To Succeed in Your 7th Kyu Grading, you must be able to demonstrate a fundamental level of Ken Sabaki (Sword Control) and Kirioroshi, Reiho and the initial understanding of Zanshin.
For 6th Kyu, the technical difficulty lifts slightly, there should be an overall improvement in technique from 7th Kyu focusing on Furikaburi, and the beginning principles of pressure (Seme) and Distance (Maai) should be on display.
Again the technical difficulty increases, the Iaidoka should focus on Nukitsuke and start to think about Jo Ha Kyu, at 5th Kyu we also start to look at the principles of Metsuke no Enzan.
4th Kyu is a step up in difficulty and Chiburi is the primary focus, the new elements that come into practice is the first look at Okuden Nukitsuke and Noto, There should be an attempt to bring Jo-Ha-Kyu into all elements of your waza from this point.
For 3rd Kyu, the iaidoka is able to perform all Waza at a good competent level, focusing on Noto is the key point and demonstrating Jo-Ha-Kyu, Seme, Maai and Zanshin.
2nd Kyu it is important to keep polishing technique, particular detail must be given to Sayabiki and removing unnesesary movement from waza, a relaxed but focused composure should be on display at all times.
For Ikkyu the Iaidoka is now an accomplished swordsperson in their own right, Maai and Seme are the primary focus, practice is a matter of course, the student should continue working on all elements of Iai and bring all elements together.
Shodan-ho, the first part of the 1st dan rank, the Iaidoka must show an accomplished level of competency, with a display of knowledge of all elements when undertaking waza at all times.
This is the point that all of the three years previous training has been about, the Iaidoka should now be ready to easily show all elements of Iai and will be fully ready to call themselves a swordsan (Kenshi).
