Testing

Testing is a part of the Aikido learning process.  As students progress in their training, they accrue practice hours and gain technical knowledge.  Once a student has reached the requred number of practice hours, he/she will be invited to test by the chief instructor (see requrements below).

Along with learning the physical tecnhiques of Aikido, students should develop a broader philosophical understanding of the art.  It is not enough to get out on the mat and throw people around - a true student of Aikido must seek to understand O'Sensei's vision of Budo.

To ensure this learning occurs, each kyu test has an associated book students must read before taking their next test.  These books are avialable in our dojo library for you to take out.  For dan promotion, students will write a breif essay in which they express their understanding of Aikido at that time in their practice.

 

Testing Requirements

The Art of Peace - Morihei Ueshiba

 

 

 

6th Kyu (Rokukyu) 20 practice days
Seiza (a) Bowing/Rei (b) Rise from seiza
Shikko*
Hanmi (a) Migi hanmi (b) Hidari hanmi
Ukemi (a) Ushiro ukemi (1) back fall (2) back roll*
(b) Mae ukemi*
Kokyu undo (a) Funakogi undo (b) Ikkyo undo
Tai sabaki (a) Tenkan (b) Irimi (c) Irimi tenkan
(d) Tenshin
Hanmi (w/partner) (a) Ai hanmi (b) Gyaku hanmi
Atemi (w/partner) (a) Tsuki (b) Yokomenuchi
(c) Shomenuchi
Tai no henko (w/partner) as both uke and nage
Kokyudosa – Zagi Kokyuho (sitting) (w/partner)

 

Invincible Warrior - John Stevens

 

 

 

5TH KYU (Gokyu) 40 practice days
Shomenuchi Ikkyo
Shomenuchi Iriminage
Katatetori Shihonage
Ryotetori Tenchinage
Tsuki Kotegaeshi
Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi
Morotetori Kokyuho


Budo: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido - Morihei Ueshiba

 

 

4TH KYU (Yonkyu) 80 practice days
Shomenuchi Nikkyo
Yokomenuchi Shihonage
Tsuki Iriminage
Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo
Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi
Suwari waza Shomenuchi Ikkyo
Suwari waza Katatori Nikkyo
Suwari waza Katatori Sankyo

 

The Essence of Aikido - Morihei Ueshiba

 

 

 

3RD KYU (Sankyu) 100 practice days
Yokomenuchi Iriminage (2 variations)
Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
Tsuki Kaitennage
Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo
Morotetori Iriminage (2 variations)
Shomenuchi Sankyo
Suwari waza Shomenuchi Iriminage
Suwari waza Shomenuchi Nikkyo
Hanmi handachi Katatetori Shihonage
Hanmi handachi Katatetori Kaitennage

 

Remembering O'Sensei - Edited by Susan Perry

 

 

2ND KYU (Nikyu) 200 practice days
Shomenuchi Shihonage
Shomenuchi Kaitennage
Yokomenuchi Gokyo
Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage
Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage
Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage
Morotetori Nikkyo
Hanmi handanchi Shomenuchi Iriminage
Hanmi handanchi Katatetori Nikkyo
Hanmi handanchi Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
Freestyle: 2 attackers

 

Aikido Pioneers - Prewar Era - Stanley Pranin

 

 

 

1ST KYU (Ikkyu) 300 practice days
Katatori menuchi - 5 techniques
Yokomenuchi - 5 techniques
Morotetori - 5 techniques
Shomenuchi - 5 techniques
Ryotetori - 5 techniques
Koshinage - 5 techniques
Hanmi handachi Ushiro Waza - 5 techniques
Tantotori
Freestyle: 3 attackers

SHODAN 300 practice days
All of 1-st kyu requirements
Tachitori
Jotori
Henka Waza
Freestyle: 4 attackers

 

NIDAN 600 practice days
All of Shodan requirements
Tachitori - 2 attackers
Kaeshi Waza
Freestyle: 5 attackers

 

SANDAN 700 practice days
Subject of exam to be determined
by examiner at the time of the exam

 

GLOSSARY
Hanmi Handachi - Uke standing and Nage sitting
Jotori - Jo techniques
Katatetori - One hand grab to wrist
Katatori - One hand grab to collar
Morotetori - Two hands on one
Ryotetori - Both wrists held from the front
Shomenuchi - Strike to forehead
Suwariwaza - Techniques from sitting
Tachitori - Attack with sword
Tantotori - Attack with knife
Tsuki - Thrust or punch
Ushiro Kubishime - Choke from behind and wrist grab
Ushiro Ryokatatori - Both shoulders held from behind
Ushiro Tekubitori - Both wrists held from behind
Ushiro Waza - Any attack from behind