Grading System | Shanghai Aikido Shen Dojo

要求 Requirements to Participate Requirements

Meet the minimum requirements set by the dojo for grading examinations.
Apply to the instructor in advance; grading registration is only allowed after the instructor's approval.
Be a registered member of Shen Dojo.
Have no outstanding annual dojo membership fees.

審查 Dojo Grading Standards Grading Standards

Grading Notes:
1. Candidates must be registered members of Shen Dojo. Apply to the instructor in advance; registration is only allowed after approval.
2. Candidates must arrange their own uke (training partner) in advance. As a rule, the uke's rank should not be lower than the candidate's, and the uke's name must be reported beforehand.
3. During the exam, candidates must keep performing techniques (alternating right/left, omote/ura) until instructed to stop by the examiner. Do not pause to rest on your own.

Kyu (Class) Grading Standards

Rank	Belt	Requirements	Examination Techniques
5th Kyu	Yellow	At least 30 classes completed	Ukemi: Mae ukemi, Ushiro ukemi Pins: Ikkyo, Nikyo, Sankyo (Shomenuchi, Katatedori) Throws: Shihonage, Iriminage (Shomenuchi, Katatedori) Sitting: Kokyuho
4th Kyu	Green	At least 3 months after 5th Kyu and 40+ classes	Ukemi: Mae, Ushiro, Yoko ukemi Pins: Ikkyo–Yonkyo (Shomenuchi, Katadori, Yokomenuchi) Throws: Shihonage, Iriminage, Kotegaeshi (Shomenuchi, Katatedori) Sitting: Katatedori pins & throws
3rd Kyu	Blue	At least 4 months after 4th Kyu and 50+ classes	Ukemi: Mae, Ushiro, Yoko ukemi, Tobi ukemi (aerial roll) Pins: Ikkyo–Gokyo (sitting & standing) Throws: Shihonage, Iriminage, Kotegaeshi, Kaitennage, Kokyunage (Shomenuchi, Morotedori, Yokomenuchi, Chudan tsuki) Sitting: Morotedori pins & throws
2nd Kyu	Purple	At least 4 months after 3rd Kyu and 60+ classes	Ukemi: All ukemi Pins: Ikkyo–Gokyo (sitting, standing, Katadori) Throws: Shihonage, Iriminage, Kotegaeshi, Kaitennage, Kokyunage, Tenchinage (Katatedori, Morotedori, Hanmi handachi) Hanmi handachi: Katatedori, Shomenuchi, Chudan tsuki, Morotedori
1st Kyu	Brown	At least 8 months after 2nd Kyu and 80+ classes	Ukemi: All ukemi Pins: Ikkyo–Gokyo (sitting, standing, Katadori, Katadori menuchi) Throws: Shihonage, Iriminage, Kotegaeshi, Kaitennage, Kokyunage, Tenchinage, Tenbinnage, Jujigarame, Koshinage (Katatedori, Morotedori, Ushiro ryotedori, Morotedori, Yokomenuchi, Chudan tsuki, Katadori) Hanmi handachi / Sitting / Standing

Dan (Degree) Grading Standards

Dan	Requirements	Examination Content
1st Dan	At least 10 months after 1st Kyu and 100+ classes (age 15+)	All unarmed techniques (sitting, hanmi handachi, standing, katadori, munadori, hijidori, various hand grabs, ushiro ryotedori, etc.)
2nd Dan	At least 2 years after 1st Dan and 200+ classes	All 1st Dan content, Tanto dori (knife takeaway), Ninindori (two attackers). Submit a personal essay on Aikido.
3rd Dan	At least 3 years after 2nd Dan and 300+ classes	All 2nd Dan content, Tachidori (sword takeaway), Jo dori (staff takeaway), and Tanindori (multiple attackers). Submit a themed essay on Aikido.
4th Dan	At least 4 years after 3rd Dan and 400+ classes	All 3rd Dan content, Jiyu waza (free techniques). Submit a short thesis.

费用 Examination Fees Examination Fees

5th Kyu – 1st Kyu Grading

Includes examination fee and Aikikai kyu registration fee

350 ¥ / session

1st Dan Grading

Includes examination fee, Aikikai dan registration fee, dan certificate, and Hombu membership contribution

2500 ¥ / session

2nd Dan Grading

Includes examination fee, Aikikai dan registration fee, dan certificate, and Hombu membership contribution

3000 ¥ / session

Aikikai Registered Member

Must become a registered member for the first grading

Note: One-time fee, paid only at the first grading.

600 ¥ (one-time)

注意 Grading Day Notes Notes

1. Observers (non-candidates) must inform the instructor in advance if they wish to watch.
2. Bow when entering and leaving the training area.
3. All attendees must set phones to silent mode.
4. Candidates waiting may sit and watch from the side, but must not enter the examination area.
5. Do not talk loudly or walk around during the examination.
6. During the exam, keep performing techniques (omote/ura alternating) until the examiner signals to stop. Do not pause to rest.

会費 Membership Fee Membership Fee

Annual Membership Fee

i.e. ¥20/month · Due every year on June 1

Membership fee starts 1 month after you begin training at Shen Dojo.

240 ¥ / year

Students may train as visitors without joining initially, but must pay back dues owed when they later become members.
Membership dues must not lapse; any lapse due to special circumstances must be repaid.
If dues are suspended for over a year, the previous year's dues must be repaid to restore membership.
Shen Dojo reserves the right to revoke membership for serious violations of dojo discipline and rules.

権益 Member Benefits Member Benefits

Attend all seminars hosted by Shen Dojo for free or at a discount (non-members pay the visitor rate).
Eligible to take the dojo's promotion and dan grading examinations.
Once rank and ability meet requirements, eligible for regular or occasional intensive training.
Once rank and ability meet requirements, may apply for the dojo's external exchange activities.
Receive dojo-made Aikido merchandise free or at preferential prices each year.
Join dojo outings and annual events free or at a discount.

Grading Examinations

Kyu (Class) Grading Standards

Dan (Degree) Grading Standards

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