Grade requirements for adults
Kyu-grade requirements for adults
The current requirements for kyu-grades of Finland Aikikai came into effect 12.1.2019 and they were updated 8.9.2019. Click for requirements in pdf-format.
These kyu-grade requirements are for aikido practitioners above the age of 13.
To take a kyu exam, the participant must fill out the registration form by the deadline set by the examiner and pay the examination fee defined annually by Finland Aikikai. Participants need to have the Aikido passport of Finland Aikikai. The participants will receive a Finland Aikikai kyu-diploma for each grade awarded in examinations.
The clubs register kyu grades in Suomisport register (www.suomisport.fi) and the fees are charged based on the grades registered.
As a sign of obtained grades, members with 6. – 4. kyu use a white belt. Those with 3. – 1. kyu can use a brown belt and hakama.
Levels in Kyu grades
The techniques named by the examiner should always be performed as basic techniques (kihonwaza) from standing still. Basic techniques are performed as kata. In free techniques (jiyuwaza) you can use applied techniques (oyowaza) and variations of basic techniques (henkawaza). Free techniques (jiyuwaza) are performed from motion and joint locks are not used at the end of the technique.
Additions to the requirements by Clubs
Instructors and graduation examiners can add club specific requirements. Additions must to be made in writing and sent to the Educational Committee of Finland Aikikai.
Dan graduation requirements
Dan graduation requirements have been updated in 2021. The renewed dan graduation requirements have been in use since 1.9.2021.
Dan graduation execution instructions
- Committing to the values, rules and guidelines of the Aikido Federation is an essential part of progress in Aikido.
- Cumulative knowledge of previous exams is required.
- Graduation techniques refer to all techniques and additional exercises mentioned in the kyu graduation matrix.
- More information on execution instructions in dan graduations can be found on the website of the Finnish Aikido Federation.
- The age limit for first dan is 15 years.
- The process of applying for 5th and 6th dan is defined in the [“]Instructions for obtaining dan grades](/en/dan-arvojen-suoritusohjeet)
- The person referring the candidate to a dan grade has the responsibility to see/guarantee that the candidate’s knowledge and skills meet the requirements for the grade.
Time limits
| Grade | Time required |
|---|---|
| 6. kyu | 20 days of practice |
| 5. kyu | 30 days of practice |
| 4. kyu | 40 days of practice |
| 3. kyu | 50 days of practice |
| 2. kyu | 50 days of practice |
| 1. kyu | 60 days of practice |
| 1. dan | 100 training days, 1 year after completing 1st kyu |
| 2. dan | 200 training days, 1 year after completing 1st dan |
| 3. dan | 400 training days, 2 years since completion of 2nd dan |
| 4. dan | 400 training days, 3 years since completion of 3rd dan |