Aikido Grading Examination System
In Aikido, the grading system provides a structured way to measure a practitioner’s progress, technical understanding, and personal development. The system is divided into Kyu ranks (beginner to intermediate) and Dan ranks (advanced). Kyu ranks progress from 6th Kyu (beginner) to 1st Kyu (the highest level before earning a black belt), while Dan ranks represent black belt levels, starting from 1st Dan (Shodan) and advancing to higher Dan grades through ongoing practice, teaching, and demonstration of mastery. To advance in rank, students must demonstrate specific techniques during a formal examination (grading). Each rank has different requirements, increasing in complexity as students move toward higher levels. Below is a table summarizing the typical grading requirements and techniques for each Kyu level.
Explanation of Kyu and Dan Ranks:
The Kyu ranks serve as the foundation for building technical skill, discipline, and an understanding of Aikido principles. As practitioners progress through these ranks, they are expected to refine their techniques, improve their physical and mental balance, and integrate Aikido’s philosophy of non-resistance and harmony into their practice. After completing the Kyu levels, students may attempt the black belt exam to earn the rank of Shodan (1st Dan). The Dan ranks represent higher mastery, emphasizing deeper philosophical understanding, leadership, and teaching ability. Advanced Dan ranks require years of dedication, practice, and contributions to the Aikido community.
Grading Syllabus
| Rank | Minimum Training Time Before Exam | Techniques Required for Examination |
|---|---|---|
| 5th Kyu | 30 days of practice |
|
| 4th Kyu | 40 days of practice after obtaining 5th Kyu | Sankyo (third pin), Kokyu Ho (breathing power exercise), Kaiten Nage (rotary throw), Jiyu Waza (free-form technique) |
| 3rd Kyu | 50 days of practice after obtaining 4th Kyu | Advanced throws (Shiho Nage, Kote Gaeshi), Ushiro Waza (rear attacks), Hanmi Handachi Waza (techniques from seated position) |
| 2nd Kyu | 50 days of practice after obtaining 3rd Kyu | Yonkyo (fourth pin), advanced throws, Koshi Nage (hip throw), Randori (multiple attacker practice) |
| 1st Kyu | 60 days of practice after obtaining 2nd Kyu | Ikkyo, Nikkyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo in:
Shiho-nage in: Katatedori Ryotedori Hanmi-handachi waza & tachi waza Irimi-nage, Kote-gaeshi, Kaiten-nage in: Shomen-uchi Tsuki Katatedori Ryotedori Tenchi-nage Jiyuwaza: Katatedori Ryotedori Morotedori Kokyu-ho: Suwari and tachi waza |
| Shodan (1st Dan) | 70 days of practice after obtaining 1st Kyu, (15 years or older | Unarmed techniques（zagi, hami-handachi waza, tachi waza) for shoumen-uchi, yokomen-uchi (strikes), tsuki (thrusts), all forms of grasping shoulders, elbows, collar, wrists and hands; all techniques from the rear) |
| Nidan (2nd Dan) | Minimum 1 year since 1st dan, with 200 days of practice | Same as above plus Tanto-dori and Futarigake (by two ukes).Submit an article on some Aikido-related subject |
| Sandan (3rd Dan) | Minimum 2 years since 2nd dan, with 300 days of practice | Same as above plus Tachi-dori, Jo-dori and Taninzugake (more than three ukes).Same as above (Topics will be assigned) |
| Yondan (4th Dan) | Minimum 3 years since 3rd dan, with 400 days of practice, (22 years or older) | Jiyuwaza for all of the above plus a short essay |
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NOTES
・Zagi (Suwari waza): sitting.
・Hanmi-handachi waza: sitting vs. standing.
・Tachi waza: standing.
・Be sure you have the required number of practice days before applying for an examination.
Application forms and fees
should be filed 3 days before the examination.
・Essays and articles should be filed 3 days before the examination.
・Successful completion of summer and winter training will be taken into consideration.
・Minimum age for 1st Dan is 15 years, and for 4th Dan is 22 years.
・Examinations shall be taken at the dojo where you normally practice. If you wish to take an examination at a dojo other than where you normally practice, approval of both dojos is required.
・Morotedori is two hands holding one hand.
・As a rule partners (uke) in an examination should be of the same rank.
・Continue doing the same technique, left and right, ura and omote, until the examiner says “Stop”.