| The system of ranking used at Mountain Coast Aikikai
utilizes the kyu and dan system presently in use by the Canadian Aikido Federation.
This system is in common use by many modern Japanese martial arts. In Aikido, five white
belt ranks are typically recognized. These begin at gokyu (5th kyu) and proceed to ikkyu
(1st kyu). The black belt rank designations begin at shodan (1st degree black belt) and
proceed up to jyudan (10th degree blackbelt). Since the goal of Aikido is to work toward promoting harmony and
non-violent resolution of conflict, shiai (tournaments or competitions), are not found in
traditional Aikido training.
In Aikido, rank is usually awarded in one
of two ways:
- by the recommendation of a Sensei (teacher), by a Shihan (master
teacher) or, (more frequently),
- by the results of a formal promotional examination or test.
The eligibility of a student for promotion
is determined by their Sensei (teacher) and/or by a Shihan (master teacher) who may assess
an applicant based upon a combination of all, or some, of the following criteria:
 |
Completion of a
specified number of hours of training |
|
By the quality
of physical execution and range of knowledge/understanding of specified techniques, their
variations and applications in a grading examination. |
|
Demonstration of
an appropriate level of competency in the understanding, integration, and application of
Aikido principles in the areas of character, conduct and attitude in daily practice, both
inside and outside the dojo |
|
(At the
discretion of the examiner): the level of understanding demonstrated in a written essay on
an assigned topic |
A student who has held the rank of first
kyu for a specified period of time and has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the
basic techniques and principles of Aikido may be invited to apply for examination for the
rank of first degree black belt. Black belt examinations are often performed by a
Shihan (master teacher) or his designate. Upon successful completion of the
black belt examination and a favorable assessment of other factors, a student may be
promoted to the rank of Shodan (first degree black belt). In many dojos,
the student is entitled to wear a black belt and hakama (traditional Japanese pleated
pants), when the rank of Shodan has been attained.
A yudansha (a
person holding black belt rank) may be eligible for promotion to advanced black belt rank
with the completion of additional dedicated training, development of greater technical
proficiency, contribution to the art and demonstration of a deepening understanding and
application of Aikido principles in their conduct both inside and outside the dojo. |
