Synopsis
In Aikido there are two different categories of practitioners: white belts and black belts. There are 5 levels of white belt and 8 of black belt (levels 9 and 10 for black belt are reserved for special circumstances).
The first exam in Aikido will be fifth kyu also known
as gokyu After that yonkyu (4th), sankyu (3rd),
nikyu (2nd), and ikkyu (1st). Black belt levels start with
shodan (1st) through judan (10th).
Yudansha (dan) promotions are registered with the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters through the CAF office.
Prerequisite to take an exam is the attendance of a specified number of classes. At the exam the practitioner has to demonstrate certain movements and techniques. For advanced exams, more emphasis is put on the flow of the technique as well as the use of ki. Exams may be held at any time of the year and are either conducted by dojo instructors or technical committees at training seminars and camps. Technique content for kyu grades is specified by the Canadian Aikido Federation, and dan grades by the examining Shihan.
Promotion is based on hours of practice, ability, and spirit (attitude). The exact content of the exam is determined at the time of the exam by the examiner. Anything that you have been shown is fair game but the expectations are given in the following guideline and are frequently used as exam requirements. At low grades the practitioner is expected to know the basic forms. As rank increases timing, balance, then speed and stability, then power and flow become more important. At the highest levels, technique variations become important. The following listing is based on the Hombu Dojo test requirements. One day of practice equals one hour countable per day from the date of the last exam.