Unified Shinsa Criteria (for Godan and below) - 2018
Dan/KyūGradeFormal Movement(Taihai)

Shooting Principles and Shooting Skill(Shahō-Shagi)

Remarks

The shooting form (Shakei), the shooting technique (Shajitsu) and the formal
movement (Taihai) should be consistent with the principles of shooting (Shahō)and refinement (Shahin) should be apparent. In particular, progress should beshown over the previous levels.
Godan

Consistency of all themovements (Kikyo-Shintai)
with the criterion of shooting.
Composure in deportment andattitude.
Correct wearing of Wafuku
and performance of Hadanugi/Tasuki-sabaki. (Zasha)

Firm maintaining of the basic body form
(Kihontaikei).
Use of Tatesen as axis in Hikiwake.
Fulfilment of the spirit in Kai. Tsumeai, Nobiai.
Sharp Hanare obtained by the motion of focused
spiritual energy (Kiai), Tsurune, Zanshin andYudaoshi.
Dignity and refinement expressed in the shooting
combined with the Taihai into a unified whole.

The shooting form (Shakei) is better established and the formal movement(Taihai) is more stable. There should be correct breathing, the application of theshooting technique (Shajitsu) should be consistent with the principles of shooting(Shahō) and Hanare should be sharp. Consistency should be reached in hitting
the Mato (Tekichū).
YondanSandan

Good command of Taihai andcoordination with Ikiai.
Proper performance of theshooting sequence (shootingprocedure in Shinsa,coordination (Ma) with thetiming of others, handling ofShitsu, etc.).

Tateyoko-Jūmonji and Gojū-Jūmonji.
Correct breathing and consistency in the applicationof Shajitsu with Shahō.
Stability of the Spirit (and Mind) and fullness ofspiritual energy (Kiryoku) in Kai. Tsumeai, Nobiai.
Working of Tenouchi (correct Yugaeri), sharpness ofHanare and focus of spiritual energy (Kiai) inZanshin.

The shooting form (Shakei) is better established and the formal movement(Taihai) is more stable. The breathing is ordered and the application of theshooting technique (Shajitsu) follows the principles of shooting (Shahō). The
arrow should fly straight, and there should be more consistency in hitting theMato (Tekichū).
Coordination of the basic
postures and movements withthe breathing. Composure indeportment. Mezukai.
Correct application of theshooting procedure for Shinsa.

Correct application of Shajitsu following theShahō-Hassetsu.
Correct Ashibumi and Dōzukuri. Gojū-Jūmonji.
Working of Tenouchi (Yugaeri), Yazuka, Hōzuke,Munazuru and Matozuke.
Hanare, Zanshin, and arrow flight (Yatobi).

Both the shooting form (Shakei) and formal movement (Taihai) should have goodarrangement with evidence of spiritual energy (Kiryoku) in the application of theshooting technique (Shajitsu). There should be less uncertainty in the placing ofthe arrows (Yadokoro).
Nidan

Sound execution of the basic
postures and movements
including Toriyumi no Shisei,Yatsugae, the way of moving
the feet, etc.

Progress in establishing Sanjū-Jūmonji andGojū-Jūmonji.
Presence of Kiryoku in the application of Shajitsu.
Direction of Hanare and presence of Kiryoku inZanshin.
No assessment of Tekichū.

If Hazukobore
occurs, judgement
will be based on theremaining arrow.
Dropping twoarrows is considereda fail. (This applies
to Shodan andNidanexaminations.)

The shooting form (Shakei) and the formal movement (Taihai) should beconsistent with the standard form. There should not be disarray in the placing ofthe arrows (Yadokoro).
ShodanConsistency of the posturesand movements with the basicstandard form.
Moderate behaviour.

Consistency in the performance of theShahō-Hassetsu according to the standard form.
Smooth Hikiwake, effort in Kai, energetic Hanare,presence of Kiryoku in Zanshin.
Correct posture after Yudaoshi.
If the Ya drops off the Yamakura, it is not considered
an issue.

Shooting form (Shakei) and formal movement (Taihai) should be mostly correct.

Ikkyū

Relative consistency of thepostures and movements withthe basic standard form.
Handling of the Yumi-Ya.

Relative consistency in the performance of theShahō-Hassetsu according to the standard form.

If Hazukobore
occurs, judgement
will be based on theremaining arrow.
If both arrows fall,
judgement will bebased on a thirdarrow. If the arrow
drops again, theresult will be a fail.
(This applies to all
Kyū examinations.)

Compared to Sankyū, there should be noticeable progress in the degree oftraining received.
Nikyū

Sankyū

Considerable progress in thepostures and movements
compared to Sankyū.

Ability to perform the Shahō-Hassetsu almost
without mistakes.

The basic movements of the shooting and the handling of the Yumi-Ya aregradually improving, showing that the candidate has been training undersystematic instruction.
Ability to execute the basic movements and basic handling of the Yumi-Ya following
the instruction received.
Ability to perform the Shahō-Hassetsu almost in sequence.
Systematic instruction is being received and progress demonstrated in thehandling of the Yumi-Ya.

Yonkyū

Evidence of progress in the candidate’s behaviour inside the Dojo and in the handlingof the Yumi-Ya.
Ability to perform the shooting safely.
The candidate is at the first stage of Kyudo training.

GokyūThe level of Yonkyū is not reached.

Note 1: The upper criteria written in bold for each Dan/Kyū are quoted from Article 8 (Qualification Criteria for Dan/KyūGrades) of the Shinsa Regulations.
Note 2: During examinations, candidates will be overall assessed in view of the different elements of the Shinsa unified
criteria stated above.