2026.6 KENDOJIDAI
Passing a high-level Dan examination—especially the 8th Dan examination—requires far more than technical proficiency alone. Candidates must demonstrate dignity, presence, and natural strikes born from effective seme. We spoke with Hichiwa-sensei about preparation for these examinations, from the approach to daily keiko to the mindset required on the day itself, while exploring the principles that lie at the heart of Kendo.
Hichiwa Toshifumi, Kyoshi 8th Dan
Approach the Examination with Complete Preparation and Firm Resolve
At the Kanagawa Kendo Federation, where I serve as Vice President, we regularly hold training seminars for candidates preparing to take the 8th Dan examination. At a recent seminar, our Honorary Advisor, Ajiro Tadahiro-sensei, delivered a lecture on the dignity and presence expected of those worthy of the rank of 8th Dan.
The point that particularly resonated with me, and which relates directly to the theme of preparation, was that dignity and presence cannot be summoned on the day of the examination. They are qualities cultivated over time. Through one’s daily keiko—including proper appearance, kamae, seme, and datotsu—there should be something that naturally leads others to think, “That person is surely an 8th Dan.”
The 8th Dan examination is an extraordinarily narrow gate, with a pass rate of less than one percent. In other words, candidates must stand out among hundreds of examinees and demonstrate something exceptional. To succeed, it is essential to arrive fully prepared—not only to perform at one’s usual level, but to bring forth even more on the day of the examination.
From time to time, I see candidates at the examination venue who spend the time before their Tachiai visibly unsettled and unable to compose themselves. Such behavior not only draws attention but can also prevent them from displaying their true ability once they step onto the court. It is important to settle your mind before entering the venue. Once you are there, you must commit yourself fully and face the examination with resolve.
Seek the Strike of an 8th Dan Through Keiko that Receives Ki
In a tachiai, the examiners evaluate far more than dignity and presence. They look at the entire process—from whether a candidate can overcome the opponent through seme, to the recognition of striking opportunities, posture, tenouchi, and zanshin. Candidates must develop a clear understanding of this sequence and refine their ability to embody it through daily keiko.
The crucial point is that these must be the seme and strikes of an 8th Dan. What may be sufficient at the 7th Dan level will not be enough at the 8th Dan examination.
To develop the kind of valid strike expected of an 8th Dan, keiko must go beyond simply “striking and being struck.” What matters is understanding the process that leads to the strike and the workings behind it. When practising with senior teachers, particularly those of exceptional ability, I believe the shortest path is to seek what might be called “keiko for receiving ki.”
I experienced this myself while preparing for my 7th Dan examination. At the time, Konakazawa Tatsuo-sensei kindly gave me keiko almost every week. I would throw myself forward with a spirited Men strike, and Sensei would respond. I would immediately return to my original position and strike again with a loud “Ya! Men!” We repeated this practice over and over.
One day, Sensei asked me, “Hiichiwa-kun, are you planning to take the 8th Dan examination?” With that single question, I felt as though I had grasped something important. I realized that this was the correct way to train—that the essence of Kendo lay here. Rather than relying on various techniques such as Kote or Do, I devoted myself to building and releasing my spirit, striking Men again and again. Through that accumulation of practice, I believe I was able to receive something of Sensei’s spirit.
Konakazawa-sensei was a graduate of Busen (Butoku Senmon Gakko, the Martial Arts Vocational School of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai), and he carried the distinctive bearing often seen in teachers of that generation. To have received even a small part of that spirit through keiko was an irreplaceable experience—one that, I feel, touched upon the deeper mysteries of Kendo itself.
Let Technique Emerge Naturally
Creating Something from Nothing
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