Hanshi - The path to 8th dan: Tonami Sunao Hanshi Part .1

“If there is a good strike that is made with a fully committed waza, I would give a passing grade.”

                                                                                                         -Tonami Sunao

                  High level dan grading examinations match duration times are decided at 1 minute for 6th dan, 1 minute 30 seconds for 7th dan, and two minutes for 8th dan.  If within this very short exam time you are struck with a yukodatotsu strike even once, it is very difficult to retain the control of the match. With this uneasiness, it requires a great deal of bravery to make a fully committed strike.

                  Tonami Hanshi says that if you are able to strike “in the instant when it feels right to me,” then you will have made a good impression. Moreover, “Even if the strike is not yukodatotsu, but the movements of the strike are made with great spirit and are fully committed, then it may get a passing grade.” The judges are waiting for strikes made at the opportune moment. Furthermore, the strike must also strike a chord in the hearts of the judges.

                  The mental state of the examinee is wanting to make a yukodatotsu well, while not being struck. However, by simply breaking down the opponent and making a yukodatotsu strike is not enough to move the judges. It requires the courage to look for learn the moment when you really feel that ‘this is it’ without being overly concerned with a yukodatotsu strike. 
 

Hanshi - The Path to 8th Dan

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