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Konjaku Kioi Judging Standards

These guides are for students and instructors at the Konjaku Kioi dojo and any competitors in taikai sponsored by the dojo. 

• Acting As A Judge (Shinpan) 
• Acting As A Witness (Tachiainin) 
• Judgment of Tameshigiri 
• Standard Cutting Patterns
• Judgment of Kata

Judgment of Tameshigiri

Tameshigiri should be numerically scored based on the Judging Standards For Cutting.  Scores start at zero and go negative.   Each cut may have multiple deductions.  Emphasis of certain aspects of a cutting pattern should be based on the Standard Cutting Patterns. The scoring criteria from the Judging Standards for Posture should only be used when two competitors have tied.

Judging Standards For Cutting

Minus 20 Points (4 cases)

1. Angle slightly off
2. A little jolt on stand
3. A little yama (mountain shape) on wara
4. Wara leans after cut

Minus 30 Points (6 cases)

1. Incorrect angle
2.  A big jolt on stand
3.  Yama (mountain shape)
4.  Made wara loose
5.  Shakuri (rounded or cupped cut)
6.  Leave strands of wara at end of cut

Minus 50 Points (7 cases)

1. Very bad angle
2. Stand almost knocked over
3. Leaving big yama (mountain shape)
4. Cut completely, but wara knocked off stand (on last cut)
5. Bad Shakuri (rounded or cupped cut)
6. Piece of cut wara still attached
7. Cut thin piece of wara that flies apart

Shikkaku (Disqualified) (9 cases)

1. Unable to cut through wara
2. Cut air (completely miss)
3. Knocked over cutting stand
4. Cut peg or stand
5. Incorrect cutting pattern
6. Hit floor with sword or drop sword
7. Bend sword, unable to notoh (sheath sword)
8. Injure oneself (any blood)
9. Cut over forward leg

Levels of Deduction

Deductions vary with the severity of the problem.  If the angle of a cut is only slightly off, the deduction is -20 points.  If it is not even close, the deduction can be -50 points.  This section shows what angles are acceptable and what deductions should be given.  While there might not seem much difference between the angles, they may be the only difference between two competitors.

Kesa / Gyaku Kesa Angle Deductions

The proper angle for Kesa or Gyaku Kesa cut is 45 degrees.  It is important to properly score each cut in a pattern as they occur.  This angle chart must be studied carefully.

Yokosuihei Angle Deductions

Yokosuihei should be perfectly flat.  It is easier to judge than 45 degrees and deviations are easier to score.  It is the last cut of Godangiri, Rokudangiri and Namigaeshi, but should not be over emphasized over the other cuts.

Yama (mountain shape) Deduction

Yama are very common and minor yama sometimes difficult to see.  Any Yama should cause at least a -20 point deduction even if it is very small.  Judges should watch for Yama on the first cut and whenever cuts change angles.

Shakuri (rounded or cupped cut) Deductions

Shakuri (rounded or cupped cut) have a -30 point deduction.  Severe cases should have a -50 point deduction.  The first sign of Shakuri is often a harsh impact sound.

Judging Standards for Posture

Minus 20 Points (4 cases)

1. One’s back is not straight when standing
2. Make noise or move roughly when moving
3. Improper stance (Iaigosh)
4. Made Shamisenbori (Round style) notoh (sheathing)

Minus 30 Points (5 cases)

1. Bend elbow when cutting
2. Bend back when cutting Gyaku (reverse cut)
3. Kensaki (point) is up when finished cutting Gyaku (reverse cut)
4. Left arm off center (out of position) when cutting
5. Dropping shoulder when cutting

Minus 50 Points (1 case)

1. Sword too close to shoulder when cutting Gyaku (this is called Katsugu)