Exam Requirements – Dan Grades
1 Dan (shodan) – minimum 9 months including 90 hours of training (50 hours as assistant) and participation in one instructor seminar since obtaining 1 kyu
Written Work
- What is Aikido?
- What is Shugyo?
Techniques
- Munetsuki
- any techniques (minimum 5)
- Yokomenuchi
- any techniques (minimum 5)
- Ushirotekubitori
- any techniques (minimum 5)
- Ryotetori
- any techniques (minimum 5)
- Hanmi Hantachi Waza
- any techniques
- Bokken Dori
- defense against bokken attack (Munetsuki, Yokomenuchi, Shomenuchi – minimum three techniques)
- Jo Kata II
- Second Jo kata – 22 movements
- Randori
- Defense against 4 attackers
2 Dan (nidan) – minimum 18 months including 50 hours as assistant and participation in one instructor seminar since obtaining 1 dan
Written Work
- History and future of Aikido
Techniques
- Katatori Ganmenuchi
- any techniques (minimum 5)
- Shomenuchi
- any techniques (minimum 5)
- Hanmi Hantachi Waza
- any techniques (two attackers)
- Jo Dori
- defense against Jo attack (Munetsuki, Yokomenuchi, Shomenuchi – minimum three techniques)
- Randori
- Defense against 5 attackers
3 Dan (sandan) – minimum 30 months including 100 hours as assistant and participation in one instructor seminar since obtaining 2 dan
Written Work
- Philosophy of Aikido
Techniques
- Jo nage
- throwing with the staff; free demonstration
- Kumijo
- Jo vs Jo forms (five)
- Kumitachi
- Bokken vs Bokken forms (six)
- Randori
- Defense against 6 attackers
4 Dan (yondan) – minimum 42 months including 200 hours as assistant and participation in two instructor seminars since obtaining 3 dan (interview with Shihan required)
Written Work
- Application of Aikido
Techniques
- Kihon Waza
- basic technique: five-minute free demonstration
- Henka Waza
- changing technique: five-minute free demonstration
- Oyo Waza
- applied or advanced technique: five-minute free demonstration
- Teaching methodology
- free demonstration of how to instruct Kihon Waza and Oyo Waza