Testing For Rank

Testing for kyu and dan ranks is held at Capital Aikikai twice each year, generally in the Spring and Fall. Dan ranks are awarded through the Capital Aikido Federation (CAF) and are recognized by Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, and the International Aikido Federation.

Those wishing to test must first ask their sensei for permission. After having received permission, you may obtain a Capital Aikido Federation application for rank from your dojo or this web page. This form must be filled out and turned in (together with the appropriate fees) prior to the date of the test. Please be sure to bring both your completed paperwork and your payment with you on the day of your test.

Kyu ranks $30
Shodan $200
Nidan $200
Sandan $300
Yondan $400
Godan and higher Please contact us for current Hombu fee.

Promotion Requirements

Note: Time requirements are counted from the last test.
Please be sure to bring both your completed paperwork and your payment with you on the day of your test.

5th Kyu (40 practice days)
  1. Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote/ura)
  2. Shomenuchi Iriminage
  3. Katatetori Shihonage (omote/ura)
  4. Ryotetori Tenchinage
  5. Tsuki Kotegaeshi
  6. Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi
  7. Morotetori Kokyuho
4th Kyu (50 practice days)
  1. Shomenuchi Nikkyo (omote/ura)
  2. Yokomenuchi Shihonage (omote/ura)
  3. Tsuki Iriminage
  4. Ushiro Tekubi Sankyo (omote/ura)
  5. Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi
  6. Suwari Waza:
    • Shomenuchi Ikkyo
    • Katatori Nikkyo (omote/ura)
    • Katatori Sankyo
3rd Kyu (60 practice days)
  1. Yokomenuchi Iriminage (two ways)
  2. Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
  3. Tsuki Kaitennage
  4. Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo (omote/ura)
  5. Morotetori Iriminage (two ways)
  6. Shomenuchi Sankyo (omote/ura)
  7. Suwari Waza (omote and ura):
    • Shomenuchi Iriminage
    • Shomenuchi Nikkyo
  8. Hanmi Handachi:
    • Katatetori Shihonage
    • Katatetori Kaitennage (uchi and soto mawari)
  9. Tachitori & Jotori: Shomenuchi/Tsuki
2nd Kyu (70 practice days)
  1. Shomenuchi Shihonage
  2. Shomenuchi Kaitennage
  3. Yokomenuchi Gokyo
  4. Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage
  5. Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage
  6. Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage
  7. Morotetori Nikkyo
  8. Hanmi Handachi:
    • Shomenuchi Iriminage
    • Katatetori Nikkyo
    • Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
  9. Tachitori and Jotori:
    • Shomenuchi and Tsuki attacks
  10. Freestyle (randori): two uke
1st Kyu (80 practice days)
  1. Katatori Menuchi - five techniques
  2. Yokomenuchi - five techniques
  3. Morotetori - five techniques
  4. Shomenuchi - five techniques
  5. Ryotetori - five techniques
  6. Koshinage - five techniques
  7. Tantotori
  8. Hanmi Handachi:
    • Ushiro Waza - five techniques
  9. Tachitori & Jotori
  10. Freestyle (randori) - three uke
Shodan (150 practice days)
  • All of 1st kyu requirements
  • Tachitori
  • Jotori
  • Henka Waza
  • Freestyle (randori) - four uke
Nidan (300 practice days)
  • Attend two seminars per year after shodan
  • All of shodan requirements
  • Tachitori - two uke
  • Kaeshi Waza
  • Freestyle (randori) - five uke
Sandan (450 practice days)
  • Attend two seminars per year after nidan. Subject of exam to be determined by examiner at the time of the exam.
Yondan (600 practice days)
  • Subject of exam to be determined by examiner at the time of the exam.
Notes and Terms
  • Hanmi Handachi - uke standing, nage sitting
  • Henka waza - switching from one technique to another; examiner will call the first technique
  • Jotori - staff techniques
  • Kaeshi waza - counter techniques; uke applies the technique to nage.; initial technique will be called by examiner (e.g., to apply sankyo against nikkyo).
  • Katatetori - one hand grab to wrist
  • Katatori - one hand grab to collar
  • Morotetori - two hands on one
  • Ryotetori - both wrists grabbed from the front
  • Shomenuchi - strike to forehead
  • Soto Mawari - outside movements
  • Suwari Waza - techniques from sitting
  • Tachitori - attack with sword
  • Tantotori - attack with knife
  • Tsuki - thrust or punch
  • Uchi Mawari - inside movements
  • Ushiro Kubishime - choke from behind with free hand grabbing wrist
  • Ushiro Ryokatatori - both shoulders grabbed from behind
  • Ushiro Tekubitori - both wrists grabbed from behind
  • Ushiro Waza - any attack from behind

Capital Aikido Federation

923 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring, MD • 240-242-5179

Clyde Takeguchi, founder and director • William Plank, head instructor

The Capital Aikido Federation is directly affiliated with Hombu Dojo and the Aikikai Foundation.