Testing and Rank
While studying with a goal helps in motivation, rank and testing themselves are not the most important aspect of Yoshokai Aikido. Testing should not be a source of competition with other students. Studying and enjoying Aikido’s way of harmony in the Dojo and in life is the most important aspect.
White Belt to Brown Belt advancement is through Kyu testing. Kyu testing begins at a base level of 8th Kyu up to 1st Kyu.
Kyu testing rank sequence for Yoshokai Aikido is as follows: 8th Kyu, pre-7th Kyu, 7th Kyu, pre-6th Kyu, 6th Kyu, pre-5th Kyu, 5th Kyu (eligibility for Kenshu), pre-4th Kyu, 4th Kyu, pre-3rd Kyu (brown belt), 3rd Kyu, pre-2nd Kyu, 2nd Kyu, pre-1st Kyu, 1st Kyu.
Dan (black belt) progression is from 1st Dan to 8th Dan. Dan Seniority Progression is: Shodan (1st Degree), Nidan (2nd Degree), Sandan (3rd Degree), Yondan (4th Degree), Godan (5th Degree), Rokudan (6th Degree), Nanadan (7th Degree) and Hachidan (8th Degree)
Eligible Students may elect to test up to Sandan. Testing above Sandan is by invitation only.
Dan Tests are held every year in June and November
Study Progression
As students move up in rank, they receive instruction in the use of Buki or weapons starting with Bokken (wooden sword), and progressing to Jo (wooden staff) and Tanto (wooden knife). Training with Buki gives a deeper understanding of hand techniques and improves balance and focus. Students train both solo and with partner. Each higher rank includes and builds up on the skills and techniques of the lower rank.
Other key technical aspects of training include Breakfalls (art and science of falling gently) and Pins (final control of the opponent).
Breakfalls progress from basic Back Breakfall (falling backwards) to Backward Roll (adding a roll to falling backwards to come to a standing position) to Forward Rolls and Jumping Breakfalls.
Similarly study of Pins and controlling techniques will progress from basic (first control, second control, third control, fourth control) pins to more advanced pins.
Classes also include conditioning exercises to strengthen the body and improve flexibility.
Clinics
Clinics are special classes focused on specific aspects of Aikido study, such as Testing techniques, Buki (weapons) techniques, and Basic and Advanced Hand techniques. Clinics are open to registered AYANA members only, and are not open to spectators.
Kenshu
Kenshu is a 20-month intensive study course for students 5th kyu and above, who wish to study Aikido more deeply. Kenshu typically begins with lectures on Aikido and Budo philosophy, history, and culture. In Kenshu, techniques are studied in more detail. Yoshokai teaching techniques are also studied.
Kushida Sensei developed and started the Kenshu course in 1973, and it is continued on today by Akira Kushida Sensei