Dojo Culture

Ranking

As a member of Birankai North America, under the direction of T.K.Chiba Sensei, our dojo follows a traditional ranking system consistent with that of the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan. Our adult Aikido program recognizes 5 Kyu ranks which are awarded at the dojo level. Each of these Kyu ranks wears a white belt with no markings. Dan ranks are awarded by Birankai NA and are designated by a black belt and hakama. (a list of Kyu and Dan rank requirements can be found by going to our links page then selecting forms for members)

Rank in our dojo is earned through the testing process, and is awarded to indicate a students progress in the art which is a subjective matter. One students growth and progress may be entirely different from another's. In order to insure the highest standard of Aikido is maintained in our dojo, we have established minimum promotion testing requirements that must be met for each rank.

As a student, do not forget that these requirements are a minimum. This means that simply learning these techniques does not complete your knowledge of Aikido. Actually, the techniques listed as requirements are far from comprehensive. What they are is a collection of techniques that require the student to become familiar with a wide range of body movements and skills, which are a basic foundation for Aikido.

Rank is not something for you as a student to focus on solely. It is however important, since we need some indication of our competence, development and eventually of instructional ability in Aikido.

Testing

A physical promotion test is required for all Kyu ranks. Promotion testing helps to prevent abuse of rank. Without testing, the awarding of rank could become subject to personal whim and favoritism. The promotion test requirement requires students to demonstrate their abilities in front of the dojo and a certified instructor.

The promotion test is also a valuable part of every day training by providing the student with an additional goal to work toward. Knowing that the student will in time have to demonstrate techniques in front of other members of the dojo, visitors and a testing committee gives many students extra incentive to focus on during their day-to-day training.

When taking a promotion test, be sure to remember who you are, and what you represent. Though most people do not set out to embarrass themselves, knowing that they also represent their dojo and instructor gives many students added incentive to prepare before testing. Keep in mind that you are a martial artist representing all of Aikido. It is through our intensive training demonstration during testing that Aikido continues to be a respected martial art and not merely a sport.

Students should be prepared to give 100% each day, and even more so during testing. Anything less in unacceptable and substandard. The test can be viewed as the students final act, and that if they never do another thing or speak another word, they will be remembered for their actions, energy, and intensity while testing. Students must maintain their bearing, martial attitude, and dynamic movement throughout testing.

By learning to maintain themselves in this way during testing, students will in time learn to train with this level of intensity every day and eventually to conduct every aspect of their life with strength, passion and sincere intention.

 

 

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