Gradings

Nidan

Pointers for Nidan

Whilst still technically a childrens grade in Japan (upto sandan in fact!) as far as us amateurs go its a little more serious because now we have gotten rid of those gay "dan grade collectors" who get their shodan in kendo then bugger off to do Brazilian Shorinji Kwon Do from a video in their front room.

Requirements

  • Kirikaeshi - Kakarite and Motodachi
  • Jitsugi x 2
  • Nihon Kendo Kata, forms 1-5, Uchidachi OR Shidachi
  • Written Test

Pointers

  • Footwork - This is linked to the next point as well, but the general gist with this is showing that you know how to move yourself around without having to resort to leaning forwards or backwards to get closer or further.
  • Ni-san dan no waza - As well as that, you also need to show that you can use rensoku waza (continuous techniques), such as kote-men, and understand and can use the footwork necessary. A good technique is to bang in a couple of kote to get them used to it coming, and then whip your kote-men out for the lads and catch them flat footed.
  • A few good ippon - As with shodan, get a couple of decisve strikes against your partner to convince the judges that you are good at what they are looking for!

Back to the pointers main page