GRADING
A grading is a marker on the path that you have taken and a
reference point on the road to improvement as a person. In short why would you be given a grade
for something you have already achieved?
Surely a grade represents a point you must reach? With this in mind gradings are given to those that show dedication to
personal improvement. Technique, body, fluid movement and power
are just the physical skills, they will to some degree, contribute to the
growth of your (SHIKEN) spiritual power, however, this
spiritual growth depends largely on your life experiences, your level
of maturity is also a major factor in the awarding of your grade, and
remember there are no definitive lists in your grading, you should expect
the unexpected!
Due to the highly
dynamic nature of combat and conflict in general, no individual fixed form will
be sufficient to resolve any form of conflict, therefore in Ninpo
taijutsu students are constantly exposed to variation
in attack so they develop the ability to adjust counter techniques as needed
using balance, distance and timing. In preliminary stages, this begins with the
student learning various taihenjutsu skills to help
protect them from injury. The
middle grades focus on dakentijutsu and the technical
application of kata through the use of henka. And at the advanced stage students will start
feeling confident and more able to perform the basics and pass the first level Shodan. At this stage the main focus area will be counters
and a feeling of natural flow. The students mind and body are now working
together and techniques will flow, but only when you no longer remember them, randori (free response) is
introduced to help the student to learn to create and explore openings which
naturally appear in the opponent’s movements. Training at the advanced
stages can be both soft and hard. Soft, gentle training allows the student to
concentrate on developing proper taijutsu
fundamentals, and to understand how to respond correctly with both the heart, mind and body to the opponent’s
various changes. At the same time, hard training is not neglected. Always
practicing proper taijutsu principles, hard
training (shiken)helps the student to build the
mental and spiritual character necessary to continue in a life or death
struggle even if hurt or injured.
Weapons
As students begin to understand taijutsu, basic
weapons training is introduced. This has two purposes: First, students
learn how to avoid or defend against weapon attacks, and overcome any fear of
the weapon. Second, and more importantly, weapons training
helps to perfect proper taijutsu principles. If a student’s taijutsu is
weak, this will be magnified in weapons training. The main three weapons
covered being hanbo, bo
staff and sword.
Kyu grading
The most important
thing for your progress is consistency and, focused effort. Attend class - even
if you are: Not in the Mood, Sore, Tired, Grumpy, Bored, Low in Interest,
Unhappy, Busy, Stressed, or, just plain don't want to! MOTION CREATES
EMOTION. Just do it and, you will feel like it - and, enjoy it.
The
current grading format separates into three basic levels
·
Green 9th kyu
to 6th Kyu – Injury prevention (Taihenjutsu) ·
Red 5th kyu to
3rd kyu – Fundamentals of unarmed
combat (Dakentaijutsu) ·
Brown 2nd kyu
to 1st kyu |
Main evaluation of test. The examination system in Ninpo Taijutsu is not structured on competition. You will be
graded on the following points. ·
Your understanding of basic technique appropriate to
your level. ·
The concentration and awareness you maintain
throughout the examination. ·
Confidence and courage (SHIKEN), but there is no
place for ego. ·
Commitment to Ninpo Taijutsu. ·
You must be a member of Ninpo
Taijutsu, wear the appropriate clothing and badge |
Black
belt grading
Now you know the basics it’s time to
start your training.
|
BLACK BELT 1st Degree (SHODAN) FIRST LEVEL ·
Shodan is the first level and you get the chance to show
you have a basic understanding through the demonstration of Kaeshi
(counters) & Randori (realistic combat skills capturing the essence of
the techniques) What makes a Black Belt student
special is how they live their life. The heart is the most important rank of
all, overall personal character
and disposition towards fellow students, instructors, and society in general.
Because Ninpo Taijutsu exposes students to realistic fighting skills,
it’s important that students have the correct heart for training. Our Dojo
logo represents the core attributes of what it means to be a student training
in the Martial Arts |
Main evaluation of test. Overall
technique and skill application to include all previous
knowledge and: ·
Correct movement of kihon happo, Randori, henka and counters. ·
Stability of body with lowered hips. ·
Dynamic big movement. ·
The concentration and awareness you maintain
throughout the examination. ·
Your continuity of movement, not speed. ·
Ability to fill in the very important details of the
technique. ·
Commitment to additional training. ·
You must be a member of Ninpo
Taijutsu, wear the appropriate clothing and badge. |
|
BLACK BELT 2nd Degree (NIDAN) SECOND LEVEL ·
Nidan is the second level
and when the hard training begins. The individual schools start being
studied at this level. See the ninpo blog for
individual school details. Each student has to choose which weapon or weapons
they wish to specialise
in. |
Main evaluation of test. Overall
technique and skill application to include all previous
knowledge and: ·
Flow of technique with strong movement and soft
movement (I don't want speed). ·
The concentration and awareness you maintain
throughout the examination. ·
Ability to fill in the very important details of
individual Ryu ha. |
Black belts extra requirements
·
Black belts must attend a
min of either 1 private, seminar or advanced session per month, (12 sessions
per year minimum)
·
Breaking to help enhance
a students Shiken
·
Show a good
understanding and demonstrate
(earth, water, fire, wind) within ninpo taijutsu
·
Free learning is an
essential part of an individual’s development; the knowledge must
underpin the physical techniques.