In order to participate in Yabusame competitions you must receive your level 3 License. In order to receive this license you must participate in a Yabusame clinic, pass the written exam and the ridden exam. If you want to move on to pass your level 2 exam you must participate in 6 Yabusame competitions and receive and endorsement from your instructor. Your ridden exams are first graded by your instructor and then submitted to the Japan Yabusame Federation for final decision.

 

Beginner level and Intermediate level include only side shots, which you are tested on for your level 3 exam. To move up from beginner to advanced you must compete in beginner at a championship or higher level and place as well as have endorsements from instructors, and demonstrate the correct form. Moving up at Japanese competitions requires approval from the Japan Yabusame Federation. To move from Intermediate to Advanced you must pass your level 2 license and compete in 12 competitions and win 2, and place in several.

 

Moving up requires demonstrated dedication to Yabusame Tradition (Form, Attitude and Style) as well as endorsements from instructors and the Japan Yabusame Federation. Individuals can move up from Advanced to Professional only after many years of competition, and demonstrated dedication to Yabusame and the community. 

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