Godan Dilemma 2007
In my years here in Japan I must have seen several thousand 5th dan tests.
Recently, there has developed a general opinion amongst a few members of the Honbu that the quality of this test has dwindled. This is not the case with everyone, but I fear that I have been witness to too much of the lack of basics in people who are taking this test. This is either due to the devaluation of this rank, or the lack of Shidoshi or Shihan preparing students for this test. Ultimately, the ability to pass the test is up to the individual, and really, this test can passed by someone with little or no training with the right strike of good luck. But, we are studying Budo here and need to be solid in our basics so that we do not cheat ourselves in our endless pursuit of the martial arts. A godan candidate, being a 4th dan, should have an exceptional understanding and internalization of the proper dynamics of distance. Unfortunately, it seems that more often than not, many people do not and sit for the test in a very incorrect distance. Proper distance must be determined and calculated, and if you are causing the cutter of the test to adjust the distance, then in MHO you should not be taking this test in the first place. Lately, Soke has been having 15th dans give the test. This has been an interesting experience as well. This test (as Soke has said many times) is not about the test giver, nor about the taker. It is nothing. I fear to say that it seems that some test givers have never picked up a sword. But maybe this does not matter.
If you are sitting the test-please don’t cheat yourself. Make sure you are ready. This is the responsibility of you and your Shidoshi/Shihan.
June 7, 2007 at 9:56 am
An interesting post Doug, Personally, I think the test is a ‘handing over’ of responsibility for a candidate’s training from their personal teacher to themselves as budoka, and to Soke and the Bujinkan community.
As you rightly point out, it’s a teacher’s responsibility to make sure that any yondan they put forward for the test is fully ready. Not being able to judge cutting distance is not a good sign but then, a pass is a pass and a fail is a fail. The sword decides in the end.
June 9, 2007 at 4:58 am
My last trip to Japan I saw a tester hit some candles in the kamidana, if you are taking the test please leave enough room so the tester does not threaten any of the artifacts there on.
June 9, 2007 at 9:56 pm
From my own experience, I can add that giving the test is similar as taking the test. The attitude is what matters, thinking and calculating is out of question. You move when it is time to move. Therefore, the fact that some “givers” obviously never picked up a sword is irrelevant…even if it makes me mad.
June 18, 2007 at 7:35 am
It is only my meaning but if someone cuts your head, you should not get a second chance. Death is death. Same in Life if you are not ready to catch the right moment it can destroy yourself. Its a rythm, its a timing, its also balance. Same with playing in instrument if you do not get the right notes you will have the result of a bad song.But anyway people think different and Hatsumi sensei will teach us the good and the bad. We should thrust him.