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Black Belt Testing - Nidan
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The theme of the Nidan test is Application.
This is ability of the candidates to apply what they have learned in a more combative environment.
Candidates should be able to think on their feet, move, and perform Shuyokan Ryu techniques regardless of whether they are formal techniques or effective moves made up on the spot.
At this level, the candidate should have a repertoire of techniques to use in a variety of situations. The candidate may perform any technique appropriate for the situation and must demonstrate the effectiveness and power of the technique in a proficient manner.
Uke will attack using any of the attacks indicated within the testing group. Attacks will be at full combat speed.
Nidan Examination - Application
Permission to Test
Test Administrator calls the Nidan Candidate
Candidate Introduces Self, States Qualifications and Requests Permission to Test
Sensei Acknowledges
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Kata |
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| Student performs two Katas from the following list: | ||
| Hula O Pohaku Koa – Walu Ekaihi Hula O Pohaku Koa – Walu Elua |
Shuyokan Jo Kata – 22 Moves Student-created Kata |
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Each Kata is performed three (3) times. Once at a normal speed without Uke(s), |
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1. Student performs 1st Kata
2. Student performs 2nd Kata
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Ground Techniques |
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3. Round House Punch, Soto Makikomi, Katami Waza #1 4. Front Strike, Ippon Seoinage, Katami Waza #2 |
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Empty Hand Attacks |
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5. Grabbing Technique 6. Grabbing Technique 7. Striking Technique 8. Striking Technique |
9. Punching Technique 10. Punching Technique 11. Choking Technique 12. Choking Technique |
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Weapon Attacks - One on One (Uke Has Weapon) |
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13. Club Technique 14. Club Technique 15. Knife Technique 16. Knife Technique |
17. Gun Technique 18. Gun Technique |
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Weapon Defense - Two on One (Shite has Weapon) |
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19. Weapon Defense 20. Weapon Defense |
21. Weapon Defense 22. Weapon Defense |
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Freestyle |
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Two on One (Both Ukes Have Weapons) Two on One (All Empty Hand) - Exhaustive |
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Nidan Test Format
General
The Shodan test is a formal test designed to allow the judges to evaluate the ability of the candidate. The test will be conducted by a Test Administrator.
Sensei will assign Ukes for the test at the time of the examination. Shite should practice for the examination with several different Ukes. Ukes may be changed anytime during the test.
Permission To Test
When requested, the candidate should state their name, current rank, time in grade, training hours in rank and the rank for which they are testing. This will be followed by a formal request to test. Sensei will acknowledge.
Kata
Following the permission to test, the candidate will request the name of the first of two Katas to be performed. Sensei will respond. Upon completion of the first Kata, the candidate will request the name of the second Kata. Sensei will respond.
Ground Techniques
The candidate will perform both techniques indicated on the test sheet. Ukes will initiate the attacks at their own discretion.
Empty Hand Techniques
The Test Administrator shall announce the type of attack (i.e., a grabbing attack). Uke shall initiate the attack at their own discretion from a distance of approximately 10-15 feet. A second attack shall be made immediately, and as fast as possible. The Test Administrator shall then announce the next attack. The table below indicates the acceptable attacks for each category.
Weapon Attack Techniques
Test Administrator requests Sensei to select first weapon attack. Uke picks up weapon and immediately attacks until told to stop (Matte). Test Administrator stops attacks and requests Sensei to select second weapon attack. Uke picks up weapon and immediately attacks until told to stop (Matte).
Weapon Defense Techniques
Test Administrator requests Sensei to select first weapon defense. Shite picks up weapon and returns to the center of the mat. Uke immediately attacks empty hand until told to stop (Matte). Test Administrator requests Sensei to select second weapon defense. Shite picks up weapon and returns to the center of the mat. Uke immediately attacks empty hand until told to stop (Matte).
Freestyle
The Test Administrator requests Sensei to select weapons for Ukes. As soon as the weapons are selected, attacks will be initiated. Should Shite capture a weapon from an Uke, Shite may use that weapon for defense. Sensei shall stop the freestyle (Matte). An exhaustive second free-style may be ordered at Sensei's discretion.
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Empty Hand Techniques |
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Grabbing |
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Single Wrist Cross Wrist Both Wrists Behind Single Wrist Behind Both Wrists Rear Bear Hug (Under Arms) Rear Bear Hug (Over Arms) Front Both Shoulders (pull in close) |
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Striking |
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Front Side Backhand Side Elbow Alternating Strikes (left-right-left-right) |
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Punching |
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Face Body Roundhouse Shoulder Grasp - Face Behind Shoulder Pull - Face Combination Jabs (Boxing-style) Left- & Right-hand Front Snap Kick with Straight Punch |
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Choking |
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Straight Arm Rear Neck Lock Side Head Lock Read Neck with Wrist Grab |
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Shuyokai Nidan Test Supplement
- All time in grade requirements and training hours must be documented and presented at the time of testing.
- The Shuyokai Nidan Test must be performed either at the Shuyokan Ryu Hombu dojo, at the Shuyokai dojo under the supervision of a representative from the Hombu dojo, or upon prior approval of Hombu, on DVD for review by Sensei Dye and a board of black belts at the Hombu dojo.
- As least 50% or more of the techniques performed on this test must be Shuyokan Ryu techniques. The balance may be made up of Shuyokai techniques.
- The Test Administrator shall direct all activities of the candidate relating to positioning, attacks and defenses. Candidates shall focus on the directions and pay particular attention to the tempo of the test.
- When requested, and in a manner customary to the Shuyokai dojo, the candidate should a state their name, current rank, time in grade, training hours in rank and the rank for which they are testing. This will be followed by a formal request to test. Sensei will acknowledge.
Shuyokan Sayings
"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. --- Muhammad Ali"


