Testing 101

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[Usagi Yojimbo]

As a new Aikidoka, I'm rather curious about many of the things. One of which, of course, is the testing process. In Aikikai Aikido, is starting rank always 10th or 5th Kyu, or does it vary based on the Dojo? Does the other requirements for testing vary based on instructor and dojo (examples being; time before test, number of hours before test, what the test consists of, and who gives the test)?

[sanosuke]

as far as I know it varies between dojos. Some dojo starts from 6th kyu, some on 7th or maybe 10th as well, depending on the organization they affiliated with. This also the same to the testing requirements, but usually they looked to your number of hours of training, the material, though can be varied according to what has been set by the organization.
If I was attacked by thirty ninjas riding T-Rex's, supported by a vast undefeated clone army of robotic Lincolns wielding Febreeze, should I Tenkan?
Tenkan to your Terminators, let them do the rest. Nice saying,though. :D

[aikidoc]

I think it depends on your organization. I know one that uses 10th kyu and others that use it only for children. The IAF I believe only recognizes 6th kyu and above. Most start at 5th.

[Simone]

Hi Joshua,

in the association my dojo belongs to, all those things are the same for all affiliated dojos. It seems unusual from reading the other answers, but we start with 7th kyu. Then, also unusual, we do not have to attend a certain number of hours before the next test and through all the kyu gradings, the person can choose when to have his or her next grading.

I don't know whether those things vary from dojo to dojo in other associations.

BTW, I like your user name, 'cause I'm a fan of Usagi.

Simone

[Shelley]

so... who's usagi?