Aikido - Etiquette and Transmission

by Nobuyoshi Tamura, 8th Dan

(Translation by J.R. David, Aikido de la Montagne and Fiona Blyth, New England Aikikai)

[Editor's Note: We are extremely happy to present the next installment of Tamura Sensei's book Aikido - Etiquette and Transmission. This work, which has been available only in French is here presented first time in English. We are grateful to Tamura Sensei for his permission to produce this version.

Many thanks also go to Stephane Benedetti, 5th Dan, Chief Instructor of Mutokukai Europe Dojo Mirabeau, and student of Tamura Sensei, who translated (from Japanese), edited and published the original version, which was published by Les Editions du Soleil Levant in 1991. Photos courtesy of Aikido - Etiquette and Transmission.]

Chapter 9 – Ranks (continued)

We shall explain the Aikikai rank system below.

Zaidan Hojin Aikikai

Official instructions regarding ranks

Article I - General remarks

•  Ranks range from 1st to 8th dan. They take into account technical ability, experience and services rendered to the discipline.

•  Ranks are awarded by the Aikido Doshu. Ranks can be awarded by one of two modes: examination or recommendation.

Article II - Required qualifications

All candidates postulating for a dan rank must comply with the two following requirements:

•  be a member of the Aikikai;

•  meet the following conditions:

•  to apply for a 1st to 4th dan exam, the applicant must meet the conditions expounded in the table (see below)

•  rank recommendation from 1st to 8th: minimum qualification conditions.

Special cases

The Aikikai can modify the application conditions of Article II after deliberations or by proposal of the ranking committee (cf. Article III), in the following cases:

•  to award a rank to a confirmed teacher based on a recognized need

•  to a diligent student with an exceptional knowledge of Aikido.

Article III - Ranking committee

Persons with the right to put forward candidates (by examination or recommendation).

The juries are nominated for five years or multiple mandates. The committee is composed of high-ranking members (at least seventh dan) who are members of the Aikikai or of organizations tied to the Aikikai and designated by it.

Article IV

From 1 st to 4 th Dan – These grades can be awarded by the higher ranking committee or by an examination jury.

5 th to 6 th Dan – These grades can be awarded by the higher ranking committee. All of these grades must be submitted to the approval of the Aikikai.

7 th Dan and 8 th Dan – These grades are decided by the Aikikai, under the direction and authorization of Doshu.

Special Cases – In the case of exceptional merit, Doshu may, notwithstanding Article 1, award 9 th or 10 th Dan.

Article V

If a dispute arises, the candidate may be brought forward to represent a grade.

Article VI - Honorary Grades

These grades are awarded according to the specific criteria below, without taking into account Article II. They are awarded by Doshu. Posthumous grades may be awarded by exceptional cases by suggestion of the Aikikai and with the final decision made by Doshu.

Article VII Kokusai Yudan-sha; International Yudansha card

Anyone possessing 1st Dan and above must possess an International Yudansha card

Article VIII Registration and rules for Examinations:

The examination rules, and registration regulations and other details are summarized in the table.

Zaidan Hojin Aikikai

Schedule of requirements for Kyu and Dan Examinations