Syllabus and gradings
The dojos of Nice and Sophia-Antipolis are affiliated to SHOYUKAN AIKIKAI France, the body delegated for France by the world Aikido headquarters in Tokyo. Grades are therefore awarded directly by that internationally recognised institution, the AIKIKAI FOUNDATION.
These Aikikai grades are recognised in the great majority of countries and enjoy an incomparable legitimacy and standing.
The certificates are signed by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the founder, and are registered at the world headquarters in Tokyo.
Examinations are held under the authority and responsibility of Daniel Jean Pierre, head of teaching for SHOYUKAN AIKIKAI FRANCE, who has the honour of having received this official delegation for examinations from the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.
In certain cases grades may be awarded on recommendation.
In the Japanese tradition, grades are to be awarded on an overall view of technique, spirit and progress in the study of the “way”. Grades may appear important in each person’s path, but they must never become an end in themselves. It is essential to understand that this wonderful discipline is to be lived authentically, and must remain a source of peace, harmony and fulfilment.
Every aikidoka should seek the union of body and mind, and the mastery that flows from it. That is deeply personal work, and it goes well beyond purely technical examinations.
The very idea of technical or pedagogical progression is extremely hard to define in Aikido, since the whole practice is nothing but repetition and a ceaseless coming and going between “basics” and “variations”, between principles and sensations. One must also weigh the exemplary attitude and conduct that may rightly be expected of an experienced practitioner.
In the Japanese tradition the dojo is the central place of study; trust in a freely chosen master allows one to progress in all serenity, in a master-to-student relationship that is always fairly rewarded by the one who has guided your practice over many years.
The choice of Aikido, and of the person who will guide you in that study, is a personal one.
No one is obliged to sit a grading: the master may decide alone to promote a student to the next grade, on merit.
The “Kyu” grades (first-category degrees)
One must nonetheless approach the more or less formal knowledge of the various techniques and forms of work, and do so in a certain order, following a certain logic. At the “Kyu” gradings, documents listing the names of the techniques to be learnt are handed out, to help students work through the progression towards the examinations.
In that spirit they can serve as a basis for what one needs to know, fundamentally, to take a “Kyu” grade and to become acquainted, step by step, with the fundamental techniques.
Kyu grade syllabus:
Belt colours for children
For children, belt colours mark the stages of their progress in Aikido. They reward effort, regular attendance and the progress made throughout their practice.
- White — The start of the path. The child discovers Aikido, its rules, its movements and the values of the dojo.
- Yellow — The first basics are in place. The child gains confidence and begins to master the fundamental techniques.
- Orange — The practice sharpens. The child improves their movement, coordination and attention.
- Green — A further stage. The child develops greater technical command and independence.
- Blue — The practice deepens. The child refines their movements and develops a better understanding of the principles of Aikido.
- Brown — An advanced stage, showing steady work, seriousness and a good command of the fundamentals.
The “DAN” grades (black belt)
These are the senior grades, which give entry to the ranks of the “Yudansha”. They must reflect a genuine technical knowledge of the discipline, and the physical and mental attainments that allow practice at a high level.
Knowledge of the Japanese tradition, and respect towards Master Morihei UESHIBA, towards one’s teacher and towards the dojo, are indispensable virtues that must be found in the “Yudansha”.
A grade has only the value one chooses to give it; cultural and artistic fields leave much room for the subjective.
Moreover, that value rests on physical means of expression in performing the techniques: it is by nature ephemeral, and is justified over time only by regular practice.
Dan grade syllabus:
Minimum intervals between gradings
It should be stressed that these intervals are regulatory minima, corresponding to the work of a normally gifted practitioner who trains very diligently and intensively — that is, several times a week. For the great majority of students, a longer period of study should be expected on average.
| 5th Kyu | 2 months |
| 4th Kyu | 3 months |
| 3rd Kyu | 6 months |
| 2nd Kyu | 7 months |
| 1st Kyu | 8 months |
| 1st Dan | 1 year |
| 2nd Dan | 2 years |
| 3rd Dan | 3 years |
| 4th Dan | 4 years |