, eleventh to thirteenth forms tachi and seiza. Two more Kata (Katana) and (Wakazashi).

1st Kyu - All the above plus, tachi forms thirteen to sixteen, two more Kata (Katana) and (Wakazashi).

1st Dan (Shodan) - Complete the whole syllabus to a high level of competence, explain your understanding of Kyushindo Philosophy, Teach a class for 30 minutes and submit and essay on the history of Iaido.