Fifth dan written test cheat sheet

[Nanbanjin]

3. Being mentally prepared for shiai

Shiai is a way of judging your own improvement. Shiai is an important opportunity to compare your attitude and skill with that of your opponent, and to reflect on your strangths and weaknesses. Shiai is an important stage for the training of your spirit and development of your character.

To be mentally prepared for shiai you should consider the following

(1) Remember ettiquete and uphold the rules of shiai.
(2) Use all your strength and skill (i.e. don't hold anything back).
(3) Try and maintain Kikentainoicchi, and play correctly with a serious attitude.
(4) Always show zanshin after striking, and never lose correct posture.
(5) Observe your opponent's openings and seize opportunities to strike.
(6) Always be assertive/positive.
(7) Quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent.
(8) Never judge the match yourself while playing (i.e. let the judges do it)
(9) Always play in a level headed manner (i.e. never lose your cool or "heijoshin")

etc.

In summary you should approach shiai with a correct understanding and grasp of its spirit and role in kendo study.

[Nanbanjin]

4. Mental preparedness and what to look for when observing kendo practice


Observing kendo practice has been known as "mitori-keiko" from long ago and is seen as in important part of kendo study.
When observing serious keiko or shiai, the observer should also have a solemn attitude and should respect the rules, and have correct attire and posture.
When observing kendo you should pay particular attention to the following points, observing from the front, back, left and right, understanding the relationship between the different perspectives, comparing with your own movements, and reflecting on your observations.

(1) Posture
Observe whether posture is "expansive", calm and dignified, whether movements are smooth and agile, whether there are any bad habits in technique, and then observe in finer detail each area, for example stance, the manner of stepping, the way of holding the shinai etc.

(2) Technique
Observer the speed and accuracy of strikes, the position of both elbows, the movement of the hands, zanshin, kikentainoicchi, maai, receiving etc.

(3) Spirit
Observe if enough spirit is being displayed, if concentration is being maintained at all times, whether there are any signs of surprise or doubt, and whether one player is always in control.

[Nanbanjin]

5. Types of keiko

It is possible to classify keiko into six types: kakari-geiko, gokaku-geiko, sougou-geiko (aka. ji-geiko or jiyu-geiko), shiai-geiko, hikitate-geiko, and tokubetsu-geiko. It is also possible to classify keiko into four types: kakari-geiko, ji-geiko, (gokaku, shobu or shiai) hikitate-gaiko, and tokubetsu-geiko.

1) kakari-geiko

The aim is to develop the foundation for your body, spirit and technique.
It is a style of keiko where you mostly strike.

(1) It makes physical movement more free, and makes hand and footwork more agile.
(2) It makes striking techniques more accurate and strong.
(3) It helps develop cardio-vascular, and aerobic strength, and develops mobility and stamina.

Important points:
Should be carried out with an unaffected attitude, big techniques, in a relaxed and correct manner, with speed and power. You need to push yourself forward and use all your physical power. Strike deeply, don't break posture and carry out continuous basic techniques.

to be continued...

[Nanbanjin]

2. Gokaku-geiko

Keiko carried out together by two people of similar skill and experience.

(1) Use the techniques you have learned to compete in offence and defence with your opponent, and as much as possible try and make correct and valid strikes.
(2) Attack your opponent, and through repetitive study of techniques you have learned and feel you can execute effectively, make them your own.
(3) Reflect on your unpreparedness and insufficiencies, and work to correct your weaknesses.
(4) Always study legitimate techniques

Important points:
As much as possible train with a large number of different opponents. Use your own favourite techniques from long-distance (toh-ma), and also try to master at least one new technique as well.

to be continued again...

[mark]

(4) Always study legitimate techniques

Thanks for the translation, it made for interesting reading.

What do you think they mean in number 4? Do some people study non-legitimate techniques?

[sainueng]

4) Always study legitimate techniques

Thanks for the translation, it made for interesting reading.

What do you think they mean in number 4? Do some people study non-legitimate techniques?

Some people try to invent their own techniques, based on what they think will work. Sometimes they're good ideas, sometimes they're variations of legitimate techniques, but more often than not they're just crap, imo. Personally I see this more at the 1 kyu/shodan level, not sure why they need to remind 5 dan of that... Maybe it's a reminder that what works in shiai is not necessarily legitimate?

[Nanbanjin]

Personally I see this more at the 1 kyu/shodan level, not sure why they need to remind 5 dan of that... Maybe it's a reminder that what works in shiai is not necessarily legitimate?

The first few questions seem aimed at people teaching kendo. It's what people of godan should make sure their students aren't doing.
And don't get me started on people who get godan and suddenly think they have a licence to create their own waza.

[Nanbanjin]

Thanks for the translation, it made for interesting reading.

What do you think they mean in number 4? Do some people study non-legitimate techniques?

The original sentence is:

（4）常に適法な技の研究に励むこと。
つね に てきほうな わざ の けんきゅう に はげむ こと

つね Always
てきほうな Legitimate
わざ Techniques
けんきゅう Study/research
はげむ Endeavour/Strive (I didn't really stress in the translation)
はげむこと Be sure to Endeavour/Strive

So I guess I should have translated it as:

"Always strive to study legitimate techniques"

Basically I think that means not to try the "Hammer of Thor" (influence form recent posts) technique you made up even if you think it would really add to the global kendo repertoire.