The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the sword. (All-Japan Kendo Federation)
People believe that the reason for mastering swordsmanship is to be able to cut down one’s enemies. For myself, however, I seek to master swordsmanship because through it I seek divine principle. Yamaoka Tesshu (19th-century swordsman)
Sunday was a grueling day but very beneficial. The day prior, I was told that my examination for kendo and iaido would take place on Sunday. The only question I had of the Kancho was the time for the exam? I knew Sunday would be regular training in both kendo and iaido. I didn’t want to have the examination take place during class and take away from the other students. I was told it would occur in between sessions or afterward.
The previous weekend was the examination for several students seeking advancement in the dan ranks. I believe the students were testing for their 5th-degree rankings. Two of the participants came from overseas. The dan testing is conducted in front of a panel overseen by the All-Japan Kendo Federation and occurs at select times of the year. My understanding is that members of the federation travel overseas to conduct examinations as well.
None of the members from the Dojo I attend were successful in their examination. I have heard several stories regarding the high standards for testing. Some people have spent a lifetime of practicing and have failed to achieve the higher rankings. That gave me an appreciation of the high standard and dedication that many people continue to show.
I was told several weeks prior that the Kancho felt I was ready to test for my kyu ranking. There are several levels of kyu before the dan rankings. I did not consider being tested during this trip when I began this journey. I have had some experiences in the Dojo in other arts and knew that people generally don’t get tested after being present for six weeks. I took it as an honor that the Kancho felt I was ready. I also looked at it as an excellent experience for my study of performance psychology.
I was initially told the examination would take place next weekend, the final day of training before I flew back home. That changed Saturday, and it was no issue with me. Generally, I get amped up for a test. Obviously, I want to do well in any examination. In preparation for the kendo and iaido test, I had absolute peace of mind. I had no idea what I was going to be tested on and trusted the training and dedication to practice that had taken place since my first day.
Since I was testing for a kyu ranking, the panel of evaluators consisted of the senior members of the Dojo. The standards were set by the All-Japan Kendo Federation to which I would have to meet. As I left the Dojo Saturday, I was asked to come in early on Sunday for a pre-workout session. By the time the class started on Sunday, I had already worked out with a sensei for an hour reviewing the basics. It seemed to me that others were more concerned about the examination that I was. Several people wished me well before the regular class. I wasn’t sure what to make of the comments? Was the exam going to be some deathmatch? What did they know that I didn’t about the examination process?
I feel the peace of mind I had yesterday resulted from several factors. I was really enjoying the process and felt this experience had been rich, whether I passed an examination or not. Also, I was going to do my best, and that is all I could do. I was confident with what I had been taught up to this point. I felt encouraged by the positive comments several people gifted me during the past weeks regarding my attitude, performance, and ability to pick up on things.
The Kancho announced to the class that training would end precisely at noon for the examination. We went through the regular training events until we got to the sparring session. I noticed every sensei I faced was fighting me with more intensity. I was good with that and was able to focus on the moment. It wasn’t until after the sparring session was over that I noticed how worn out I was. After the formal closing of the training session, I was told to get ready for the examination.
I took a quick drink from my water bottle and presented myself in front of the board, consisting of three evaluators. The examination for kendo wasn’t too bad. I was in full Bogo (kendo armor) and was evaluated on a series of individual and combined strikes against an opponent. Each technique was repeated and executed in succession. Finally, I had to spar against an opponent. The Kancho explained the sparring would last for 20 seconds, but I’m sure the time was measured by a sundial or something was lost in translation. We went quite a bit longer than 20 seconds. It was fun, though.
Following the kendo examination, I was told to remove the armor and prepare my katana for the iaido examination. I am glad I have a decent grasp of the Japanese language since all instructions were given in Japanese. I was taught four of the 12 striking patterns with the katana and would be evaluated on them. I was to perform them in order, beginning with presenting my katana and placing it into the ready. At the end of the final form, I was to remove the katana in a formal manner and bow. Each step is a set process and requires attention to detail.
I made one major mistake during the iaido examination. At the closing portion, I removed the katana and placed it before me in the opposite direction. The final thing I had to do was the bow and to stand up. Before standing up, the practitioner recovers the katana. However, I noticed the katana was lying in the wrong direction. I realized then that I had executed the closing portion with the katana incorrectly placed in front of my kneeling position. I paused and then acted. I reinserted the katana into my waistband and then put my hands on my lap as you would do before each move. I then removed the katana and placed it into the proper position and concluded.
Looking back, I’m not too disappointed with how I performed during the examination. Obviously, I would have liked not to have made a mistake. I am glad I caught the error and made the correction. Realizing an error occurred is key to growth. I asked later in the day if that was the correct way to fix a mistake. One of the evaluators pointed out that I had remained calm and never lost my composure and fixed the error. He said that was the most important part. I reflected back to when I used to preside over boards or performance evaluations in the military. I always thought favorable of the individual when they self-corrected an error.
So, did I pass the examination? I really don’t know, to be honest. The feedback I received after the test was positive. The panel also highlighted several areas I need to work on. Overall, their comments attested to my understanding of the basic tenets of kendo and iaido. The experience was my main takeaway and held more meaning personally. As this portion of my journey heads into the final week, I look back and see the personal and professional growth that has taken place. It also gives me something to build upon and use to connect with other performers I may provide consultation.
Pat
