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Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International
Minimum Promotion Test Requirements - Dan Ranks
 
Shodan      Black Belt, 1st Degree     Minimum 9 months and 90 hours training after earning 1st Kyu
Attendance at one Aikido Instructor Seminar

Two written essays required;
"What is Aikido"
"What is Shugyo"

Technique

Munetsuki - Free demonstration , minimum five arts.
Yokomenuchi - Free demonstration, minimum five arts.
Ushirotekubitori - Free demonstration, minimum five arts.
Ryotetori - Free demonstration, minimum five arts.
Hamni Hantachi - Free technique.
Bokken Dori - "Seizing the wooden sword": unarmed defense against sword attack, minimum 3 techniques each against shomenuchi, Yokomenuchi and Munetsuki attacks required.
Jo kata 2 - Second staff form - 22 movements.
Randori - "seizing chaos", defense against multiple attackers (4).

Nidan      Black Belt, 2nd Degree     Minimum 18 months and 50 hours as assistant instructor.
Attendance at one Aikido Instructor Seminar since earning Shodan.

One written essay required;
"Aikido, History and Future".

Technique

Katatori Ganmenuchi - Free demonstration , minimum five arts.
Shomenuchi - Free demonstration , minimum five arts.
Hamni Hantachi - Free demonstration , minimum five arts.
Jo Dori - ASeizing the staff": unarmed defense against staff attack, minimum 3 techniques each against shomenuchi, Yokomenuchi and Munetsuki attacks required.
Randori - "seizing chaos", defense against multiple attackers (5).

Sandan      Black Belt, 3rd Degree     Minimum 30 months and 100 hours as assistant instructor.
Attendance at two Aikido Instructor Seminar since earning Nidan.

One written essay required;
"Aikido Philosophy".

Technique

Jo Nage - "Throwing with the staff", free demonstration.
Kumijo - Staff versus staff form (5).
Kumitachi - Sword versus sword form (6).
Randori - "seizing chaos", defense against multiple attackers (6).

Yondan      Black Belt, 4th Degree     Minimum 42 months and 200 hours as instructor.
Attendance at two Aikido Instructor Seminar since earning Sandan.

One written essay required;
"Application of Aikido"

Interview with Shihan required.

Technique

Kihon Waza - "Basic technique", five-minute free demonstration.
Henka Waza - "Changing technique", five-minute free demonstration.
Oyo Waza - "Applied or advanced technique", five-minute free demonstration.
Instructional Methodology - Free demonstration of how to instruct Kihon Waza and Oyo Waza.