| The system of ranking used at Mountain Coast
Aikikai utilizes the kyu and dan system presently in use by Aikikai
Hombu Dojo, Birankai International and many other Aikido organizations.
This system is in common use in many contemporary 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 through jyudan (10th degree blackbelt). Some Aikido organizations, including
Birankai, also recognize formal teaching ranks of Fukushidoin (Assistant
Instructor), Shidoin (Instructor), and Shihan (Master Instructor).
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 |
|
The
quality of physical execution and range of knowledge/understanding of specified
techniques, their variations and applications during 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. |
