Grading is the process of gaining recognition for your mastery of the skills you've learned to the standards mandated by international Hombu Organisation Suimo-kai. Niina-gosoke (Meishi-ha Soke), oversees all Mugairyu Dan Gradings without exception. Mugairyu Iaihyodo Ideals of Practice- Up to Shodan: learn the movements (not speed/power)
- Nidan: learn the movements well (accuracy of movement)
- Sandan: speed and feeling are required
- Yondan/Godan: “Cutting Iai” (credibly threatening technique). (Judges expect to see technique that makes them think, “THAT is how it is done!”)
- Rokudan: Grace and refinement are required.
Rokudan and above is impossible with immature technique. Likewise, braggarts (novices) will never make it to Rokudan and above. Heart and spirit should be immediately obvious when watching the examinee. Note: elderly examinees, regardless of rank, are expected to demonstrate the wisdom of their years. Promotion Examination: Kata Requirements| Shodan | Five from Goyo, Goka (up to Yochuin), Go-o, and Hashirigakari (up to Musogaeshi) (One seated, 2 standing of own choosing, one standing and one seated designated on morning of examination day) | | Nidan | Five from 20 basic Mugairyu Iaihyodo kata (excluding Hazumi and Shiho) (One standing of own choosing, 2 seated, 2 standing designated during exam) | | Sandan | Five from 20 basic Mugairyu Iaihyodo kata (excluding Shiho), ZNKR 12 kata, and ZNIR 5 kata (All 5 designated during exam) | | Yondan | Five from 20 basic Mugairyu Iaihyodo kata, ZNKR 12 kata, and ZNIR 5 kata (All 5 designated during exam) | | Godan | Five from 25 Mugairyu Iaihyodo kata (20 basic + 5 Naiden) and two from ten Mugairyu Iaihyodo Kumitachi (All 5 designated during exam) |
- Examinees for Shodan and above must be able to recite their organization’s principles (hoshin) and Member’s Duties (Kokoro-e) from memory.
- Examinees up to Sandan will be judged on kata.
- Examinees for Yondan and above must be able to recite the “NPO Suimo-kai Rinen” from memory.
- Examinees for Yondan and above are expected to use one’s own shinken.
- Examinees for Yondan and above are expected to not only be competent at kata, but must demonstrate “cutting iai” as well by performing tameshigiri.
- Examinees for Godan and above must be Kai Instructors and have Okuirisho.
- Examinees for Rokudan and above must be Mugairyu Iaihyodo Instructors and be leaders of an official practice.
- Men up to 65 and women up to 60 must perform tameshigiri for Rokudan.
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