Rank and Testing

The ranks below the black level are known as kyu ranks, and are normally designated by a number counting down from 6 to 1. Black-belt ranks are known as dan ranks, and are numbered from 1. In following the tradition of Japan, all the ranks preceding sho-dan (first-degree black belt) wear white.  The black belt actually signifies that you have truly become proficient in the basics of Aikido and may now work to refine your technique and your self. 

All students are eligible for grading, provided that they have participated as a minimum, in the number of classes shown in the grading requirements. After a successful grading, the number of classes attended is reset and the count begins towards the next level. Gradings are held several times a year. The specific dates will be determined and announced in advance.  Gradings are an excellent opportunity to test yourself as your own opponent.  By grading we work toward a goal and achieving that goal tells us that we have succeeded in improving our technique and ourselves.

Grading Requirements

6th Kyu (30 classes)

1.         Mae Ukemi (front-roll)

2.         Ushiro Ukemi (back-roll, two styles)

3.         Hard-fall with wrist support

4.         Movements – irimi, tenkan, tenkai, tenshin

5.         Shiko (knee-walking)

6.         Shomenuchi Ikkyo (Omote)

7.         Katatetori Shihonage (Omote)

5th Kyu (50 classes)

 1.         Shomenuchi Ikkyo (Omote & Ura)

2.         Shomenuchi Iriminage

3.         Katatetori Shihonage (Omote & Ura)

4.         Ryotetori Tenchinage

5.         Tsuki Kotagaeshi

6.         Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi

7.         Morotetori Kokyuho

4th Kyu (80 classes)

 1.         Shomenuchi Nikkyo (Omote & Ura)

2.         Yokomenuchi Shihonage (Omote & Ura)

3.         Tsuki Iriminage

4.         Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo (Omote & Ura)

5.         Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi

6.         Suwari Waza:

·          Shomenuchi Ikkyo

·          Katatori Nikkyo (Omote & Ura)

·          Katatori Sankyo (Omote & Ura)

3rd Kyu (100 classes) 

1.         Yokomenuchi Iriminage (2 ways)

2.         Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi

3.         Tsuki Kaitennage

4.         Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo (Omote & Ura)

5.         Morotetori Iriminage (2 ways)

6.         Shomenuchi Sankyo (Omote & Ura)

7.         Suwari Waza:

·          Shomenuchi Iriminage

·          Shomenuchi Nikkyo (Omote & Ura)

8.         Hanmi Handachi:

·          Katatetori Shihonage

·          Katatetori Kaitennage (Uchi & Soto*)

 2nd Kyu (150 classes) 

 1.         Shomenuchi Shihonage

2.         Shomenuchi Kaitennage

3.         Yokomenuchi Gokyo

4.         Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage

5.         Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage

6.         Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage

7.         Morotetori Nikkyo

8.         Hanmi Handachi:

·          Shomenuchi Iriminage

·          Katatetori Nikkyo

·          Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi

9.         Randori: 2 ukes

 1st Kyu (200 classes) 

 1.         Katatori Menuchi -        5 techniques

2.         Yokomenuchi -               5 techniques

3.         Morotetori -                    5 techniques

4.         Shomenuchi -                5 techniques

5.         Ryotetori -                      5 techniques

6.         Koshinage -                   5 techniques

7.         Tantori

8.         Hanmi Handachi: Ushiro Waza -5 techniques

9.         Rondori: 3 ukes

Shodan (400 classes) 

 1.         All of 1st Kyu requirements

2.         Tachitori

3.         Jotori

4.         Henka Waza **

5.         Rondori: 4 ukes

Nidan (600 classes)  

 1.         All of Shodan requirements

2.         Tachitori - 2 ukes

3.         Kaeshi Waza ***

4.         Rondori: 5 ukes

 San-dan (700 classes) 

 Subject of exam to be determined by the examiner at the time of the exam.

 Notes:

Class requirements are counted from the last test.

 From 3rd Kyu onward, you must attend at least 2 seminars per year to qualify for testing in the next rank.

 *   Uchi & Soto Mawari - Both inside (uchi) & outside (soto) movements.

 **  Henka Waza - Switching  from one technique to another.

 ***  Kaeshi Waza - Counter Techniques: Uke applies the technique to Nage.  The examiner will call the original technique.  i.e. To apply sankyo against nikkyo.