In classical Japanese martial arts (古流武術 – koryū bujutsu), kirigami (切紙) refers not to decorative paper art, but to a specific type of certificate or license, traditionally handwritten on folded or cut paper that is awarded to a student who has mastered a level more or less equivalent to the first kyu class of the ryuha (pre-shoden). It is a basic written acknowledgment of a student’s entry into or progress within a ryuha (martial tradition).
Kirigami is typically the first formal document of transmission in a traditional school. It represents entry-level recognition (often after basic instruction); permission to begin learning the school’s deeper kata or waza; and the student’s acceptance into the tradition, usually after demonstrating sincerity and commitment. It often precedes more advanced scrolls such as the mokuroku (目録) – catalog of techniques; menkyo (免許) – license of proficiency; and menkyo kaiden (免許皆伝) – full transmission.
Usually written on fine washi paper, the kirigami is sometimes folded in half and sometimes literally cut at the bottom edge; hence the name. It may include the student’s name; the teacher’s name and seal; the ryuha (school name); and a short phrase denoting entry or authorization (e.g., “Kirigami wo ataeru” – “I bestow the kirigami”).
Translation
切 (Kiri) means “Cut” while 紙 (Gami / Kami) means “Paper.” Kirigami literally means “cut paper license” but a better translation might be “introductory certificate.”
