What Are Dan and Kyu Examinations?

The Standard of the World Headquarters

At the Aikikai Hombu Dojo (本部道場), adults are examined starting at 5th kyu and going up to 1st kyu, and then from first dan (shodan, 初段) to fourth dan. Those who pass an examination by the Hombu Dojo or by an examination committee recognized by the Hombu are awarded their rank by the Doshu (道主). Fifth dan and above are awarded on recommendation, not by examination.

Eligibility is determined by “how many days you have trained since receiving your previous rank.” Training days here means not calendar days but the number of days you actually came to the dojo.

At the Hombu Dojo, the techniques examined at 5th kyu begin with the basic techniques of Chapter 4 of this book, such as shomen-uchi ikkyo, katate-dori shiho nage, shomen-uchi irimi nage, and suwari waza kokyu-ho. As the kyu ranks rise, the applied techniques of Chapter 5 are added, and dan examinations go on to require tanto-dori (短刀取り, knife taking), techniques against multiple attackers, and even an essay or short paper on aikido.

The Standard of the Korea Aikido Federation

Dojos belonging to the Korea Aikido Federation ((사)대한합기도회) follow the examination standards of the Federation, which belongs to the Aikikai Foundation. Its grading tables are made up of the same techniques as the dojo of Yasuo Kobayashi (小林保雄) Sensei in Japan, so the techniques you learn in Korea are no different from those you would learn in Japan. Adults usually wear only two belt colors, white and black, though some dojos also use red or brown belts.

The kyu ranks start at 7th kyu and go up to 1st kyu, followed by examinations from shodan to fourth dan. Below is the eligibility in the 2026 grading tables.

Compared with the Hombu Dojo standard, there are two more kyu ranks (starting from 7th kyu rather than 5th), and the required training days are a little longer at each step. For dan ranks, both “how many years have passed” and “how many days you have trained” are considered, not just the dates.

The examination syllabus broadens as the kyu ranks rise. 7th kyu begins with the basic movements of Chapters 2 and 3 and the basic techniques of Chapter 4, such as ukemi, funakogi undo (the rowing exercise), body movement, strikes, ikkyo undo, and shikko. From 5th kyu, basic weapons work with the sword and staff is added, and from 2nd kyu come hanmi handachi waza (techniques with one person kneeling and the other standing), ushiro waza against grabs from behind, and jiyu waza, in which you respond with techniques that are not set in advance. Dan examinations continue with ken and jo awase (合わせ) and kumitachi (組太刀), taking the knife, sword, and staff, and free attacks by multiple attackers, and for fourth dan you also submit a paper of about 800 characters on either “How to teach beginners” or “What I have gained through aikido training.”

The grading tables also list the following points to note.

• Submit the required documents with the examination fee at least 10 days before the examination, and be sure to write on the application the date you received your current rank.
• Assemble at the examination hall at least 30 minutes beforehand; latecomers cannot take the examination. Write your name on your dogi, and bring your own bokken and jo (and, for dan examinations, a tanto).
• Spectators are welcome, but photographs and video are not allowed.
• Taking part in events such as training camps, seminars, and demonstrations earns extra points in kyu grading, and for second dan and above, participation in such events is a requirement for eligibility.
• For dan examinations you must obtain your instructor’s permission in advance, and if you fail at second dan or above, you cannot apply again for one year.

When adults aged 16 or over pass a dan examination, they receive, just as at dojos abroad, a dan certificate issued by the Doshu at the Aikikai World Headquarters. Those aged 15 or under cannot be promoted to dan under the international standard, so in Korea they are awarded junior dan ranks, distinct from adult ranks. From fifth dan, rank is awarded on recommendation without examination, and not only technique but also your attitude toward training and your responsibility and leadership as a senior are considered.

Yoon Dae-hyun Sensei of the Korea Aikido Federation says that “a dan certificate is neither a qualification nor a gift.” Members who have not completed the required period and number of training days must not be recommended for promotion; this is a matter of protecting the value of the certificates of the seniors who were awarded their dan only with difficulty. He adds that even if you fail an examination, rather than feeling aggrieved, you should accept it as a good experience that has shown you your present level.