Yonkyu — Fourth Kyu

Evaluations consist of items from the following six elements. While specific arts, kata, and exercises are particular to each level, a student may also be asked to demonstrate any or all of the requirements from a prior level during their test. In this way Aikido is viewed as a cumulative process, not simply a procedure of studying for a single test. The six elements are:

1. Specific Aikido arts at each rank (arts required at this level by Hombu, and additional arts emphasized at the Prairie Aikikai)
2. Selected Aikido arts (student-selected arts, as well as instructor-selected arts from any prior level)
3. Weapons forms (Tanbo, Tanto, Jo, and Bokken — specific methods required at each level)
4. Selected arts from Hanmi Handachi (attacker standing, defender kneeling) and Suwari Waza (both kneeling)
5. Randori Exercise (freestyle defense against certain types of attacks and numbers of persons, by level)
6. Ryokata Tori Exercise (number of repetitions by level)

These lists are for practice and training purposes only. Since each individual's abilities, personality, and training goals vary, each evaluation may likewise vary. It is between each student and Sensei to determine what a particular evaluation will consist of and how and when it will be conducted.

Note: All arts are to be demonstrated (if possible) both Irimi and Tenkan. All Kata are to be demonstrated (if possible) from both left and right sides.