One step at a time, ikkyu...

[nodachi]

Before I go for Shodan this summer, I kinda forgot about that pesky ikkyu test. I was looking a bit too far ahead, I think. :)

What things should I be careful of in the ikkyu test? General comments are appreciated, but specific comments about the Japanese ikkyu test would be really helpful too.

Thanks again.

[JSchmidt]

Big cuts and strong spirit is really all you need.
Also take care of appearance; No folds on the back of the keiko-gi, collar reasonable tight around the back of the neck, No tenugui flaps hanging out of the back of the men, do-himo-ends (in front), behind the mune, men-hime tied evenly, etc.

Jakob

[munenmuso]

Do it slowly but surely and avoid showing-off or being too fancy. If you are learning from several sensei, focus only on the one who teaches and incorporates in you the basic techniques cause some other sensei esp. the older ones emphasize only on the other facets of kendo that is not immediately required in ikkyu exam. Ikkyu exam is hardcore basics and postures.

Focus, focus, focus and relaaaaaaaaaaaxxxxxxxxx..

[nodachi]

I was just told yesterday that for the ikkyu exam that I should only do men cuts. Men men men. They said not to worry about anything else. Anyone have any thoughts on that? I will follow that advice, since my sensei told me to do it and I trust him, but what have you other people done who have gone through the process? And is it different in other countries?

[iwatekenshi]

It's different in every prefecture. Here in Iwate it even varies from area to area. All I can say you have to do something from kihon-uchi so be ready for that. Maybe you'll have to do a tachiai but it's highly unlikely. Don't worry you'll pass.

[iwatekenshi]

Also make sure your kiai is good and your kamae is well balanced and looking strong.

[AlexM]

Panic. You'll never make it. You suck. Yeah, you heard me, YOU SUCK. You won't even make it passed the line-up. They'll look at you and think: "I don't like him, he's odd". I'd pray for you but I don't want to waste God's time. You're a lost cause. Give up now.
Are you crying yet little man?

Ahhhhhhhhhh, I needed that.

Seriously, nothin' to worry about. I think there's a few threads on this (see: "Shiai vs. shinsa" and "Where they failed, we shall succeed"). Remember to watch what the others before you are doing (especially during the kata portion). Good luck.

[nodachi]

"Panic. You'll never make it. You suck. Yeah, you heard me, YOU SUCK. You won't even make it passed the line-up. They'll look at you and think: "I don't like him, he's odd". I'd pray for you but I don't want to waste God's time. You're a lost cause. Give up now.
Are you crying yet little man?"


:)

I love this forum! :)

[Steve]

To prepare for my ikkyu exam, i was told that being "comfortable" in my bogu was what they are looking for. What does that mean you ask? Here is the list we were give:

1) Strong Kiai
2) Gi/Hakama/Bogu looks neat and is on properly
3) Be able to strike basic Men, Kote, Do with ki-ken-tai no icchi and strong zanshin. You should have about 7 men strikes for every 2 kote and 1 do...or there abouts.
4) Don't let your opponent "spiritually " dominate you. ie they yell, you yell louder. They make you step back a step, you move forward two.
5) Yuko Datotsu was not required, but the judges wanted to see at least one for each gradee.
6) Hiki waza were not required, but if there is an obvious opportunity then try it.
7) Try Kote-Men a few times.
8) Speed IS NOT IMPORTANT.

[Nishi]

Form, initiative and spirit....you dont even have to score a point.

The rest of the advice sounds pretty good (and relax!).

[Paburo]

Originally posted by nodachi
I was just told yesterday that for the ikkyu exam that I should only do men cuts. Men men men. They said not to worry about anything else. Anyone have any thoughts on that? I will follow that advice, since my sensei told me to do it and I trust him, but what have you other people done who have gone through the process? And is it different in other countries?

seems like it...

this is what i had to do for ikkyuu test here:

kata first 5(yup, up to gohonme)
kirikaeshi
kihon-waza kote men dou
uchikomigeiko
jigeiko

and i thought it would be harder in japan.... but you only have to do men uchi? hehe

it shouldn't be too hard then. only one thing to worry about.

ganbatteeeee~~!

[Kendoka]

Good advice above, and above all - look and behave like you are already sho-dan material.

Have a good night sleep before, relax, warm up and don't worry, it is only a peice of paper.

[scbang]

Relaxing is the hardest part but Not relaxing will be just about only thing that will prevent you from passing. Do it like practice, then you will be OK. Don't be a robot and Don't Club your opponent to death. At Ikkyu level, you don't need fancy stuff, Nice Kamae, Men and maybe a Kote will do.

SC

[Old Warrior]

Tonight was my 8th kyu test (we go from 10 to 1). Aside from having one swollen knee that wouldn't allow me to bend it to a squat, I was surely ready. After doing 10 reps of every stroke in 3,2, and 1 counts we did 200 suburi [sp?]. I was then assigned a much senior student in full bogu to do Kirikaeshi (we call it yung yuk). It starts by my calling out yung yuk and when my partner replies it means he/she's ready.

My partner was a much senior student, a woman and she was about 1/2 my size (I'm 6', 230 lbs.). When I yelled out yung yuk (with great spirit) and advanced - she panicked and ducked to her right to avoid the initial men cut. When she regained her composure I was doing the alternating cuts to the side of the head and she couldn't get the rhythm. It was hysterical, but somewhat embarrasing. I'm trying to do my best kendo, with crisp cuts and my partner won't stand in front of me to receive them.

I guess you had to be there to appreciate it. So here I sit with the ice bag on my knee trying to get this swelling and inflammation down, so I don't miss class on Monday. I've contemplated the day and concluded, I suck, there's much to learn and not enough time to learn it. But I will keep on trying.

[J. Schitt]

Originally posted by Old Warrior
Tonight was my 8th kyu test (we go from 10 to 1).

8th kyu ? What where do you train in? Is your dojo afilliated to the IKF?



JS

[Old Warrior]

Here's our web page:

http://kumdo.co.kr/kendoacademy/center.htm

I am told Master Seong is a person of considerable note in the world Kendo community.

[jusuran]

Why not?
In my country we go from 10-1 kyu same old warrier .But in our test we can pass to upper level if you better than.