Testing

While testing is a valid part of the Aikido experience, it is not the main focus of our dojo. In other words, testing and earning rank are not the primary goals at our school–the journey of training and the refinement that training provides are more important to us than the ranks earned along the way. Testing at Aikido of Northwest Kansas follows standard Aikido Association of America guidelines. This means that there are a minimum number of hours and months between tests, and that any rank earned at our dojo is valid at any Aikido Association of America or Aikido Association International dojo. As such, we have very high expectations for our tests, and students should be prepared to practice much more than the minimum number of hours before being invited to test. Rank tests involve demonstrating a variety of basic motions, falls, techniques, defenses against weapons and multiple attackers, and other skills as outlined in the Aikido Association of America Student Manual (given to students upon registration with our dojo); all rank tests are cumulative, so students are responsible for knowing the material from all previous tests. Furthermore, testing at our dojo is invitation-only. Students are not invited to test until they generally exhibit the level of Aikido that would be required for the next rank.

In other words, rather than a student being invited to see if he or she can pass a test and become 7th kyu, a student will not be invited to test for 7th kyu until they have already shown that their Aikido is at a 7th kyu level and that they are, in effect, already a 7th kyu. This does NOT mean that students are guaranteed to pass–a test is an intentional barrier that adds pressure and tension that a student must overcome while still showing their level of Aikido. This is taken into account in the grading, so it is rare for a student to fail a test, but it does happen. If a student fails a test, they do not have to pay the testing fee a second time; they will be given time to relax, build confidence and prepare, and when it seems they are ready they will be invited to test again. Success and failure are all part of the journey we take in the path of Aikido. Each can teach us something new and help forge us as we continue to train.

RankMinimum HoursTesting Fee
7th Kyu2 months, 20 hours$40
6th Kyu3 months, 30 hours
since previous test
$47.50
5th Kyu3 months, 30 hours
since previous test
$47.50
4th Kyu3 months, 30 hours
since previous test
$47.50
3rd Kyu6 months, 60 hours
since previous test
$60
2nd Kyu6 months, 60 hours
since previous test
$60
1st Kyu6 months, 60 hours
since previous test
$60
Shodan9 months, 90 hours
since previous test
$300