The Shinsa is a person who judges the test performance in Iaido. For each series exists
testing rules which the Shinsa must follow. In order to become a Shinsa (judge) you must
be at least Nidan in Iaido.
1) A Sandan Shinsa may be part of the group of judges for Shoden and Nidan
testing.
2) A Yodan Shinsa may be part of the group of judges for Shoden, Nidan and
Sandan testing.
3) A Godan Shinsa may be part of the group of judges for Shoden, Nidan, Sandan
and Yodan testing.
4) A Rokudan Shinsa may be part of the group of judges for Shoden, Nidan,
Sandan, Yodan and Godan testing.
5) A Sichidan ou Hachidan Shinsa may be part of the group of judges for Shoden,
Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan and Rokudan testing.
6) The president of the Federation will select the group of judges for each testing
session.
7) If the judges disagree among themselves concerning a test, the Shinsa will meet
in a private place to discuss the final outcome.
8) Shinsas never discuss the test performance in front of the students and during the
test.
9) Each Shinsa will receive a document with judging guidelines to follow for each
Iaido series.
10) During testing the Shinsas must follow the Code of Ethics, sit with your back
straight, don’t make funny faces and behave in a professional manner during
testing. The Shinsa must follow the Shinas’ rules and regulations impartially.
11) The president of the Federation may award a rank without consulting with the
Shinsas.
12) Shinsas must attend at least two seminaries per year given by the president of the
Federation during which he gives further details in regards to testing.
13) In order to become a Shinsa, first an application form must be completed and a
Shinsa certificate must be obtained.
14) The Shinsa Certificate may be revoked at any time by the President of the
Federation in case of violation of the rules and regulations of the Federation.
15) There are rules to be observed for each Iaido series:
Shinsa rules for Shoden
Shinsa rules for Chuden
Shinsa rules for Okuden (Sawari Waza)
Shinsa rules for Okuden (Tachi Waza)
Shins rules for Keishi Ryu
Shinsa rules for Seiti Iai of the Kendo Federation
Shinsa rules for Seiti Iai of the Iaido Federation
Shinsa rules for Shindo Munen Ryu, series 1 to 10
Shinsa rules for Shindo Munen Ryu, series A, 1 to 10
Shinsa rules for Shindo Munen Ryu, series B, 1 to 20
Shinsa rules for Toyama Ryu
Shinsa rules for Oku Iai No Kata
Shinsa rules for Eishin Ryu
Shinsa rules for Bangai No Bu
Shinsa rules for Tamachigiri beginners
Shinsa rules for Tamachigiri intermediate level
Shinsa rules for Tamachigiri advances level
Shinsa’s Code of Ethics
16) For testing, the Shihan as well as the chosen Shinsas must be present.
17) If the Shihan of the Federation is unavailable, he will assign a high rank Shinsa
who will act as the principal judge. The Shihan also assigns the Shinsas for the
testing.
