General

Shintaido examinations are held with the rigor and formality that is characteristic of most traditional martial arts: throughout the ceremony, strong concentration and particular attention to etiquette is requested not only from the the examinees, but also from all who are present. More than anything, however, Shintaido examinees are expected to burst into their fullest expression and to give themselves completely to their demonstration. While technical mastery of the forms is essential for promotion, the strong commitment to active expression is a far more important quality that must be demonstrated at any rank.

Examination Format

Examinations often take place during a gasshuku or other special event. Examinations may also be scheduled as a stand alone event. An examinee has applied for a specific rank and appears before an examination jury to perform the required techniques, which are called out by the goreisha. The latter directs the procedure of the examination and serves as a facilitator between the examinee and the jury, which may require the presence of at least one general instructor, in addition to one or several senior instructors. The jury may ask to see the examinee demonstrate techniques that lie beyond the scope of the requested rank. Exams in several disciplines may be taken consecutively.

For specific information of Shintaido of America Curriculum, please see each of the following:

Member FAQ on Examinations

• What diplomas are offered by SOA? 
• Why does SOA offer examinations?
• When does a person consider becoming an instructor or assistant?
• How do I schedule to take an exam?

• Reporting results of examinations

Examination Resources

Examination Handbooks:

SOA Examination Book v2025 has details about the examination process.

Examinees interested in challenging for 3rd-dan and above will find the International Technical and Exam Committee requirements for examinations (v2026 -PDF) useful.

Necessary Forms:

Print and fill out all relevant PDF forms and give to your instructor:

Exam Registration:  SOA Exam Registration Form
Required for students challenging for an SOA rank.

Shintaido Assistant Level: Application – Assistant Level

Shintaido Graduate Level: Application – Graduate Level

​SOA Exam Fee Structure

To challenge for any examination, you must be a fully paid member of SOA. Pay dues here: SOA Store /Dues

Visit the SOA Store/ Exam Fees to pay the necessary total fee(s) for all examinations you wish to challenge for using the following Fee Schedule:

Current as of January 2025

NOTE: Graduate/Shodan and Instructor/Nidan exam fees include an SOA Examination Licensing/Diploma Fee. If the examinee does not pass, the appropriate diploma fee will be refunded.

Above Nidan / Instructor, examinations and licensing fees are handled directly by the International Technical and Examination Committee (ITEC). These examinations are available during International gasshukus.

For International Shintaido Groups, please view our Affiliates and Partners page to locate your local shintaido group.

WHAT DIPLOMAS ARE OFFERED BY SOA

National-level certification is awarded to qualified applicants challenging for examination as Assistant, Graduate and to nidan level in karate, bojutsu, and kenjutsu. Instructors are encouraged to advance their practice and when offered attend advanced workshops.

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WHY DOES SOA OFFER EXAMINATIONS?

SOA offers examinations so that members can choose to be examined for technical proficiency, evaluation of their comprehension of Shintaido curriculum, and to demonstrate their skills. Preparation for examinations fosters an incentive to study, effective management of time, and how to handle the pressure of examinations. Results from completing examinations provides information on further areas to study, as well as the self-discovery of one’s own capability and resilience.

SOA offers examinations for positions in Shintaido core curriculum and ranks to nidan in shintaido karate, shintaido bojutsu, and shintaido kenjutsu.

Visit SOA Curriculum for details about the Shintaido of America’s curriculum subjects.

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WHEN DOES A PERSON CONSIDER BECOMING AN INSTRUCTOR OR ASSISTANT?

After reaching a certain level of practice, some practitioners will wish to further develop their own keiko by working with a group. They may then apply to become Assistants or Instructors. This means that they are willing to take on greater responsibilities.

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HOW DO I SCHEDULE EXAMS?

SoA exams may be given in conjunction with a gasshuku or independently. To schedule exams, contact the Chair of the National Technical Council.

Examination fees are charged by SoA. One third of exam fees go to SoA;  two-thirds are divided among the formally identified examiners, who will be signing the diplomas (when diplomas are given).

For requirements for examiners, review with the Chair of National Technical’ Council. See above for current fee schedule. Also read the examination booklet for more in-depth information. (SOA Examination Book v2025)

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REPORTING RESULTS OF EXAMINATIONS

The organizer of the event selects an exam coordinator. This person reports examination results to the NTC chair, who records the results in the SOA examination record (currently on SOA Google Drive). The SOA membership chair ensures with the NTC chair that results are recorded.

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