Iwama Aikido
Traditional Aikido: As Taught in Iwama, Japan
5th Kyu (Gokyu) – Minimum three months and 24 classes from enrollment. A bokken and jo must be purchased prior to the exam.
4th Kyu (Yonkyu) – Minimum six months and 48 classes from 5th kyu.
3rd Kyu (Sankyu) – Minimum six months and 48 classes from 4th kyu.
2nd Kyu (Nikyu) – Minimum six months and 72 classes from 3rd kyu.
1st Kyu (Ikkyu) – Minimum nine months and 108 classes from 2nd kyu.
1st Dan (Shodan) – Minimum one year and 144 classes from 1st kyu.
2nd Dan (Nidan) – Minimum one year and 200 classes from Shodan.
3rd Dan (Sandan) – Minimum two years and 300 classes from Nidan.
4th Dan (Yondan) – Minimum three years and 300 classes from Sandan.
Note: These are only the minimum testing requirements. Only when these requirements are met will the Dojo-Cho begin to look at a student for promotion. Each person must progress at his or her own pace. No student should ever expect to test by a certain time.