Syllabus
Gradings:
- assess technical ability
- allow demonstration of progress, growth and confidence
- provide pressure in a safe environment to test the ego and character
- are small markers in the life-long journey of self-improvement
We use the Unity Aikido grading system, following a traditional kyu grading system. Ungraded beginners work their way through the kyu (colour belt) grades until reaching the first of several dan (black belt) grades.
The kyu grade levels aim to develop a range of things including:
- good posture
- good body awareness and centring skills
- movement skills
- safe falling skills
- knowledge of how to break balance effectively
- knowledge of basic aikido principles
- knowledge of foundation kata (sequences of techniques)
- safe freestyle skills
- knowledge of good etiquette
- a responsible attitude towards martial skills
The dan grade levels aim to develop a deeper understanding of aikido principles and applications for self-defense.
Each grade level is expected to know the previous grade levels' syllabus.
| Grade | Requirements |
|---|---|
|
6th kyu |
First 5 techniques of Ju nana hon no kata 6 balance-breaking skills, no falls Safe back break-falls Understanding of basic etiquette Slow freestyle with falls |
|
5th kyu |
First 10 techniques of Ju nana hon no kata 8 balance breaking skills, with falls Forward rolls Understanding and utilisation of safety principles Slow/medium freestyle |
|
4th kyu |
All techniques of Ju nana hon no kata (10 from a grasp) 16 reverse flow balance breaking skills Understanding and utilisation forces by blending and circular motion Concept of ki (spirit, energy) and principle of Ju (gentleness and accord) Medium to fast freestyle |
|
3rd kyu |
Ju nana hon no kata (from a punch and grasp) Understanding and use of ki-flow blending with structure of 8 balance breaking and aiki-lines Medium to fast freestyle |
|
2nd kyu |
Koryu no kata dai ichi Balance breaking principles Reverse flow freestyle, medium pace Fast basic freestyle Understanding and consistent application of the aikido fundamental principles |
|
1st kyu |
Ju nana hon no kata from multiple situations Multiple reverse flow freestyle Maintaining and applying aikido principles in all situations Optional: other Koryu no kata segments, self-defence basic situations kata or sport freestyle |
|
1st dan |
Koryu no kata dai yon |