Rules to the Examiners

Description

The Candidate is required to know the Japanese names of the technique. If the Candidate excessively requests for the English description, the examination should be stopped. Special circumstances may constitute leniency of this rule.
The Candidate needs to demonstrate appropriate confidence, determination, self-control, adaptability, and concentration. The manifestation of these characteristics changes with experience, do not expect Nidan confidence from a Shodan Candidate.
The Candidate should perform the techniques effectively, smoothly, and according to the prescribed method(s) in the Kata Manual when possible.
The Candidate should kiai appropriately.
The Candidate may request to repeat any technique. Examiners will base judgment of the technique on the repeat. If a Candidate excessively asks for repeats the examination should be stopped.
When a section or list has been completed, the Examiners may ask the Caller to have the Candidate repeat specific techniques. To reduce the time required during an examination, the Examiners should limit requests for repeats to a maximum of three techniques (six techniques in Shinnin for Nidan and Sandan). The Examiner may include a request for any technique within the Candidate's requirements as part of the repeat process. The Examiners may also ask the Candidate specific questions about the technique or list (please be clear on what you are asking).
Scoring will be "Pass or Fail" on each of the arts tested.
If the Candidate fails a technique or list, the Examiner will give a written reason for failure.
When documenting the reason for failure, Examiners should use clear language based on observed actions and technique. Examiners should avoid references to intangible concepts such as "shin" and "spirit". In these cases, Examiners should focus on directing the Candidate to work on specific items that aid in the development of the associated esoteric principles.
At any time the examiner feels the Candidate may not pass the examination, they should conference with the other examiners. The examiners will confer and determine if the examination will continue or should be stopped, and the Candidate will have failed.
For a Shodan exam: the examination will be stopped when two thirds of the examiners have failed the Candidate on more than one (1) technique on the same list or more than five (5) techniques on the entire exam. For a Nidan exam: the rules are the same as a Shodan exam, except for the Shinnin list. The examination will be stopped when two thirds of the examiners have failed the Candidate on more than two (2) techniques on the Shinnin list.
If the examiners feel that the Uke is having a negative impact on the examination, they should suggest to the Candidate to use a new Uke.
An oral exam will be given and graded at the time of the physical exam. The oral exam should cover philosophy, general knowledge, the Esoteric Principles of Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu, and the AJJF.
There shall be no teaching on the mat during the examination.
Examiners may not use negative comments, facial expressions or tone of voice to discourage the Candidate.
The examiners may not discuss subjects that are unrelated to the examination.
Examiners should be fair and unbiased, with no double standards in judging.
The exam room may be cleared if requested by the Candidate, the Manager of Examinations, the Regional Examinations Coordinator, or any examiner.
Kappo: For Shodan and Nidan examinations, examiners should refrain from questioning the applicant regarding the physiological theories behind the techniques; it is sufficient for these ranks to merely be able to perform the physical techniques.

Contacts

Senior Professor
Board of Professors
Examinations Committee Chair - regarding exam procedures

These documents are found within this School handbook: