Part of the Dan gradings may be held behind closed doors.
What do I have to do to pass a grading?
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, Ninjutsu does not segment the art into a structured learning program (curriculum). It is through constant exposure to variation that a student develops the ability to synthesize his or her own technique as needed.
In preliminary stages, this begins with the student learning various skills. They are also exposed to countless variations of these skills, including the integration of many different traditional and contemporary weapons. The grading is based more on the way each individual moves (flow) rather than how many sets of moves they can remember
Remember "Your life may be on the line so practice well "
"Practice with "SHIKEN" use your mind and body together, techniques will
flow only when you no longer remember them"
- John O'Connor -
This is the most important part of gradings beyond 3rd kyu...
There is a rough
outline to follow for each grading. techniques should be demonstrated
with control and competence. Additional knowledge of translations and the
reasons behind some of the movements in techniques may also be required.
The outlines are fairly vague, and there is
always the chance that the examiner can call for things not listed on an
outline. Therefore there are no hard and fast lists of what each grade should
know. However I have drawn up some rough guidelines for what each grade should
know which you will receive as part of your training. Remember there are no definitive lists - in your grading, you should
expect the unexpected!
Well done to all those who have passed gradings. You have shown that you have moved on and are
ready to wear the next higher belt