Aikido of Cleveland

Ranking in aikido, as in many other Japanese martial arts, adopts a standard Kyu-Dan system. The United States Aikido Federation (USAF) follows the convention of five Kyu ranks (white belt) followed by eight Dan ranks (black belt). Unlike many competitive martial arts, however, testing for rank in aikido is not mandatory. This is an effective way to gauge your skills and technical proficiency in the art, formalizing your training experience and progress.

For each rank there is a minimum number of practice days that are prerequisite for testing. The following table provides a guideline for the USAF testing requirements. Aikido of Cleveland holds three tests a year for both Kyu ranks, and Dan ranks. Dan tests are also offered at USAF summer and winter camps, as well as major seminars.