Information about JTA membership and exams via the Chidori Temari Group

- Preparing for Examination -

About me (Ai M.) and my position: I hold a Japan Temari Association (JTA) Kyoujyu (Level 4) certificate. I am also a Shibucho (leader of an area or group) in JTA. Currently, I do not work with L1 and L2 members directly. (Please ask if you need to find any JTA Shihan or Kyoujyu to work with.)

** Click here to see my fee:

About submissions: Please ask and follow your teacher’s instructions. This page is only intended to provide examination information that we have received from JTA, along with some additional suggestions I have learned from previous experience.

 
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== JTA Examination Information ==
(  Red-colored info below is actual JTA information; the rest is helpful information for you to consider.)

" Honka Shuuryou " (Basic course/Level 1):
Certificate for completing the basic course.

1) One clear photograph of a Simple-4 Division Temari, stitched in Shikaku/Masu Kagari (Squares) 
2) One clear photograph of a Simple-6 Division Temari, stitched in Mitsubane-Kikkou (Hexagon and Tri-Wing)
3) One clear photograph of a Simple-8 Division Temari, stitched in Jyouge Douji(Concurrent North-South Pole Pattern).
4) One clear photograph of a Simple-12 Division Temari, stitched in Uwagake Chidori Kagari (Kiku design).
A basic Kiku design is recommended, using regular Uwagake Chidori Kagari. Variations of Uwagake Chidori Kagari are not appropriate for Level 1 submission.

The main points of this level of certification are: mastering several basic stitches, simple divisions, and symmetry around the ball. 

Mari Size: About 25cm circumference (plus or minus 2cm).
Thread: Pearl cotton #5 or similar is recommended. (Thickest size is No.3; no limits for thinner size.)




" Koutouka Shuuryou "(Higher course/Level 2):
Certificate for completing the more advanced course.
One must submit written pattern instructions that include a completed photo, stitching diagrams, and text instructions for:

1) Three Combination-8 Division Temari patterns
2) Three Combination-10 Division Temari patterns

The main points of this level of certification are: to ascertain the understanding of design composition, the ability to communicate how to execute the designs, working with Combination Divisions, and stitching and symmetry on Combination Divisions. Designs used for this exam level do not need to be original compositions, but may be interpreted from other resources. However, it must be your own personally stitched interpretation of how to work the design, using text, diagram(s), and a photo of the completed temari. It may be hand-written/drawn or computer-generated (computer-generated does not give any advantage). Either way, it must be your own work presented (not verbatim, digitally, or mechanically copied from the source you are citing).

Mari Size: There is no restriction in the requirements, but a circumference around 25-40cm is appropriate.
Thread: Pearl cotton #5 (or similar), or thinner is recommended.




" Shihanka Nintei "(Teacher course/Level 3):...........
Certificate of qualification as a recognized teacher, demonstrating that you have studied and your submissions are of excellent quality.
May only be applied for after at least two years have passed since obtaining Koutouka (Level 2) certification.

1) Three original temari designs, along with diagrams and written instructions.
　- These three actual temari must be sent to JTA for the exam 
2) At least five other original temari design patterns with photos and written instructions (diagrams not absolutely required).

Mari Size: There is no restriction in the requirements, but a circumference around 25-40cm is appropriate.
Thread: Pearl cotton #5 (or similar), or thinner is recommended.

Helpful notes:
1. Temari designs should show your skill at intermediate level designs.
2. Use basic stitch patterns (star, tri-wing, Uwagake chidori, Shitagake chidori, etc.) to show your understanding of all basic methods, but they should not only be in easy patterns or combinations.
3. Think about multi-face or hito hude gaki designs as one possibility. 
4. Think about submitting your instructions using fractional/ratio measurements instead of exact cm/mm. We learn things this way for starting points and placing designs so it can works on maris of any size.




" Kyoujyu Nintei "(Master/Level 4):.........
Certificate of qualification at the Master level, recognizing that you have devoted much time to your studies and your submissions reflect this.
May only be applied for after at least another three years have passed since obtaining Shihan (Level 3) certification.

-One must submit six original designs, along with diagrams and written instructions.
All six temari must be sent to JTA for the exam.

Mari Size: There is no restriction in the requirements, but a circumference around 25-40cm is appropriate. Threads: Any kind or size is allowed.

-It is understood that applicants for this level are required to show advanced level temari, stitched with great skill. Try to make temari which beginners are not able to make (for example 272/many faces). Put a lot of care and attention into every aspect of stitching and making the temari.
-ChidoriTemari curriculm will also help

Tips for you and your teacher when you submit

*** My e-mail address for JTA materials: ai.tentemari@gmail.com

For New Members (after you have signed up to do JTA work that year):  You need to fill out an application form, which you will get from your teacher, with an email address for the JTA head office. This first fee will be a total of 5,245 yen, (2000 yen for JTA entrance fee, 3,000 yen for JTA annual membership fee, plus 245 yen for the PayPal fee). When you have filled out the entire application form, please send it back to me by email. Upon receiving your application form, I will send it to JTA after translating it into Japanese, and then ask you to remit 5,245 yen to JTA through PayPal.

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For Renewing Members - Expenses for renewing your annual membership fee from your second year onward: Please remit 3,163 yen (L1-L3) or 5,245 yen (L4) to JTA directly. (This includes the PayPal fee. JTA will receive the exact amount listed in the table above.) You will receive a .jpg file of your renewed membership card by email attachment, along with a receipt for your fee and renewal as a response from JTA. Your actual membership card is kept at JTA. When you have a chance to visit JTA, please bring a copy of your membership card.
The JTA Newsletter (.pdf file) will be sent to you directly from JTA as an email attachment.

*** Remember that you must join as a JTA member (however, there is a temporarily withdraw system, for the details click here), in addition to applying for certification exams. To pay, please follow your teacher's instructions.


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** Please note: Payment for services and expenses is final, and there is no refund if you do not pass the certification judging with the JTA. If an applicant does not pass Level 3 or 4 in a given year, submitted payments are not carried over into future years for re-application; the process for each level begins again if the person applies again for judging. This applies to both JTA required fees and my translation/processing fees.

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