Testing & Promotion: Adults
Adult students (12 years of age and older) progress through five levels of rank before black belt, and nine levels of black belt ranks. Students achieve rank through a combination of practice time and formal evaluation (testing). Each student must satisfy the minimum number of days of practice before being considered for evaluation to a new rank. At this Dojo all students start unranked as a “Beginner” (white belt). The following table lists the minimum number of days that a student must practice before being considered for testing for a new rank.
| Rank | Belt Color | Days Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Gokyu — Fifth Kyu | Canary | 30 |
| Yonkyu — Fourth Kyu | Purple | 40 |
| Sankyu — Third Kyu | Purple w/ Black Stripe | 50 |
| Nikyu — Second Kyu | Brown | 50 |
| Ikkyu — First Kyu | Brown w/ Black Stripe | 60 |
| Shodan — First Dan | Black | 70 |
| Nidan — Second Dan | Black | 200 (1 year) |
| Sandan — Third Dan | Black | 300 (2 years) |
| Yondan — Fourth Dan | Black | 400 (3 years) |
| Godan & Above | Black | By Recommendation |
The number of days of practice required at each level are counted from the last testing date (or the date the student first began practicing). Students become eligible for testing only after the minimum number of days of practice are met; however, it is always up to the instructor whether a student is ready to test, regardless of the total number of days practiced. The “Black Stripe” is a strip of black cloth sewn lengthwise down both sides of the belt. A record of your practices will be kept at the Dojo, listing the date of your last promotion, your current rank, and the number of days of practice since your last promotion.
As you near the minimum days required for your next evaluation, you should approach Sensei and inquire about that promotion. Sensei will then schedule a time to discuss the exact requirements for that evaluation with you and to plan necessary practice and review sessions. Sensei will also give you an evaluation checklist detailing the skills you will be asked to demonstrate. As you progress in rank you will add your own “student selected” arts to this checklist, having an opportunity to show those skills you like best or feel most proficient at.
In this way no promotion is ever overlooked or forgotten, nor is any evaluation a surprise. Your evaluation is also a chance to reaffirm your growing skills in Aikido in front of your fellow students, friends, and family — visitors are especially encouraged to come to class on evaluation days!
Aikido is aikido whether practiced at Prairie Aikikai or elsewhere. Practice time at other dojos, seminars, or camps counts toward your evaluation. Just keep a running record of when and what you practiced and bring that information back to Prairie Aikikai to add to your cumulative attendance record.