The grading system identifies and defines levels or grades, thereby symbolising progression along the path of aikido.
This system is comparable to that of other combat sports and traditional martial arts, but it has certain features specific to aikido.
In aikido, this grading system can often vary depending on the school or aikido federation, just as their rules and interpretations do.
However, there are certain elements common to all aikido grading systems:
In aikido, a distinction is made between student grades (Kyu) and master grades (Dan).
Holders of a student grade are called ‘mudansha’, whilst holders of a master grade are referred to as ‘yudansha’.
Beginners start at the mukyu level (which means ‘no kyu’); after a certain period of time, they first obtain a student grade by passing their first examination.
Within the FNAL, adults generally start at 6th kyu, whilst children start at 12th kyu. Pupil grades are counted down to 1st kyu, after which comes the 1st dan examination, the first master’s grade.
The ‘dan’ grades are then awarded again, moving up the scale. For candidates for higher ‘dan’ grades, the primary focus is on whether they teach and how they go about it, as well as what they have contributed to the promotion of aikido in general.
Up to 4th dan, examinations take the form of assessments of aikido techniques. The possibility of attaining a dan, as well as the level of that dan, depends on several factors.
However, with regard to the dan grades awarded by the Aikikai Foundation, it is apparent that, for non-Japanese practitioners, progression to higher grades can take significantly longer than for Japanese practitioners.
Belt exams
In FNAL Aikido, everyone should be able to progress at their own pace and give themselves the time needed to do so. Grading examinations are used to determine whether a candidate is ready to move up to the next grade, whether it be a student or master’s grade.
Exams always present a challenge:
during the preparation period for an exam, you examine various techniques in greater depth, which encourages you to work in a more focused way on yourself and your movements. Furthermore, Japanese terms and names are of particular importance.
As such, exams always provide a snapshot that highlights where the candidate currently stands on their personal journey in aikido.
Despite this challenge, it’s a question of striking a balance between a life that simply consists of moving forward year after year and constant ‘exam stress’!
The specific way in which an examination is organised varies depending on the aikido federation or school; the procedure for examinations may therefore differ.
To this end, the FNAL draws inspiration from the Swiss association ACSA. The organisation and supervision of examinations fall within the remit of the FNAL’s technical committee. The examination syllabus for each level serves as the basis. This syllabus is regularly updated and reprinted.
Once an aikidoka has gained some experience and made progress, their instructor will discuss with them the possibility of a forthcoming examination.
By mutual agreement, they then prepare for this examination together. This targeted preparation forms an integral part of the examination.
We don’t sit exams at any cost; after all, we practise aikido by choice and for enjoyment, and that enjoyment must always come first! Excessive ambition and pressure have absolutely no place in this discipline; they lead nowhere. Unlike other federations, the FNAL does not send anyone to sit an exam that they are not capable of passing!
The exam itself takes place during a special training session – usually at the end of a course – and is therefore also held in front of an audience. Many candidates like to invite their family and friends to come and watch them.
These examinations follow specific Japanese rules and procedures: for example, the candidate is formally called to take their examination and, upon being called, performs the relevant techniques. At the end of the examination, the examiner officially announces which aikido practitioners have passed the test and which rank they are now authorised to hold.
Passing an exam is always a very solemn occasion, and can sometimes even be quite moving!
Although every exam presents a challenge in its own right, aikidokas generally enjoy these tests.
Each promotion is recorded in the aikido logbook and forwarded to the federation for official registration. In addition, a certificate of achievement is formally presented to the candidate at a formal ceremony.
Belt colours
In much of the aikido world, there are no coloured belts, but only two colours: white for student grades and black for master grades.
This is what sets aikido apart from taekwondo, karate, judo and other similar disciplines.
In these disciplines, the colour reflects the current rank or level.
In aikido, therefore, you cannot immediately tell at first glance what rank your partner holds, whether they are a student or a master.
Hakama
The hakama is a traditional Japanese skirt-trousers which, in aikido, is worn over the white keikogi.
Within the FNAL, the hakama is only worn from 1st dan onwards. Only black or blue hakamas are permitted. Instructors are required to wear the hakama during training sessions; during courses, every yudansha wears their hakama.