Kyu Exam Requirements

Kyu exams are composed of 4 parts (delineated here as A-D). Exams are designed to reflect the balanced training of the principles of Aikido, the basic harmonizing movements, specific self-defense techniques and free defense (jiu waza) against one or more attackers.

Part A tests ability to explain basic Aikido principles (e.g., principles of aiki, ki extension, controlled relaxation, masa katsu agatsu, etc.) and how they relate to both self-defense arts and to one's daily life.

Part B tests ability to perform and explain the basic Aiki Taiso (e.g., nikyo, fune kogi, ude furi choyaku, etc.). This includes demonstrating how to test for the proper execution of the Aiki Taiso and how to relate them to specific techniques.

Part C tests ability to perform specific defense techniques for specific attacks. The list of basic kyu examination arts can be used as a guide here. Minimally, know how to perform the arts listed for the kyu for which you are testing.

Part D tests ability to apply aiki principles in a free attack / free defense situation. This includes being able to apply defense techniques against any specified attack (up to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 defense arts for 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st kyu exams, respectfully). Also, one or more attackers may be given a set of attacks to choose from (e.g., wrist grabs, straightline strikes, shoulder grabs, etc.) and the defender should be able to apply the basic blending systems (e.g. Tekubi Tori Joho Osae, Tobikomi Otoshi, Tekubi Tori Enkei, etc.) in defense.

Preparation. The best way to prepare for a test is through regular class attendance. Prior to the test, you should have selected someone to be your Uke (Uke should be someone at or near the level for which you are testing). 

Protocol. When called to test, you and your uke should come forward, kneel, bow to the instructor, and then bow to each other. At the end of the test, bow to each other and then to the instructor. 

Attitude. An attitude of calmness, relaxation, attentiveness, respect, and willingness to harmonize should be reflected in all that you do. The purpose of the test is not to determine how many ways you can throw someone, but rather to provide you with an opportunity to share what you know and harmonize with potential conflict situations. 

Promotion. Promotion recognizes that you have completed one phase of your training and are prepared to begin the next phase. Thus, in a sense, we are always being promoted to the level of a beginner. The first degree black belt (shodan) means literally "beginning step." With promotion also comes greater responsibility for acting in accordance with the principles of aikido and the sharing without hesitation what you have learned with others. 

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KYU EXAM (TEST FORM: Rate each item 1(poor)-4(excellent)) EXAMINEE _____________________ DATE________________ RANK TESTING FOR ___________PREVIOUS RANK ___________ 

PART A: EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AIKIDO.

Basic	Advanced
Aikido in Daily Life  Keep one-point  Extend Ki Controlled relaxation  Weight Underside  Range of effectiveness	Masa Katsu Agatsu  Fudoshin Fudotai  Chudo  Dochu no Sei  Katsujin ken  Intercept Ki	Hitoashi Yokotet Banyo Aigo En no Hongi Go go no Shugyo Sho shin ni kaeru Makoto (or Sei) Shodo O'Seisu
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PART B: EXPLAIN, DEMONSTRATE, AND APPLY AIKI TAISO
Basic	Intermediate	Advanced
Koho tendo	Tekubi kosa	Ushirodori Zenpo
Nikkyo	Udefuri Choyaku	Udefuri Undo
Kotegaeshi	Katatedori Tenkan Sayu	Tekubi Joho
Sankyo	Ushiro Tekubidori Zenshin	Ushirotekubidori Kotai
Fune kogi	Enkei	Katatedori Tenkan
Shomenuchi Ikkyo	Enkei sayu, choyaku	Zenpo Kaiten Nage
PART C: PERFORM BASIC DEFENSE TECHNIQUES.
GOKYU	YONKYU	SANKYU
Katatedori Nikyo	Katatedori Tenkan Ikkyo	Katatedori Enkei-nage
Katatedori Tenkan Shiho-nage	Yokomenuchi Shiho-nage	Yokomenuchi Makiotoshi
Yokomenuchi Hijiotoshi	Shomenuchi Kotegaeshi	Shomenuchi Ikkyo Irimi
Shomenuchi Kokyu-nage	Ushirotori Zenpo-nage	Ushirotekubitori Sankyo
Munetsuki Kotegaeshi	Munetsuki Kokyu-nage	Munetsuki Hantai Ikkyo
Ushirotekubitori Zenshin-nage	KatateRyotemochi Tenkan Kotegaeshi	Ryotedori Shiho-nage
NIKYU	IKKYU
Katatedori Irimi-nage	Katatekosadori Hikiyose Ikkyo
Yokomenuchi Choyaku Kokyu-nage	Yokomenuchi Irimi-nage
Shomenuchi Ikkyo Tenkan	Shomenuchi Sankyo
Ushirotekubitori Kotai Kotegaeshi	Ushirotekubitori Tenkan Tenchi-nage
Munetsuki Zenpo-nage	Munetsuki Ushiro Kata-hikiotoshi
Katateryotemochi Sasoikomi Makiotoshi	Ryotedori Irimi Tenchi-nage
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PART D: APPLY AIKI PRINCIPLES IN FREE ATTACK / FREE DEFENSE
Basic Attacks	Randori
Katatedori                  Kata Oshi	Kata Oshi / Katakosa Oshi
Katate Kosadori         Kata Kosa Oshi	Tekubitori
Ryotedori                   Ryokata Oshi	Munetsuki / Gamentsuki / Shomenuchi
Katate Ryotemochi     Shomenuchi	Ryokatadori / Yokomenuchi / Shomenuchi
Kata Dori                    Yokomenuchi	Jiu Tori (Free Attack)
Kata Kosa Dori           Kaeshi Yokomenuchi
Ryokata Dori              Munetsuki
Ushirotekubidori         Gamentsuki
Ushiro Dori                 Mae Geri
Ushiro Ryokatadori     Marwari Geri
UshiroTekubidori Kubishime