AUSTRALIAN KENDO RENMEI

MANUAL OF DOCUMENTS

SECTION Three

Australian Iaido Board

Effective and amended 17 October 2010

 Section 3 - Iaido Board - Index

3.0 Introduction
3.1 Structure and Administration
3.1.1 Organisational Structure
3.1.2 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1.3 Financial Controls
3.1.4 Communication Systems
3.2 Development Plan
3.3 Grading System
3.3.1 Technical Rules for Iaido Grading Examinations
3.3.2 Kyu Grading Examination Requirements and Procedures
3.3.3 Dan Grading Examination Requirements
3.3.4 Iaido Shogo (Honorary) System
3.3.5 Kata requirements for Examination
3.3.6 List of Grading Examination Questions
3.3.7 How to conduct a Grading Examination (under construction)

3.4 Australian Championships

3.4.1 Organisation and Division of Responsibilities
3.4.2 Competition Rules
3.4.3 Competition Events

3.5 Coaching
3.5.1 NCAS General Coaching Principles
3.5.2 Iaido Specific Coaching Qualifications
3.5.3 Iaido Study Guide

3.6 Requirements for Operating a Club within AKR (under construction)

3.7 Risk Management (under construction)

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Section 3 - Iaido Board

3.0 Introduction
General
The role of the Iaido Board is to assist State Renmei to promote and facilitate the study of Iaido in Australia
leading to an increase in the number of people practising Iaido and an increase in the standard of Iaido being
practised on a National basis.

3.1 Structure and Administration

3.1.1 Organisational Structure

The Iaido Board consists of five voting members elected at a National AGM of the Iaido Board and the
National Director of Iaido Coaching appointed by the Iaido Board who is not a voting member in accordance
with the AKR Constitution. All positions on the Board are individually elected in the following order: Chairman,
Deputy Chairman, Secretary and two Board Members. Elections are to be carried out in accordance with the
AKR Constitution. Proxy voting is permissible at the AGM.

3.1.2 Roles and Responsibilities

The Iaido Board has the following roles and responsibilities:
 Conduct Annual Iaido Championships including a Grading examination.
 Publish Iaido Grading Regulations.
 Publish Competition Regulations.
 Conduct one National Seminar each year for the purpose of improving some aspect of Iaido practise in
Australia.
 Improve the level of Shimpan skills in Australia.
 Establish Shimpan Accreditation Scheme.
 Improve the level of Iaido Instruction in Australia. Administer and develop an internal Coaching
Accreditation Scheme.
 Encourage the appreciation of Kendo and Jodo by Iaido Students - and vise versa.
 Distribute any published material or information, which will contribute to the overall goal.
 Document activities and report to the AKR National Executive, Council and Iaido students on them.
 Promote fellowship among Iaido students for the mutual benefit of all.
 Develop International Goodwill Competitions and encourage overseas participation at Australian National
Iaido Seminars.
 Select and organise an Australian Team to compete in International Goodwill Competitions.
 Cultivate the development of the Australian National Iaido Squad ensuring participation of all members at
Club, State and National competition and training squad activities.
 Select and monitor performance of the National Team Coach, Assistant Coach and Manager ensuring
they have sufficient time in the job and accessibility to squad members to conduct their duties sufficiently
to achieve their goals and objectives in conjunction with State Renmei representatives.
 In the event of the introduction of a World Championship the Iaido Board will develop procedures and
organise the Australian Iaido Team to compete at the World Iaido Championships.

3.1.3 Financial Controls

The Iaido Board does not directly hold finances. It should present a budget for the forthcoming three years of
activities to the AKR National Council in the first year of election for approval of the Delegates.
Such activities should include:
 National Championships - trophies, visiting Sensei expenses, programmes, etc.
 Coaching Seminars - Instructors attendance fares.
 Shimpan Seminars - Instructors attendance fares.
 Seniors Seminars - Instructors attendance fares.
 Coaching/Training team visits - Instructors attendance fares.
 Grading Examiner Support Teams - Examiners attendance fares.
 Telephone accounts for Iaido Board discussions and conference call hook-ups.
 Postage accounts for mailing newsletters and other Iaido Board related documents to State
representatives and Board members.
 Provision of documentation for conducting seminars and/or developing coaching manuals.

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3.1.4 Communications Systems
The use of facsimile, telephone, E-mail and Internet are encouraged to expedite the information flow between
Board Members and the Iaido membership. All electronic data should be followed up with normal post copies
to ensure correspondence reaches the recipient unless acknowledgment of receipt of Email messages is
received. The Chairman represents the Iaido Board on the National Council and communicates directly with
the Executive Committee. Copies of all Iaido Board matters should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Iaido
Board for collation of correspondence. The Chairman may select another Board Member as the Board
Representative at the National Council meetings.
th
3.2 Development Plan (Updated 19 October, 2003)
The Development Plans of the Iaido Board are documented in Section 5. It is the responsibility of the Iaido
Board to update and develop these plans on an annual basis and submit to the AKR National Council at their
respective meetings at Easter and October.

3.3 Grading System

3.3.1 Technical Rules for Iaido Gradings

 The Australian Kendo Renmei’s (AKR) Standard Rules for Grading are based on the Standard Rules for
Dan/Kyu Examinations of the International Kendo Federation after approval by the AIB plus such
additional rules as determined by the AIB and approved through the National Council for the AKR.
 The applicant for a grading shall be a financial member of the AKR and his or her state body and club.
 The applicant who wishes to attempt a grading shall have the endorsement of his/her instructor or club
President. This endorsement should be based on the applicant’s attendance record as well as the skills
displayed, and must also take into account the period that has elapsed since the applicant’s last grading.
 An applicant transferring from another country or having achieved a grade outside of the AKR must submit
copies of the Grading Certification to the Iaido Board for ratification. The Iaido Board should then forward
their recommendations to the AKR National Executive for acceptance or rejection. The AKR National
Secretary is to then register the outcome and reply to the applicant with the results.
 The applicant must have paid the grading application fee and registration fee prior to attempting the
grading, unless otherwise directed. The grading application fee will be retained by the State responsible
for conducting that particular grading and the registration fee forwarded with the results to the National
Executive. In the case of an unsuccessful candidate the registration fee only will be refunded in full.
 The applicant who has passed the grading will be registered by the AKR.
 Results of the grading examinations, together with the registration fees collected shall be forwarded to the
Secretary, AKR, so that the appropriate registers can be updated. The AKR shall then forward the results
of the grading to the Australian Iaido Board.
 The grading application fee and registration fee shall be set by the AKR National Council.

National Examinations
 National Dan Grade Examinations will be held in conjunction with the Australian Kendo Renmei National
Iaido Championships. The Iaido Board are responsible for the organisation of the grading, allocation of the
examiners based on the seniority of examiners available to participate and the allocation of a Dojo
Steward briefed on his duties. National Kyu Grade examinations will be held only for State Renmei who do
not have an examination panel within their State.
 A member of the State Renmei hosting the examination, or a nominated representative, should co-
ordinate members requiring grading, collect all fees before the grading commences, and forward the
applications to the AKR Treasurer or Iaido Board for checking of their membership status and time in their
present rank has been met. The State Renmei are also responsible for collecting the registration fees for
the grading and the issue of Grading Certificates through the Chairman of the Grading Committee on
completion.

Attendance at International Examinations - prerequisites.

Members may undergo International examinations providing they have received approval in writing from the
AKR Executive and present a copy of their previous Grading Record. The AKR Executive are to inform the
International Examining body of their approval for the member to participate providing all membership fees
and credentials are in order before commencing the grading. The AKR Executive only confirms the criteria for
grading is met and does not make a judgement on the applicants ability to pass the exam.

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3.3.2 Kyu Grading Requirements and Procedures
 Beginners should be members of the AKR for at least 3 months prior to their first grading examination.
Other applicants should spend at least the minimum required time periods between grading.
 Kyu grades used shall be from Rokkyu (lowest) to Ikkyu (highest).
 Applicants for Grades Rokkyu to Ikkyu shall be examined on the basic movements and shall perform up to
five pre-selected kata combining Reiho etiquette. A written test is not required.
 The examiners qualification, size of examination panel and consent criteria is detailed in the AKR
Standard Rules for Grading.
 It is not necessary that the applicant be promoted one grade at a time. If their ability warrants, and by
agreement of the examiners, the applicant may progress by more than one grade to a maximum of two
grades. i.e. Gokyu to Sankyu. However, to obtain Shodan, the applicant must have held Ikkyu for at least
6 months. Jumping grades should not be encouraged unless exceptional standards are achieved.
 The guidelines for Kyu grading technical requirements listed in para 3.3.2.1 to 3.3.2.6 are listed for the use
of State Renmei as a guideline to continuity between states of the minimum standards required at each
level.
 State Renmei may determine what number of Kyu grade levels they wish to operate within their Renmei
but they should correspond with the appropriate national technical level i.e. They may choose to operate a
three Kyu system where the first examination is for Sankyu.

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3.3.2.1 Rokkyu Technical Requirements  Iippon-me “Mae”
 Correct Hakama & Keikogi  Nihon-me “Ushiro”
 Correct Obi  Sanbon-me “Uke-nagashi”
 Reiho  Yonhon-me “Tsuka-ate”
 Iai-Seiza  Gohon-me “Kesa-giri”
 Hakama Sabaki  Roppon-me “Morote-Zuki”
 Tying the Sageo  Nana-honme “Sanpo-giri”
 Ashi-sabaki  Happon-me “Ganmen-ate”
 Kiri-oroshi
 Ippon-me “Mae” 3.3.2.5 Nikyu Grading Technical Requirements
 Nihon-me “Ushiro”  Correct Hakama & Keikogi
 Reiho
3.3.2.2 Gokyu Grading Technical  Hakama Sabaki
Requirements  Tying the Sageo
 Correct Hakama & Keikogi  Kiri-oroshi
 Reiho  Iippon-me “Mae”
 Hakama Sabaki  Nihon-me “Ushiro”
 Tying the Sageo  Sanbon-me “Uke-nagashi”
 Kiri-oroshi  Yonhon-me “Tsuka-ate”
 Iippon-me “Mae”  Gohon-me “Kesa-giri”
 Nihon-me “Ushiro”  Roppon-me “Morote-Zuki”
 Sanbon-me “Uke-nagashi”  Nana-honme “Sanpo-giri”
 Yonhon-me “Tsuka-ate”  Happon-me “Ganmen-ate”
 Kyuhon-me “Soete-zuki”
3.3.2.3 Yonkyu Grading Technical  Juppon-me “Shiho-giri”
Requirements
 Correct Hakama & Keikogi 3.3.2.6 Ikkyu Grading Technical Requirements
 Reiho  Correct Hakama & Keikogi
 Hakama Sabaki  Reiho
 Tying the Sageo  Hakama Sabaki
 Kiri-oroshi  Tying the Sageo
 Iippon-me “Mae”  Kiri-oroshi
 Nihon-me “Ushiro”  Iippon-me “Mae”
 Sanbon-me “Uke-nagashi”  Nihon-me “Ushiro”
 Yonhon-me “Tsuka-ate”  Sanbon-me “Uke-nagashi”
 Gohon-me “Kesa-giri”  Yonhon-me “Tsuka-ate”
 Roppon-me “Morote-Zuki”  Gohon-me “Kesa-giri”
 Roppon-me “Morote-Zuki”
3.3.2.4 Sankyu Grading Technical  Nana-honme “Sanpo-giri”
Requirements  Happon-me “Ganmen-ate”
 Correct Hakama & Keikogi  Kyuhon-me “Soete-zuki”
 Reiho  Juppon-me “Shiho-giri”
 Hakama Sabaki  Juippon-me “Sougiri”
 Tying the Sageo  Junihon-me “Nukiuchi”
 Kiri-oroshi

3.3.2.8 Kyu Grade examination Kata selection

Examinations for Kyu grades shall be divided into demonstrations of pre-selected techniques and performed
with Reiho. The kata selection recommended for all Kyu Grade examinations is determined to show that the
student has adequately progressed through all stages of their training at the level being examined and shows
improvement on previous techniques. The National Grading Examination for Kyu Grades is aligned to the
following kata requirements:

Grade Kata
Rokkyu 1 & 2 only Sankyu 1, 3, 5, 7 & 8
Gokyu 1 – 4 only Nikyu 1, 6, 7, 9 & 10
Yonkyu 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Ikkyu 1, 4, 7, 11 & 12

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3.3.3 Dan Grading General Requirements
Refer to common Standard Rules for Dan and Kyu Examinations. (Section 1, Clause 1.5)

3.3.3.1 Dan Grade time requirements

Grade
Refer to common Standard Rules for Dan and Kyu Examinations. (Section 1, Clause 1.5)

Examinations for Shodan to Godan shall be divided into demonstration of pre-selected techniques
and performed with Reiho and a written test. Examinations for Rokudan and Nanadan shall also be
examined on Shimpan duties. Hachidan are examined on overall technical skills and a Thesis. A
special committee will adjudicate for promotion to Kudan and Judan ranks.

3.3.4 Kata requirements for Examination

Grade being taken Graded on
Shodan 5 Seitei kata, as selected and advised by examiners and paper.
Nidan 5 Seitei kata as selected and advised by examiners and paper.
Sandan 5 Seitei kata as selected and advised by examiners and paper.
Yondan 1 free choice Koryu kata, plus 4 Seitei kata as selected and advised
by examiners and paper.
Godan 2 free choice Koryu kata, plus 3 Seitei kata as selected and advised
by examiners and paper.
Rokudan 2 free choice Koryu kata, plus 3 Seitei kata as selected and advised
by examiners
Nanadan 2 free choice Koryu kata, plus 3 Seitei kata as selected and advised
by examiners
Hachidan 7 compulsory Seitei kata as selected and advised by examiners then
if passed 7 free choice Koryu kata and thesis

3.3.5 List of Grading Questions

The following questions are produced for the selection by the Iaido Board/Chief Examiner for Dan Grade
Examinations. Selection is not limited to these questions and members are advised to study all areas of
training requirements and supporting information offered by their Instructors/Sensei. The following questions
may be asked at any level but the answer is expected commensurate with the level you are being examined
to see if it is appropriate for that level. When possible the examination questions should be issued well prior
to the examination date so that students can do adequate research and submit a typed response that will be
handed in at the Grading Registration table before commencing the practical examination.
a. State the purpose of learning iaido
b. Describe the relationship of iaido to kendo
c. Give a brief summary of the following terms:
 Metsuke
 Nuki-tsuke
 Kir-tsuke
 Chiburi
 Noto
 Ma-ai
 Zanshin
 Saya-biki
 Sei and do
 Reiho
 Reigi
d. Discuss conformity of the mind (kokoro) and will power (kiryoku)
e. State the details about posture and movement of the feet in iaido techniques
f. Explain the matter of respiratory control (kokyu)
g. Explain hand-guard (tsuba) control and making the draw (koiguchi no kirigata)
h. Give the name of the Founder of your ryu and the names of the various techniques you have learned
i. List key procedures and warning advice necessary to the safe practise of iaido
j. List the components on the sword and saya diagram provided

3.3.6 How to conduct a grading exam (under construction)

The method used to conduct an efficient Grading Examination is detailed below. It’s implementation will
depend on the depth of knowledge and availability of support personnel of suitable levels. It is recommended
that the State Renmei adopt this process as closely as possible and use it as part of the development
process for senior Kyu and Dan Grade members.

3.4 Australian Championships

3.4.1. Organisation and Division of Responsibilities

The Australian Iaido Board is responsible for the overall running of the Australian Iaido Championships. The
State Renmei hosting the event is responsible to the AIB for providing support in conducting a successful
championship and seminar, if required. The Australian Kendo Renmei National Executive Committee are
responsible for controlling any funding required in addition to the normal. The host State Renmei are
responsible to ensure the event remains within their budget controls.

3.4.2 A Guide to Organisation Delegations

The following details the major responsibilities of each body but is not limited to these requirements as each
championship may vary:
Australian Iaido Board
 Arrange championship events as appropriate to the number and qualifications of members and
the time available.
 The Secretary AIB is responsible with timely informing all State Renmei Delegates or Iaido
Representatives of data required by them to ensure maximum participation of members is
obtained.
 Provision of Score Sheets
 Allocation of players into pools, including seeding of members where required.
 Allocation of Shimpan during championships
 Maintain a record of results in a data base for future seeding
 Conduct the overall direction of the National Championships
 Provide a timetable covering all Iaido competitions, seminars and meetings
 Liaise with Kendo & Jodo Board when holding joint National championships, gradings or
seminars
 Co-ordinate Examiners for the Grading panels at National Gradings.

State Iaido Renmei hosting the Event

 Whenever possible the State Renmei should ensure adequate funding is provided to ensure the
championship and seminar is self funded and not rely on AKR funding support.
 Arrange publicity coverage with costs included in budget.
 Provide suitable facilities with a minimum of two shiaijo areas in accordance with the dimensions
laid down in the current Rule Book allowing for a safety zone around each area (subject to the
numbers of participants and Shimpan available).
 Provide funding for adequate trophies for the championships
 Provide any gifts required for Official guests on behalf of the AKR/AIB
 Mark out all shiaijo areas prior to the championship start.
 Provide a registry table with suitable facilities and equipment to inspect Iaito and collate results.
 Provide score boards, judges tables, chairs, medical kits, flags, whistles/gongs, stop watches.
 Provide suitable manpower to fill all requirements in running a smooth competition (i.e.
timekeepers, recorders, register, dojo stewards, etc)
 Arrange suitable toilet and shower facilities
 Arrange provision of food and beverages
 Inform visitors and players of suitable accommodation and transport in the area of the
championships with sufficient lead time to make bookings
 Provide seminar facilities
 Provide meeting rooms and materials for the AIB and any AKR Executive Council or AGM
meeting requirements.
 Provide a budget to cover all costs
 Assist in sponsoring FIK/AJKF senior Sensei during their visit (if any) in liaison with AIB.

Australian Kendo Renmei National Executive Committee

 Co-ordinate event with AIB and State Renmei as necessary
 Organise or arrange approval of suitable senior Sensei through FIK and AJKF to assist in
Shimpan, Seminars and Grading Examinations as recommended by AIB

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 
 Provide dan grading certificates for presentation to successful Dan Grade examinees.
 Determine budget allocation for senior Sensei visitors if required
 Ensure the timely flow of information to the AIB and State Renmei to enable early planning of
each years events
 Assist Iaido Board with conducting Grading Examinations by co-ordinating all applications,
administration duties, checking appropriate financial membership details and collection of fees
associated with conducting the grading.
st
 AKR Treasurer to provide a full list of Financial members to the AIB Chairman as at 31
December by end of first week in January

3.4.2 Competition Rules

All State and National Competitions should be conducted in accordance with Rules for Shinpan of Iaido
competitions as determined by the International Kendo Federation (FIK). The Iaido Board will determine any
additional rules required for the National Iaido Championships to ensure a fair and equitable competition is
achieved.

3.4.2.1 Zekken (Name tags)

The wearing of correct Zekken is an important part of correct uniform together with correct hakama and gi.
From 2010 the regulation zekken is:
Dimensions: 15cms high by 10cms wide

Colour: Black background with white letters to be used on Black or Navy Blue Gi The reverse is required for
wearing on white Gi.

Text: The dojo/state or Australia to be across the top of the zekken - this can be any of the above depending
on the requirements of the competition. In the FIK regulations this is listed as 'Team' so at the National
Championships this is the state.

The family name should be in the middle, if in Japanese in either Kanji/Katakana written vertically in the
centre of the badge with the family name in English horizontally across the base. The Family name must
appear in English either at the base or vertically in the centre.

There should be no logo or mon on the zekken.

Transitional Arrangements: For the 2008 and 2009 championships zekken need only comply with the size,
colour and have the persons name in English, existing zekken with mon or logo in place of dojo/state in text
are permitted.

3.4.3 Competition Events

Four categories of Individual and two Team events will be conducted at the National Championships. The AIB
may change these requirement should numbers dictate a more equitable method of conducting a fair
competition. The emphasis should be on the ability for students to compete against other students of near
quality technical knowledge where possible. The AIB may allow the winning two places to compete in the next
level of competition should vacancies permit and the students know the required waza.
3.4.3.1 Individuals: (First and Second place trophies in each category only)
The following categories have been implemented to enable a better balance of opportunity to compete for all
members.
Yonkyu (4th Kyu) and below : kata 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 only
Ikkyu (1st Kyu) to Sankyu (3rd Kyu): kata 1, 3, 5, 7 & 8 only
st
Shodan (1 Dan) & Nidan (2nd Dan): five kata selected by AIB/Chief judge
rd
Sandan (3 Dan) & above: five kata selected by AIB/Chief judge

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3.4.3.2 Teams: (First and Second place trophies in each category only)
Each State Renmei may have several teams entered in the competition. Each team is to be classified in
order of priority of selection (Team “A”, Team “B”, etc). The AIB may reduce the number of participating
teams if time limits prevent all team participating. The team members names and fighting order are to be
submitted to the Registration Table 30 minutes prior to the event, or unless announced otherwise at the
event, and this fighting order/team content is to remain throughout the event competition.
If the number of team members from each state renmei are sufficient the AIB may alter either event to
become a five person team event, however this should be arranged before the full details of the
Championships are submitted to the State Renmei to organise the trophies (ideally by the previous
September to the event).
Three person Kyu Grade teams kata 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 only
Three person Dan Grade Teams five kata selected by AIB/Chief judge

3.5 Coaching

3.5.1 NCAS General Coaching Principles

The NCAS General Coaching Principle courses conducted by the State Sport and Recreational Departments
is the recognised coaching course for all Iaido Instructors to safely conduct training within their club and
provide “duty of care” requirements. Level 1 and Level 2 General courses under the NCAS system are
recommended to all Dan Grades or anybody who may find they are left in charge of a general training
session in a club situation. All records of members obtaining these qualifications should be sent by the State
Renmei to the AKR Treasurer so they may be recorded in the AKR Database and assist with National
insurance applications. Each State Renmei is expected to maintain their own registry of accredited coaches.

3.5.2 Iaido Specific Coaching Qualifications

The Iaido Board will conduct Specific Coaching Qualification Courses on an opportunity basis for the
following levels, providing the member has previously obtained the General Principles Qualification:
 Level 1: Ikkyu and above. This is a Club Coach qualification.
 Level 2: Nidan and above, having already qualified with Level 1 General and Specific with 12
months experience teaching with such qualification. This is a State Coach
qualification.
 Level 3: Yondan and above, having already qualified with Level 2 General and Specific with
three years experience teaching with such qualification. This is a National Coach
qualification.
Previous qualification in General Principles achieved in other arts are automatically recognised. Iaido Specific
qualifications must be achieved within the Iaido specifications. During the initial implementation the AIB may
grant automatic acceptance of the appropriate Iaido Specific where it can be demonstrated the member has
a distinguished record in coaching members at Club and/or State level.

3.5.3 Iaido Study Guide

It is important to consider the proper progress of students throughout their study of iaido. The following points
are forwarded to assist Club Instructors in considering their expected outcomes of students at various levels
and are based on other senior Instructors personal experiences but should not be limited to these points only.
They are purely an interim guideline for students studying and teaching iaido:
3.5.3.1 Beginners training towards obtaining Rokkyu:
The beginner has varied reasons for studying iaido and your approach needs to also be varied depending on
the “martial” background of the student. The aim is to teach a basic skill that can be built upon as the student
progresses through continuous training practise. Do not be in a rush to teach the Kata as the more sound you
develop the individual actions before teaching the kata the faster the student will reach the end result. Do not
allow the student to carry forward bad basic techniques into the kata’s. As the art of Iaido is to gain personal

AKR Manual of Documents. Section 3, Iaido Board Effective: 17 October 2010 Page 10 of 13
perfection it is important to get the students mind set from an early beginning. A suitable approach is to follow
this basic format:
Instruct on the formal layout of the dojo, etiquette requirements and safety procedures
Inform on the proper dress requirements
Teach how to walk without raising toes and methods of ashi-waza used in training
Explain shisei and it’s application during techniques, apply exercises to develop the correct stances used
throughout all techniques (done as an exercise with and without sword use at different stages of the
beginners training)
Teach how to kneel into seiza correctly, and to return to standing position
Teach Metsuke and it’s application – continue to reinforce throughout all exercises
Explain the use of Kessen Teki and how it is employed into training
Teach Reiho, with and without the sword
Teach correct handling of the sword, grip, cleaning and safety checks
Correct and appropriate warm-up, cool-down and breathing exercises
Teach cutting exercises and apply various applications of ashi-waza and standing or kneeling positions.
Explain “te-no-uchi” and “ki-ken-tai-itchi”
Teach all Chiburi actions
Teach Furikaburi actions
Teach Noto ensuring proper use of saya and sword replacement actions (teach noto before teaching the
student to draw the sword – this will avoid causing unnecessary damage to the saya from in-appropriate
actions in co-ordinating between the hands)
Teach Nukitsuke ensuring proper use of saya and sword drawing actions
Combine actions into a “progressive” standing version of Mae (Kata 1) to introduce the kata without including
kneeling actions
From the kneeling position teach combining of nukitsuke (from the left upper arm position), sayabiki, seme,
furikaburi and kiritsuke as an exercise – apply using both left and right kneeling actions
Demonstrate Ippon-me “Mae” using the Bunkai system with another senior member and explain the points of
metsuke, distancing, timing, rai-ai, seme, ashi-waza and correct cutting. If you can set a good and clear
picture in the students mind of the Teki during the bunkai they will learn to apply kessen-teki better to their
waza.
Teach Ippon-me “Mae”
Teach Nihon-me “Ushiro”
Students should not be progressed in learning any kata until they reach the satisfaction of the dojo Sensei.
Be sure that other senior members within your dojo, and the student, knows the rules regarding learning new
techniques.
The Instructor should continuously assess the student and provide feedback on their progress. Do not give
too much information on changes or what is incorrect – limit the feedback to the most important areas to be
improved and when it has reached a satisfactory level for the grade then move them to the next level of
appropriate training.
Feedback is important so that the student not only understands what is required and where they need to
concentrate their efforts but it also leads to them learning to “analyse” the techniques in a constructive
manner which will enable them to eventually do effective “self analysis” and later instructing junior students as
part of their study to become a Club Instructor in the future.
Once the student has reached the required standard for grading they should be examined. If it is sometime
before a grading takes place the Instructor should approve the student to learn the next kata.
Students who progress learning quickly should be made to gain a higher standard of skill in each area rather
than progress into the learning of more kata early. This will enhance their ability to strive for higher perfection
and to demonstrate continued commitment to a regular training regime. This is a difficult call to make and

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must be balanced with the overall requirements of your dojo and members progress and there are no firm
rules that can apply in this situation – only personal experience of the Instructor.

3.5.3.2 Training towards obtaining Gokyu to Ikkyu:

Once the student has been graded at the appropriate level you introduce the next kata in the system. Do not
progress into the following kata until the student has reached a reasonable level of skill to match his previous
kata levels. A few points to keep in mind:
At the introduction of each kata the skills learned in the new kata usually benefit the knowledge of prior kata –
therefore ensure they continually practise all previous kata and improve on their performance of timing,
accuracy in technique and fluency development of the overall techniques.
Ki-ken-tai-itchi should be improved progressively with each level
The flow and accuracy of O-chiburi should improve at each level in conjunction with the flow of the kata being
performed
Breathing correctly with the performance of the kata should also develop at each level
Each student will develop strong points in their training. It is important to get the student to understand the
need to keep all their training “in balance” and to spend more time in improving on their weak points so that
they achieve an overall balance within all kata on a continual improvement system.
As students become reasonably proficient in their kata it is good to have them demonstrate these skills to a
group and gain feedback from the group on the most important points to develop. This achieves several
objectives:
Gives the student feedback form their peers
Gives the peer group an opportunity to analyse the kata of a fellow student and to better understand the
importance of assisted assessments and also self analysis methods they can use in their own training
Teaches the student to observe other peoples performance “actively” and gain from the experience. This also
helps the Instructor to gain a deeper knowledge of all students ability to “see” the technical development of
kata.
Students should not be put forward for grading unless the Instructor personally approves the grading of the
student. This should be done considering all elements of their training and not only based on a technical
performance level. Such things as attitude to training and other members, regularity and consistency of
training, commitment to the dojo and it’s development, etc.
When the Examiners look at students they are looking to see that these requirements are reflected in the
student on the day and the more the Instructor ensures this is a pre-requisite to a grading approval the better
the dojo and Renmei will become at all levels of the martial arts training.
A student’s overall performance at a grading, competition or visit to another club is a reflection of the Dojo
and it’s Instructor.

3.6 Guidelines for Operating a Club within AKR (Under development)

Guidelines are being developed by the Iaido Board for the running of Iaido Clubs within the
jurisdiction of the AKR. This is to safeguard the members and State and National Renmei of it’s
obligations to members.

3.7 Risk Management (Under development)

A process of Risk Assessment will be conducted by the Iaido Board as a baseline suggestion for all
Clubs and Renmei within the AKR as a general guideline. Risk Management is a requirement which
will assist in the reduction of Insurance premiums over time and is currently being supported by state
government agencies.

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