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I. Registration
Make sure you can write your name in Japanese and basic information like your Iaido ryu. The two most popular are Musou Shinden Ryu (夢想神伝流）Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (無双直伝英信流). You'll be assigned a number to pin to your gi.
II. Kata
They'll split you by level, and you'll sit seiza in rows of five. Each row staggers and simultaneously performs kata before a panel of judges.
Ikkyu and Below: Five forms of your choice from Renmei Iai
Shodan: Five forms of your choice from Renmei Iai plus a written test
Nidan and Sandan: Five the judges announce from Renmei Iai plus a written test
Yondan and Godan: Four the judges announce from Renmei plus a Koryu form of your choice, and the written test
III. Written Test
The numbers of those who pass the kata portion have their numbers announced. They line you up by rank and hand out test papers. For Shodan to Sandan they give you three questions beforehand, and on the day of the test the judges pick two. Past questions have been:
Write all the Renmei kata in order.
Write the philosophy and attitude of kendo.
Draw and label at least 10 items on a sword.
Write the reason you started Iaido and what effect its practice has had on you.
For my Shodan we got the renmei and sword parts, and everyone was relieved. There are more difficult questions as you progress. Here are some of the questions for Yondan - Godan.
As an instructor of Iaido, how would you explain "kokorogamae"? (Attitude)
Explain "Shinkiryoku no icchi" (Harmony between mind and spirit)
Explain the meaning and significant points of Renmeiiai kata Sanbonme "Ukenagashi".
IV. Result
The passing numbers are posted on a bulletin board. Usually there is some kind of demonstration as well, or a Kodansha Geiko (special practice for Godan Iaidoka and above) Once two Sensei did kata with live blades-- it was hair-raisingly intense. Everything usually ends with a bowing ceremony, and the members of the dojo go catch lunch somewhere.
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