Rank & Certification Syllabuses
Available for download
Current Test Syllabus
Test Syllabus 2018
Kids and 10th-4th kyu 2016
Archived Syllabuses
Test Syllabus 2013
Kids and 10th-4th kyu 2013
Test Syllabus 2012
Kids and 10th-4th kyu 2012
Instructor Certification Test Syllabus
Test Syllabus 2011
Kids and 10th-4th kyu 2011
Instructor Certification Test Syllabus
Test Syllabus 2010
Test Syllabus 2009
Test Syllabus 2008
Test Periods
| 1st-10th kyu Test | March, July, December |
| All kyu and dan Test | July, December |
Test Requirements
| Rank | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 10-9 kyu | Ability to correctly perform Kamae, and the 6 Kihon Dosa (Basic Movements). |
| 8-6 kyu | Ability to correctly perform Kamae, the 6 Kihon Dosa, and the assigned basic techniques. |
| 5-4 kyu | Ability to correctly perform Kamae, the 6 Kihon Dosa Sotai (with partner), and the assigned basic techniques. |
| 3-1 kyu | Ability to correctly perform selected basic techniques with some level of technique application. |
| 1st Dan | At least 3 months since receiving 1st kyu, ability to demonstrate proficiency in selected basic techniques, and perform them with an appropriate amount of power. |
| 2nd Dan | At least 1 year since receiving 1st Dan, ability to demonstrate mastery of the basic technique syllabus with appropriate knowledge of technique application. |
| 3rd Dan | At least 2 years since receiving 2nd Dan, mastery of technique, with appropriate knowledge of technique application and instruction. |
| 4th Dan | At least 3 years since receiving 3rd Dan, polished mastery of technique, with appropriate knowledge of technique application and instruction. |
| 5th Dan | At least 4 years since receiving 4th Dan, complete mastery of technique, with considerable knowledge of technique application and instruction. |
| 6th Dan | At least 5 years since receiving 5th Dan, complete mastery of technique, with considerable knowledge of technique application and instruction, and teaching experience (in addition to grading of practical skill, a dissertation on a topic such as views on Aikido, ethics, and philosophy is required). |
| 7th Dan | At least 6 years since receiving 6th Dan, complete mastery of technique with considerable knowledge of technique application and instruction, and is actively teaching. |
| 8th Dan
and above |
At least 6 years since receiving 6th Dan, complete mastery of technique, with considerable knowledge of technique application and instruction and is actively teaching. |
Transferring Rank from Children’s Classes
Individuals who have obtained a rank under the children’s class testing requirements can test to have their rank transferred when graduating to the regular (adult) classes.
Rank equivalents are as follows:
Children’s 5th to 9th kyu → 6th kyu
Children’s 1st to 4th kyu → 5th kyu
Children’s 1st Dan and up → 4th kyu
Regarding Ranks Issued By the Yoshinkan or IYAF
All dan and kyu ranks issued by Aikido Yoshinkai and the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation (IYAF) prior to March 2008 will be recognized by Aikido Renshinkai. Ranks received after this date will be given consideration on a case-by-case basis.
Test Fees
| Rank | Test Fee* | Registration Fee (Adult) | Registration Fee (Child) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th-6th kyu | 1,000yen | 1,500yen | 1,000yen |
| 5th kyu | 1,000yen | 2,000yen | 1,500yen |
| 4th kyu | 1,000yen | 2,500yen | 2,000yen |
| 3rd kyu | 1,500yen | 4,000yen | 3,000yen |
| 2nd kyu | 1,500yen | 5,000yen | 4,000yen |
| 1st kyu | 1,500yen | 6,000yen | 5,000yen |
| 1st dan | 2,000yen | 12,000yen | 7,000yen |
| 2nd dan | 3,000yen | 25,000yen | 12,000yen |
| 3rd dan | 3,000yen | 40,000yen | |
| 4th dan | 3,000yen | 60,000yen | |
| 5th dan | 3,000yen | 90,000yen | |
| 6th dan | 5,000yen | 120,000yen | |
| 7th dan | 5,000yen | 150,000yen | |
| 8th dan and up | 5,000yen | 180,000yen |
*Honbu Dojo test fees. Test fees differ slightly depending on country and Examiner.