The term ’grading’ refers to obtaining a kyu or dan grade by means of a passage, an examination or a promotion. Here at our dojo, we organise kyu passages and dan examinations with external examiners.
A passage differs from an examination in that the focus is not so much on the assessment, but on personal development. Whilst it is not possible to fail a passage, the demands placed on participants are generally higher, as the intensity of preparation is a prerequisite for admission. The range of techniques required for each grade and the expected skills are the same for both (see curriculum).
Promotions are awarded grades, usually from 5th dan upwards.
The grading confirms your development in Aikido and the extent of your familiarity with its principles. Regular class and seminar attendance are the building blocks of your grade. You are always grading for yourself, not for your teachers or in order to compare yourself to others.
Your individual preparation helps you to consolidate your knowledge and skills by giving your practice a special focus prior to the grading. Each grade highlights your development from a different angle. If you accept this as your personal challenge, you will experience a major improvement and gain notably more confidence.
The grading should be a fun experience, something to look forward to with excitement. And it should be safe for all people involved – so your partners' well-being takes first place.
The grading curriculum comprises kihon waza (basic techniques) which are the foundation of advanced practice. The individual kyu grades (student grades) build on each other systematically and will step by step prepare for your first dan grade (black belt).
Our dojo only awards kyu grades. Dan grades are obtained in an examination by a committee which is authorised by Aikikai Tokyo. We prepare for gradings with Jan Nevelius shihan and with the Aikido Föderation Deutschland.
You will find the specific requirements for the individual grades in the grading sheets of our curriculum.
From 2nd kyu, members of our dojo wear the hakama (Japanese culotte-style trousers).*
The hakama signifies that you are an advanced student, and obliges you to act as a role-model in the dojo. This includes behaviour that gives beginners helpful guidance for their first steps in the art and that you take over responsibility for various tasks.
Additionally, you start to represent the dojo spirit at seminars and other aikido events as well as in public life – with a notable degree of politeness, mindfulness and helpfulness.
The general rule is: rising in the ranks should be accompanied by increasingly modest and self-reflective behaviour.
*The hakama has 7 pleats (5 at the front, 2 at the back) which are seen to stand for the 7 virtues of the samurai: righteousness, courage, compassion, respect, integrity, honour and duty. Depending on the source or translation, patience, modesty, purity and wisdom are also explicitly listed as the samurai's core qualities.
The grading is public: friends and family are invited to watch.
The audience sits either alongside the edge of the tatami (in seiza or cross-legged) or on chairs/benches along the wall. Everybody is asked to comply with dojo etiquette: be quiet, do not eat or drink, do not lean against walls.
Please remember: strictly no photography or filming during the grading!
Important: please bring your mudansha book and the grading fee.
Both are handed over to the jury before the grading starts.
Up to 3rd Kyu the jury chooses an uke for you. From 2nd Kyu you are asked to find your uke some months before the grading (same grade or one level higher than you). Please practise often with your chosen uke in the time before the grading, and arrange one-on-one practice outside the official training schedule.
At the beginning of the grading, candidates pair up with their ukes and line up in seiza.
As soon as a candidate (tori) is called by name, they advance 3 steps in shikko towards the kamiza and stay seated facing the kamiza. Uke changes to the position behind tori in the line. If the grade requires weapons, uke has them ready at hand and visible to the jury.
On „shomen ni rei" all people present on the tatami turn towards the shomen (kamiza), and bow on „rei".
On „otagai ni rei" tori and uke turn to and bow towards each other. Both say clearly „onegai shimasu", stay seated and wait for further instructions by the jury.
The jury announces all forms loud and clear. All forms are repeated until the jury asks for something else (do not stop unless you are told to do so).
Unless the jury gives other instructions, all techniques are shown from a left- and right-handed attack in omote, then both sides in ura.
All techniques are carried out in silence. However, you may ask the jury if you did not hear the requested technique properly.
Keep moving:
Be focused and attentive throughout the whole grading and treat your uke respectfully. Show zanshin, awareness and alertness towards your partner and environment, especially between two techniques.
The grading ends with „owari masho". Tori and uke kneel into seiza, facing each other.
On „otagai ni rei" both bow towards each other while saying clearly „arigato gosai mashita".
On „shomen ni rei" all people present on the tatami bow towards the shomen (kamiza). The participants then return into line.
After the grading there is a short interval while the jury retreats to discuss results. Use this time to drink something, relax, exchange your experiences with the audience or grading partners, but do not leave the room.
When the jury is ready, the candidates line up in seiza.
Candidates who graded successfully are now called up individually: take 2 steps forward in shikko and remain in seiza until all candidates of your grade are called forward. Once your new grade is announced, bow to the jury and go back into line.
The jury then provides feedback and draws the individual candidates’ attention to points that are important for the next passage.
Your grading certificate will be handed over to you either immediately after the grading or at one of the next keikos. Be prepared and bring a folder.
The graduation results are sent to the local press for publication, usually accompanied by a group photo, and they are also published on our website and on the dojo’s social media channels. We thank you for your understanding in this matter, as this publicity helps us to attract new members.
It is an old tradition that the new kyu grades buy a round of drinks for those present after the passage (as this is done in our clubhouse, it is not expensive). For candidates under the age of 18, the dojo will cover the cost.
Updated July 2026