Rank is not the purpose of training in Aikido. But taking tests and moving up through the ranks is a tradition that students expect. We use tests to help encourage students to train regularly and to polish up a body of technique to share on a testing day. For Kyu ranks, Musubi Dojo offers four opportunities to be tested per year. However, you must be invited to test by the Dojo Cho (Chief Instructors). A list is presented about a month prior to scheduled texts with the names of candidates for tests. Testing occurs on the solstices and equinoxes.

Blackbelt tests are scheduled individually.

For each kyu rank there are technical, reading & DVD viewing assignments, dojo participation and workshop attendance requirements. So, we expect students to attend one Musubi Dojo workshop every trimester, to be of service to the dojo, and make themselves familiar with the books and videos we have listed for each rank. (Check the aiki.com shop for books and video availability.)

1. Be an active member in good standing at Musubi Dojo
2. Be a member of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)
3. Satisfy all the requirements listed for each rank

This list of requirements is subject to change.  Stay Alert.

Children (5-12)
The ranking systme for the Youth program starts at 10th kyu and ends with 8th kyu, where the adult system picks up.

Juukyu (Yellow Belt)

• Techniques
  • Front Rolls
  • Backrolls
  • Spins
  • Shikko
  • Centering practice

Kukyu (Green Belt)

• Techniques
  • Tenkan Partner
  • Katadori Ikkyo
  • Katatetori Kokyunage & Shihonage
  • Shomen, Yokomen, Tsuki

Hachikyu (Orange Belt)

• Omote/Ura
  • Shihonage
  • Yokomenuchi
  • Shomenuchi Iriminage
  • Munetsuki Kotegaesh

Nanakyu (Blue Belt)

• Suwariwaza
  • Katatori Ikkyo
  • Katatetori Shihonage
• Yokomen uchi Ikkyo
• Participation in specified dojo classes/workshops/events may be required

Adults (13 +)

Rokyu (30 days of training/3 months)

• Techniques
  • Tenkan
  • Shomenuchi ikkyo and iriminage
  • Munetsuki kotegaeshi
  • Katate dori shihonage
  • Yokomenuchi shihonage
  • Kokyu tanden ho
    
• Weapons: Basic bokken strikes and kamae
  
• Service/Participation: Dojo Maintenance
  
• Reading and Viewing list:
  • Stevens, Invincible Warrior
  • Saotome, Principles of Aikido and the Principles video or DVD
    
• One Musubi Dojo workshop

Gokyu (60 days/4 months)

• All previous techniques plus:
  • Shomenuchi nikyo
  • Kata dori ikkyo and nikyo
  • Munetsuki Kaitennage
    
• Weapons:
  • Happo Giri
  • Jo Suburi
    
• Service/Participation: Dojo Maintenance
  
• Reading and Viewing List:
  • Perry, Remembering O-sensei
  • ATM Video: Mary Heiny sensei
  • ATM Video: Aikido Ukemi Vol 1 featuring Waite sensei
    
• One Musubi Dojo workshop since Rokkyu

Yonkyu (60 days/4 months)

• All previous techniques plus:
  • Shomenchi sankyo and yonkyo
  • Yokomenuchi ikkyo, kotegaeshi and iriminage
  • Ryote dori tenchinage and shihonage
  • Katate dori ryote mochi kokyu tanden ho
    
• Weapons:
  • Misogi no Jo (first 13 movements)
  • Kumitachi 1-3
    
• Service/Participation: Gardening
  
• Reading and Viewing List:
  • ATM Video: Sword of Aikido featuring Saotome sensei
  • ATM Video: Aikido Ukemi Vol 2 featuring Waite sensei
    
• One Musubi Dojo workshop since Gokyu

Sankyu (70 days/4 months)

• All previous techniques plus:
  • Ushiro ryokata dori ikkyo
  • Ushiro ryote dori shihonage
  • Ushiro kubi shime kotegaeshi
  • Ushiro waza kokyunage
• Weapons:
  • Misogi no Jo (first 2 parts)
  • Kumitachi 1-4
• Teaching: Must be currently assigned as an assistant to a specific class
• Service/Participation: Recycling
• Interview with instructors
• Reading and Viewing List:
  • ATM Video: Sword of Aikido featuring Saotome sensei.
• One Musubi Dojo workshop since Yonkyu

Nikyu (80 days/6 months)

• All previous techniques plus:
  • Yokomenuchi nikyo, sankyo, 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
• Weapons:
  • Misogi no Jo (entire)
  • Misogi no Ken (first 12 movements)
  • Kumitachi 1-5
  • Kumijo 1-3
• Teaching: Must be assigned as an assistant to a specific class for 1 year
• Service/Participation: Member maintenance/Publicity
• Interview with Instructors
• Reading and Viewing List:
  • Video: Staff of Aikido featuring Saotome sensei.
• Two Musubi Dojo workshops since Sankyu

Ikkyu (90 days/6 months)

• All previous techniques plus:
• Jiyuwaza:
  • Standing
  • Hanmi handachi
  • Suwariwaza
• Weapons:
  • Misogi no Jo
  • Misogi no Ken
  • Kumitachi 1-5
  • Kumijo 1-6
• Tanto dori:
  • Munetsuki
  • Shomenuchi
  • Yokomenuchi
• Teaching: Must be assigned as an assistant to a specific class for 1 1/2 years.
• Service detail: Assist with seminars/shugyos
• Interview with instructors
• Reading and Viewing List:
  • Saotome, Aikido and the Harmony of Nature
  • Video: Takemusu Aiki, Oyohenka waza, Kumite Keiko featuring Saotome sensei
• Two Musubi Dojo workshops since Nikyu

back to top