That was the question. Which waza? I’m assuming we’re talking about ZNKR iaido or jodo. The answer is that it depends on the level of the grading, and the waza being assessed. For the Kendo federation there are places you can look. The points for Grading and Refereeing (pages 35-39 in the 2009 edition) sometimes called the “check points” are an indication of what the ZNKR wants examiners to look at. These are not the only points, and each examiner will look at what they wish. All examiners are independent on the panel, they are instructed not to be unfair, not to take notice of who is demonstrating, not to take direction from the head judge or anyone else, not to look at each other’s scores, and not to discuss the grading with the students afterward.
So what can a judge say when asked about the test? I was instructed by several hanshi during our several judging seminars at the May Seminar to say, “Ask your sensei.”
You see, the judges look to see if you are above or below a minimum standard for that rank. Training of the judges and experience tell them if your performance is there or not. Specific points are rather discouraged, because that leads to lazy judging, oh his tip was too low… fail.
In general, judges look for reasons to pass up to 3dan. 4 and 5 are to demonstrate technique, 6-7 means other things come into play, like a demonstration of long practice (and what that looks like) and 8dan from 7, taking 10 years between is “riai”.
So it is to be hoped that your panel is looking at more than just the assessment points. Judges can take into account things such as age and physical condition, for instance.
Here is the Jodo judges manual I wrote based on several judging seminars. You may find it useful, or it may just confuse things.
Ask your sensei.
Seito Bugei Juku 