Promotion Requirements for Aikido Students
| Rank |
Belt Color |
Requirements |
Min. Time |
Shichikyu
(Children Only) |
Yellow |
Unsoku (foot movements) - 8 forward, 8 side, 8 corner
-or-
First 3 of Ju nana hon Kata |
2 Months |
| Rokkyu |
Orange |
Ukemi (breakfalls) - back, side
First 4 of the 8 release moves
First 3 of Ju nana hon Kata
|
1 Month |
| Gokyu |
Blue |
8 release moves
First 5 of Ju nana hon Kata
|
1 Month |
| Yonkyu |
Green |
8 release moves
First 5 of Ju nana hon Kata
5-10 optional technique applications
Tanto randori
Multiple attack
|
3 Months |
| Sankyu |
Brown |
8 release moves
First 4 of Suwari waza Kata
First 10 of Ju nana hon Kata
6-12 optional technique applications
Tanto randori
Multiple attack
|
6 Months |
| Nikyu |
Brown |
8 release moves
8 Suwari waza Kata
7 Kuzushi (both sides)
First 14 of Ju nana hon Kata
7-14 optional technique applications
Tanto randori
Multiple attack
|
6 Months |
| Ikkyu |
Brown w/ black strip |
8 release moves
8 Suwari waza Kata
First 7 of Koryu Dai Yon
Ju nana hon Kata (17 techniques)
First 5 Owaza Ju Pon
8-16 optional technique applications
Tanto randori
Multiple attack
|
1 Year |
| Dan Ranks |
Shodan
1st Dan |
Black |
Release moves (8 techniques)
Suwari waza Kata (8 techniques)
Ju nana hon Kata (17 techniques)
First 16 Koryu dai san
First 14 Koryu dai yon
Ura waza -or- Owaza jun pon (10 techniques)
10 - 20 optional technique applications
Tanto randori
Multiple attack
|
1 Year |
Nidan
2nd Dan |
Black
|
Ju nana hon Kata (17 techniques)
Koryu dai san no kata (24 techniques: suwari waza, hanza handachi waza, tachi waza, tanto dori)
Koryu dai yon (25 techniques)
Ura waza -or- Owaza ju pon (10 techniques, different than shodan)
15-25 optional technique applications
Tanto randori
Multiple attack
|
2 Years |
Sandan
3rd Dan |
Black
|
Ju nana hon Kata (17 techniques)
Koryu dai ichi (24 techniques)
Koryu dai san no kata (50 techniques: suwari waza, hanza handachi waza, tachi waza, tanto dori, tachi dori, jo dori, ridatsui ho, kumi tachi)
15-25 optional technique applications
Tanto randori
Multiple attack
|
4 Years |
Notes:
- All katas are performed on both sides except Suwari Waza and the old-fashioned katas (Koryu Dai Ichi, Dai Ni, Dai San, Dai Yon, Dai Go, and Dai Roku).
- Minimum Time in Rank will vary for each individual depending on participation level and other factors. The duration shown is only meant to be a guide as to the minimum time in the previous rank required to reach the rank shown.
- All requirements are cumulative, incorporating all techniques from the previous rank except in the case of dan ranks.
- The yellow belt rank is only offered to children under the age of 12.
- These detailed rules are set forth in order to clarify the requirements for kyu and dan grade promotions up to sandan, under article 5 of the JAA Dan Grade Promotion Regulations. These are minimum requirements for general promotion set forth by Atlantic Martial Arts and the Japan Aikido Association. Additional features (techniques, written exams, interviews, etc.) may be added by Atlantic Martial Arts.
- All decisions regarding promotion under these regulations shall be the responsibility of your primary instructor, providing he or she is duly certified. In the event of dispute, final decision will be made by Master Sensei Brian Sutherland in representation of Aikido America International (Nihon Aikido Kyokai) and the Japan Aikido Association.
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