| Progression in Aikido |
| By Jon Reading |
|
Aikido training is very different from other traditional combat arts. Thus, evaluation and progression of students is also different than many traditional combat arts. Throughout your training, your instructor and other instructors will critically evaluate your progress and development. Your instructor will observe every aspect of your training, often for months before and after the actual test.
O'Sensei often said that students should practice for at least ten years before he would consider them "serious aikido students." Students of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) are presented with only two belts, white and black. The white belt, or kyu rank, signifies a student is preparing to learn aikido. Kyu students learn basic principles and techniques that will be the foundation of their aikido. The black belt, or dan rank, indicates the student has learned the basic principles of aikido and is prepared to begin a deeper training period.
Your rank reflects on yourself, your dojo and your association. At Emory Aikikai, there are six white belt ranks (kyu) and nine black belt ranks (dan), white belts advance in reverse numerical order, black belts advance in numerical order. Emory Aikikai is affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, and rank is verified through ASU.
About Wearing Hakama Aikidoka traditionally wear hakama when training. Wearing hakama is a public declaration that you have made aikido part of your life, and you are willing to develop the attitude, knowledge and skill necessary to represent aikido. After testing for 6th kyu, students that express these traits may be encouraged to wear hakama and become sempai. Sempai are senior students that act as role models for junior students, or kohai. Sempai assist the instructor in educating kohai about etiquette, technique, training tips, and development. Sempai are skilled in uke-waza and are sufficiently knowledgeable to successfully replicate technique instruction without difficulty. |
| © 2005, Emory Aikikai |