We would like to share the idea behind Kyu testing in Aikido.
Over the last couple of months, at Tatami Studio, we have had some students in our adult Aikido and children’s Aikido classes, take Kyu testing for their next rank. Since Aikido does not have competitions, Kyu testing is an important part of training.
Only by being exposed to stress can one learn how to deal with life's challenges. The purpose of Kyu testing is to give students an opportunity to evaluate themselves under examination. As a 'martial path', Aikido provides us with ways to train ourselves to manage daily life.
A 'rank' is the measure of a student's level of proficiency and progress in training based on the three following criteria: shin-gi-tai (mind-technique-body), with the expectation that the student will continue to study and practice diligently. The purpose of Kyu testing is to give the students an opportunity to evaluate themselves under stress.
The time-lines below, for achieving belt rankings, are based on training 2 times per week at Tatami Studio:
Yellow Belt (9th kyu): 25 training days
Orange Belt (8th kyu): 40 training days
Green Belt (7th kyu): 50 training days
Advanced Green Belt (6th kyu): 60 training days
Blue Belt (5th kyu): 70 training days
Advanced Blue Belt (4th kyu): 80 training days
Purple Belt (3rd kyu): 90 training days
Advanced Purple Belt (2nd kyu): 100 training days
Red Belt (1st kyu): 120 training days
Advanced Red Belt – Shodan Ho: 150 training days
Brown Belt – Advanced Shodan Ho
I think most Sensei’s would say that their primary concern is not with how the individual performs in the Kyu test, but in their long-term performance and behaviour. For example:
How is the spirit of the Aikidoist? Does the person help others? Does the person understand the principles behind the techniques? Does the person have good dojo etiquette? Does the person have good ukemi (receiving the technique)? Do they have good zanshin (state of awareness)? What is their mindset as they test? Will the person keep going even when it is difficult?
Will receiving the higher rank improve their Aikido and their confidence?
How is the students Aikido practise reflected in their daily life (acceptance of others, thinking peacefully)?
This is the idea behind testing students in the dojo!
If you have any questions or comments about testing, you can always ask Sensei for more details. See you on the mats!
Kyu is a Japanese term used in martial arts and means: A test given to designate a grade level or degree of proficiency.