Test Requirements and Forms

Testing Requirements and Forms

Please also see our Testing page for more information on what to expect and what you need for testing.

Test RequirementsKyu TestShodanAbove Shodan
These (minimum) requirements are standard within the entire United States Aikido Federation (USAF).
Here is a PDF_Icon downloadable version of the test requirements from the USAF.
Here is the
PDF_Icontestform test application form for TCAC you need to fill out once you have pre-tested for a KYU test. This has fillable fields to make it easier to fill out, but print out the form (select “documents” and not “documents and markups” so the little yellow boxes don’t show up on the printed copy) to turn in at the dojo. Make sure you have paid your USAF dues and are up-to-date with dojo dues.
If you are testing for Shodan, you need to fill out two forms for USAF:
PDF_Icon Dan Application Form for the USAF <–Fill this out electronically (it has fillable fields), print it, sign it, and turn in. I think Cal is supposed to sign this as the “instructor”. Please also turn in a soft copy (electronic version)
xls_icon Dan Application for Aikikai <–Fill the second tab out “Shodan form 1 (Organization is “United States Aikido Federation”) electronically and print it. You sign it, have the tester sign it and turn in both electronic form and physical form. Fill out the 3rd Tab (the application for Udansha book) (it auto-fills out the green fields from the blue fields) Again use “United States Aikido Federation” for the organization. Do not fill out the first tab.
If you are testing for above Shodan, you need to fill out two forms for USAF:
PDF_Icon Dan Application Form for the USAF <–Fill this out electronically (it has fillable fields), print it, sign it, and turn in. I think Cal is supposed to sign this as the “instructor”
xls_icon Dan Application for Aikikai <–Fill the second tab out “2nd, 3rd, 4th Dan Form) (Organization is “United States Aikido Federation”), electronically and print it out. You sign it, have the tester sign it and turn in both electronic form and physical form. Do not fill out the first tab.

Note: Counting the required number of practice days begins from zero after each successful exam.

Test requirements are cumulative. Students may be asked to perform techniques from
previous exams.

6th Kyu

(20 practice days)

  • Seiza
  • Shikko
  • Hanmi (solo)Tenkan – Migi hanmi, Hidari hanmi
  • Ukemi – Ushiro ukemi [back fall, back roll], Mae ukemi
  • Kokyu Exercises – Funakogi undo (or Torifuna, rowing exercise), Ikkyo undo
  • Tai Sabaki – Tenkan, Irimi, Irimi tenkan, Tenshin
  • Hanmi (with partner) – Ai hanmi, Gyaku hanmi
  • Striking Attacks (with partner) – Tsuki, Yokomenuchi, Shomenuchi
  • Atemi
  • Tai no henko
  • Kokyudosa

5th Kyu

(40 practice days)

  • Shomenuchi Ikkyo
  • Shomenuchi Iriminage
  • Katatetori Shihonage
  • Ryotetori Tenchinage
  • Tsuki Kotegaeshi (tenkan)
  • Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi
  • Morotetori Kokyuho

4th Kyu

(80 practice days)

  • Shomenuchi Nikkyo
  • Yokomenuchi Shihonage
  • Tsuki Iriminage (irimi, tenkan & tenshin variations)
  • Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo
  • Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi
  • Suwari waza Shomenuchi Ikkyo
  • Suwari waza Katatori Nikkyo
  • Suwari waza Katatori Sankyo

3rd Kyu

(100 practice days)

  • Yokomenuchi Iriminage (3 ways)
  • Yokemenuchi Kotegaeshi
  • Tsuki Kaitenage (uchi & soto)
  • Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo
  • Morotetori Iriminage (2 ways)
  • Shomenuchi Sankyo
  • Suwari waza Shomenuchi Iriminage
  • Suwari waza Shomenuchi Nikkyo
  • Hanmi handachi Katatetori Shihonage
  • Hanmi handachi Katatetori Kaitennage (uchi & soto)

 

2nd Kyu

(200 practice days) (brown belt)

  • Shomenuchi Shihonage
  • Shomenuchi Kaitennage
  • Yokomenuchi Gokyo
  • Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage
  • Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage
  • Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage (2 ways)
  • Morotetori Nikkyo
  • Hanmi handachi Shomenuchi Iriminage
  • Hanmi handachi Katatetori Nikkyo
  • Hanmi handachi Yokemenuchi Kotegaeshi
  • Jiyu waza and Randori: 2 attackers

1st Kyu

(300 practice days)

  • Katatori Menuchi – 5 techniques
  • Yokomenuchi – 5 techniques
  • Morotetori – 5 techniques
  • Shomenuchi – 5 techniques
  • Ryotetori – 5 techniques
  • Koshinage – 5 techniques
  • Hanmi handachi Ushiro Waza – 5 techniques
  • Tantotori
  • Jiyu waza and Randori: 3 attackers

Shodan

(300 practice days) (black belt)

  • All Kyu Requirements including all forms of grasping shoulders, elbows, collar, wrists and hands;
    all techniques from the rear.
  • Swari waza shomenuchi ikkyo-gokyo
  • Tachi tori and Bokuto waza
  • Jo tori and Jo waza
  • Henka Waza — Switching from one technique to another. Examiner will call the first technique.
  • Jiyu waza and Randori: 4 attackers

Nidan

(600 practice days)

  • All of Shodan requirements
  • Swari waza shomenuchi ikkyo-gokyo
  • Tachitori – 2 attackers
  • Kaeshi Waza — Counter techniques. Uke applies the technique to Nage. Original technique will be called by examiner.
    (e.g., to apply Sankyo against Nikyo).
  • Jiyu waza and Randori: 5 attackers

Sandan

(700 practice days after Nidan / Not<3 years)
Must attend two seminars per year

Yondan

(Not<4 years after Sandan)
Must attend two seminars per year

Subject of Sandan & Yondan to be determined by examiner at the time of examination
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Aikido practice in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota