Introduction

The rank of Shodan (first degree black belt) may be given at one year if the total hours and technical requirements are met. The recommended hours per week listed here, if followed, will result in the total hours needed at the recommended time in grade and the total time in the art.

No person shall be deprived of a rank when the total hours and technical requirements are met, regardless of how long it takes to meet those hours.

Not everyone can practice 3 to 4.5 hours per week. However, a student may be required to demonstrate all prior rank requirements if it is deemed necessary. This should only be used in the case of a person who has been absent from the art for a considerable length of time.

aikido requirements at Windsong dojo

Time Requirements

RANK BELT TOTAL HOURS MINIMUM AGE TIME IN GRADE TOTAL TIME
Yonkyu Green 40 18 3 months 3 months
Sankyu Brown 80 18 3 months 6 months
Nikyu Brown 120 18 3 months 9 months
Ikkyu Brown/Black 160 18 3 months 1 year
Shodan Black 250 18 6 months 1-1.5 years
Nidan Black 500 18 1 year 2 years
Sandan Black 850 20 2 years 4 years
Yondan Black 1100 22 2 years 6 years
Godan Black 1600 25 2 years 8 years
Rokudan Red & White 2600 29 3 years 11 years

 

Technical Requirements

Yonkyu (Green belt)
  • Ju Nana Hon Kata 1-5
  • Releases 1-4
  • Tegatana no Kata (“The Walk”)
  • Basic Ukemi (falling)

All of the requirements for yonkyu, plus the following:

  • Ju Nana Hon Kata 6-10
  • Releases 5-9
  • Advanced Ukemi (falling)

All of the requirements for sankyu, plus the following:

  • Ju Nana Hon Kata 11-14

All of the requirements for nikyu, plus the following:

  • Ju Nana Hon Kata 15-17

All of the requirements for ikkyu, plus the following:

  • Refined skills in all areas
  • Owaza Ju Pon 1-5

All of the requirements for shodan, plus the following:

  • Advanced skills in all areas
  • Owaza Ju Pon 6-10
  • Koryu Dai San Kata 1-16

All of the requirements for nidan, plus the following:

  • Koryu Dai San Kata 17-34
  • Koryu Dai Yon Kata 1-14
  • Advancement of all skills, especially in the areas of teaching the application of the principles of our system of Aikido.

All of the requirements for previous ranks, plus the following:

  • Candidates must not only demonstrate a deep knowledge of all aikido principles, katas and techniques, but also a commitment to the art and to teaching. A yondan should be capable of producing high-quality shodans.

All of the requirements for previous ranks, plus the following:

  • Assistant professor, advancement of all skills

All of the requirements for previous ranks, plus the following:

  • Full professor, extraordinary teaching and leadership skill, capable of producing high-quality yondans.