AIKIDO PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Rank
Yonkyu
Sankyu
Nikyu
Ikkyu
Shodan
Nidan
Sandan
Yondan
Godan
Rokudan
Shichidan
Hachidan
Kudan
Belt Color
Green
Brown
Brown
Brown
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Red & White
Red & White
Red & White
Red
Hours Per Week
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
Total Hours In Aikido
40
80
120
160
250
500
850
1,100
1,600
2,600
4,600
6,600
10,000
Minumum Age
14
14
14
14
16
18
20
22
25
29
37
45
55
Time in Grade
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
6 months
1 year
2 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
8 years
8 years
10 years
Total Time in Aikido
3 months
6 months
9 months
1 year
1 - 1.5 years
2 years
4 years
6 years
8 years
11 years
19 years
27 years
35 years
The rank of Shodan may be given at one year if the total hours and technical requirements are met.
The above recommended hours per week, if followed, will result in the total hours needed at the recommended time in grade and the total time in the art.
No person shall be deprived of a rank when the total hours and technical requirements are met, regardless of how long it takes to meet those hours. Not everyone can practice 3 to 4.5 hours per week.
A student may be required to demonstrate all prior rank requirements if it is deemed necessary. This should only be used in the case of a person who has been absent from the art for a considerable length of time.