Grading curriculum

Grading examinations are held twice a year, usually in March and September. Certificates up to and including 1st kyu are issued by Saburo Takayasu Shihan. Shodan and the dan grades above it are issued by Aikikai World Headquarters in Tokyo.

Every grade carries two requirements that run together: a minimum number of classes on the mat, and a minimum period of time held at your current grade. Both must be met before you are eligible.

五級 Gokyu · 5th kyu, yellow belt

Eligibility: a minimum of 30 classes, and 3 months as a white belt.

四級 Yonkyu · 4th kyu, yellow belt

Eligibility: at least 70 further classes, and a minimum of 6 months at 5th kyu.

三級 Sankyu · 3rd kyu, brown belt

Eligibility: at least 80 further classes, and a minimum of 6 months at 4th kyu.

二級 Nikyu · 2nd kyu, brown belt

Eligibility: at least 160 further classes, and a minimum of 12 months at 3rd kyu.

一級 Ikkyu · 1st kyu, brown belt

Eligibility: at least 160 further classes, and a minimum of 12 months at 2nd kyu.

初段 Shodan · 1st dan, black belt

Eligibility: at least 180 further classes, and a minimum of 12 months at 1st kyu.

二段 Nidan · 2nd dan, black belt

Eligibility: at least 2 years of further training at 1st dan.

三段 Sandan · 3rd dan, black belt

Eligibility: at least 3 years of further training at 2nd dan.