In Japanese martial arts, ranking systems serve as markers of a practitioner's progress, skill, and understanding. As one of the modern martial arts founded in the early 20th century, aikido incorporates a grading system that reflects not only technical proficiency but also personal development and philosophical insight (ningen keisei). To fully appreciate the significance of grades in Aikido, it is essential to understand their origins and how they compare to other traditional Japanese martial arts.
Historical Origins: From Menkyo to Dan
The mokuroku-menkyo system
Before the introduction of the modern ranking system, traditional Japanese martial arts (koryū) employed the mokuroku-menkyo system, where transmission scrolls (densho) or licenses (menkyo) were awarded to denote a practitioner's level of mastery. This system was not completely standardized, so it varied between schools, but it generally included a number of stages from entry into the art, through various levels of transmission license, up to menkyo kaiden, the license of full transmission, indicating complete mastery.
Advancement in the menkyo system was based on a student's understanding and embodiment of the art, often requiring long years of dedicated practice. The system consisted in the transmission of the art's essence from one teacher to one or a very few students, rather than in a standardized curriculum or mass-testing process meant to be spread.
The Introduction of the Dan System
The modern kyu/dan ranking system was introduced by Kanō Jigorō, the founder of Judo, in 1883. He set up a more structured and motivational approach to ranking through a more granular subdivision of ranks, incidentally distinguishing mudansha (non-dan grades holders ; i.e. kyū grade holders) and yūdansha (dan grades holders). Initially, there were no visual indicators of rank, and it wasn't until 1886 that Kanō introduced the black belt to signify dan holders. The origin of the use of other colors for various dan and kyū ranks is more difficult to determine. Some attribute it to Kawaishi Mikonosuke, a Japanese Jūdō instructor who spent many years teaching in Paris.
Kanō's system was influenced by the ranking methods used in the game of Go, which had adopted a dan system in the 17th century to denote player skill levels. The dan system provided a clear framework for progression and was later adopted by other martial arts, including Karate and Aikido. In Japan, it is also present in a number of other sports and activities, such as swimming classes, etc. especially for children.
Today class ranks (kyū) are normally numbered in descending order from five (sometimes higher) to one, while grade ranks (dan) are normally numbered in an ascending sequence from one through five, or nine, or ten, etc., depending on the system or discipline.
Aikido's Adoption of the Dan System
Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, integrated the dan ranking system into his martial art around 1940. Unlike the formalized testing procedures in Judo, early Aikido promotions were often based on Ueshiba's personal assessment of a student's development. Promotions were sometimes announced during the annual Kagamibiraki ceremony, a traditional Japanese event marking the New Year.
As Aikido grew and the Aikikai Foundation was established, the need for standardized grading procedures became apparent. This led to the implementation of more structured testing and certification processes, aligning Aikido's ranking system more closely with those of other modern martial arts.
In Aikido, the highest ranked individual currently alive is Tada Hiroshi Shihan, 9th dan.
The Dual Structure: Kyū and Dan Ranks
Aikido's ranking system is divided into two main categories:
Kyū Grades
Kyū grades represent the levels before achieving a black belt (dan rank). They are typically numbered in descending order, starting from 5th kyu down to 1st kyū. A practitioner who registers is therefore considered 6th kyū, and the first test that they will take will be for 5th kyū. Progression through kyū ranks involves:
- Technical Proficiency: Learning and demonstrating fundamental techniques appropriate to each level (Yokohama AikiDojo’s adults kyū curriculum is available here).
- Understanding of Principles: Grasping basic concepts such as posture (kamae), distance (maai), and timing.
- Ukemi Skills: Developing the ability to safely receive techniques through proper falling and rolling.
- Consistency: Regular attendance and dedicated practice over time.
In many dōjō, colored belts are used to signify kyū ranks, while others, such as Yokohama AikiDojo, maintain the white belt for all adults pre-dan levels.
Dan Grades
Dan grades denote formal levels, beginning with 1st dan (shodan). Progression through dan ranks continues with increasing levels of responsibility and depth of understanding, often up to 10th dan, though such high grades are rare and often honorary.
In Aikido, grades are not endpoints but milestones marking a practitioner's ongoing journey:
Achieving a dan grade signifies:
- Mastery of Basics: A solid command of fundamental techniques and principles.
- Teaching Ability: The capacity to instruct and guide less experienced practitioners.
- Philosophical Insight: A deeper appreciation of Aikido's underlying philosophy and its application beyond the dōjō.
- Community Leadership: Serving as a role model and contributing positively to the dōjō environment.
- Evaluation Criteria: Beyond Physical Techniques
In our dōjō, all grades are evaluated through standardized examinations. A certain minimum number of classes, and a certain amount of time between grades, are required to become eligible to apply for an examination.
Important: Note that those constitute an absolute minimum and often, a practitioner is going to require a much longer amount of time between grades in order to meet all the expectations associated with each level. Once a student is eligible to apply for testing, they can fill the testing request form, and it is then left up to the decision of Yokohama AikiDojo-chō, in consultation with the pedagogic team, to allow a student to take a test or not. Those terms and the decision are non-negotiable.
While technical skill is a crucial component of grading, Aikido evaluations encompass a broader spectrum of attributes:
Technical Execution
- Precision and Fluidity: Techniques should be performed smoothly, with correct form and appropriate energy.
- Adaptability: Demonstrating the ability to apply techniques in various situations and against different attacks.
- Control and Safety: Ensuring the safety of training partners through controlled application of techniques.
Attitude and Spirit
- Humility: Approaching practice with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
- Respect: Showing consideration for instructors, peers, and the art itself.
- Perseverance: Maintaining dedication and resilience through challenges. This includes the possibility of not passing a test. In such situation, a gracious ration and a continued motivation through attendance are expected, ahead of a re-testing at a later date.
Contribution to the Dōjō
- Mentorship: Assisting junior students and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Participation: Engaging in dōjō activities, seminars, and community events.
- Leadership: Taking initiative in maintaining the dōjō's standards and spirit.
A student taking a dan examination at Yokohama AikiDojo is thus expected to step up to a number of responsibilities, including the support and guidance of junior members, through diligent attendance to classes and seminars.
Important: Yokohama AikiDojo holds specific expectations as regards to the role of a sempai during practice. It is the exclusive prerogative of the dōjō instructors (shidoin and fukushidoin) to provide verbal instruction. While all other members are expected to offer assistance to junior members, this should not take form as verbal or physical direction but rather, through a soft, patient way to take ukemi that allows the junior time to experiment and execute the technique, seeing it through its end 100% of the time, without the use of any physical rearrangement or verbal feedback, unless in case of imminent risk for oneself or others.
The progression through grades serves as a framework for personal development, encouraging practitioners to cultivate qualities such as patience,
Hakama
The history and use of the hakama is described further in our companion article. At Yokohama AikiDojo, the hakama is usually worn from 3rd kyū onwards for females, and from 1st kyū onwards for males, even though exceptions may be made, at the discretion of Dōjō-chō.
Important: The general understanding among Aikido practitioners is that the wearer of a hakama is able to take all types of ukemi at any speed, with no assistance. Therefore, while hakama may be worn during regular classes, mudansha who are still developing in their ukemi are expected to wear only their keikogi only during seminars and special classes involving outside individuals in order to prevent mistaken expectations associated to one’s degree fluency with ukemi, and thus potential risk.
