TIME AND TECHNIQUE REQUIREMENTS
FOR KYU PROMOTION
from ASU Student Handbook
 
 
The examination system in Aikido is not structured on competition.
You will be graded on the following points.

1. Your understanding of basic technique appropriate to your level.
2. Your spontaneous movement and response appropriate for the attack.
3. Your ability to adapt your movement to the force of the attack.
4. The concentration and awareness you maintain throughout the examination.
5. Continuity of movement is important, not speed.
6. Confidence and courage are important, not ego.

Be prepared to uke for someone else of your same level during the examination period.
You will be graded on your ukemi.

A technique should be demonstrated continuously both right and left until there is a signal to stop. Both irimi and tenkan movement should be used whenever applicable. You will be expected to know and respond to the Japanese terms. It is necessary to have completed the required hours of training (only one hour per day may count in computing time requirements) and it is necessary that the waiting period between each examination has expired.
 
ROKYU - 6 KYU (30 hours/3 months)

Tenkan
Shomenuchi ikkyo and iriminage
Munetsuki kotegaeshi
Katate dori shihonage
Yokomenuchi shihonage
Kokyu tanden ho
 
GOKUY - 5 KYU (60 hours/4 months)

All previous techniques plus:
Shomenuchi nikyo
Kata dori ikkyo and nikyo
Munetsuki kaitennage
 
YONKYU - 4 KYU (60 hours/4 months)

All previous techniques plus:
Shomenuchi sankyo and yonkyo
Yokomenuchi ikkyo, kotegaeshi and iriminage
Ryote dori tenchinage and shihonage
Katate dori ryote mochi kokyu tanden ho
 
SANKYU - 3 KYU (70 hours/4 months)

All previous techniques plus:
Ushiro ryokata dori ikkyo
Ushiro ryote dori shihonage
Ushiro kubi shime kotegaeshi
Ushiro waza kokyunage
 
NIKYU - 2 KYU (80 hours/6 months)

All previous techniques plus:
Yokomenuchi nikyo, sankyo and yonkyo
Koshinage from shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, katate dori and munetsuki

Hanmi handachi:
Katate dori shihonage
Ryote dori shihonage

Suwariwaza:
Shomenuchi ikkyo
Kata dori ikkyo
Yokomenuchi ikkyo
 
IKKYU - 1 KYU (90 hours/6 months)

All previous techniques plus:
Jiyu waza:
Standing
Hanmi handachi
Suwariwaza

Tanto dori:
Munetsuki
Shomenuchi
Yokomenuchi
 
SHODAN - 1 DAN
(120 hours and 12 months after receiving ikkyu)

A candidate must have attended at least two seminars with Saotome Shihan and/or Ikeda Shihan since attaining ikkyu grade. During the seminar it is the responsibility of the regional instructor to inform the Shihan so that he may observe the candidate more closely.

All basic techniques and previous requirements plus:
Kumi tachi: First five basic kata.
Tanto dori: A different technique from each - shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, tsuki, two
different techniques from ushiro.
Tachi dori: A total of five different techniques. Attacks will be shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, tsuki.
Randori: Three people attacking.
 
NIDAN - 2 DAN
(Minimum 30 months and approx. 400 hours of consistent training after receiving Shodan)

A candidate must have attended at least one Winter or Summer Intensive Training Camp since attaining shodan rank and within one year of the scheduled examination date. It is the responsibility of the regional instructor to inform the Shihan at that camp so that he may observe the candidate more closely.

All basic techniques and previous requirements plus:
Kumi tachi: First twelve basic kata.
Kumi jo: First six basic kata.
Randori: Three people attacking with shinai.