Promotions

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[souji]

Hello. I am a first time poster from Malaysia. My upgrading will be in 2 days time so I was just wondering something about promotions. It has been two years since I learned Aikido. But this sunday I'll be taking the 2nd Kyu test. I've seen a friend of mine that learned Aikido for 4 years but is taking 2nd Kyu together with me. I am currently in 4th Kyu. What bothers me is why do my teacher jump me up without a proper promotions example: I'll be taking the 3rd kyu test and prove that I am worthy and let me take the 2nd. Instead it's direct? Please give your opinions please.

[hoi]

Sorry, but this seems like a trollish question that is best answered by your sensei.

There are three excellent articles under "Testing" (http://www.aikiweb.com/testing/) section, and a number of threads in the forum ... some research perhaps.

Sorry that wasn't tactful. Either the instructor made a mistake or is confident in your ability - your sensei can answer that.

[Goye]

Hi Sam!!!

Well,.. how long have you been 4th kyu,... if you have enough time and your aikido is in a good shape there is no problem to make two test at a time,.., some times it happens in our dojos,.. but for example, in your case,.. you must do a very clear 3rd kyu and a good 2nd.

I don’t know the requirements of your test, but in our case 3rd and 2nd kyu have a good number on techniques (a 2nd kyu is not a beginner). how do you feel about this? ,.. do you think you are ready to test for 2nd kyu?.

If you feel you are ready,... go ahead and do a very good test. If you don’t,.. talk to your Sensei,... maybe he thinks you deserve be 2nd. kyu.

Always is good to have goals but you have to be realistic and evaluate your skill. You are the only one with the answer,…

And don’t forget to enjoy your test.

Bye!



:D

[souji]

Thanks. I passed both test and is currently in 2nd kyu level. Malaysia just started the belt system so I'm getting rid of the white and wearing purple now. Thanks again :P

[sanosuke]

wow, this is the first time i heard a double promotion in aikido, but don't worry, if your instructor recommends you to take it then it means you worth of it, congratulations.

[Tim Griffiths]

An early instructor of mine, who had been a nidan for about 10 years, got a double promotion to yondan. He did his grading, and the shihan said "very nice, 3rd dan. Now if you could just show me so-and-so...", and gave him a 4th dan.

I've done double gradings before, esp for a couple of students who only came to my dojo for a couple of months per year (and trained at their university dojo's in the meantime) - I'm talking about skipping 4th kyu, or such.

Look, we're all doing aikido for life, right?
20 years from now, whether you did a 3rd kyu grading or not really isn't going to matter much, is it?

Train well,

Tim

[kiddokit]

My dojo practices double promotions when the sensei feels that person worthy of it. But I've not heard of a case whereby that person is let known in advance that the sensei intends to double promote him/her! Just imagine double the pressure prior to the grading, and also not forgetting two-times the enviousness of fellow aikido practitioners. :-)

[Carl Simard]

What bothers me is why do my teacher jump me up without a proper promotions example...
Why not ask your teacher directly ??? He certainly is the best person to answer this question...

[Anat Amitay]

I've been training for almost 4 years and am 4th kyu. I was supposed to do my 3rd, 2nd kyu long ago but because of personal reasons (studies etc) it didn't happen. I have enough lessons behind me to do 1st kyu and my sensei wanted me to do 2nd kyu instead of going through 3rd and later on 2nd.

I asked his acceptance but didn't not want the offer. I wish to do all my gradeings even if the time span between them will be shorter than the avreage time. I am in no hurry and hope to do aikido all my life, but in a way, I want to know that I have done all my gradeings as they should be taken. Hopefully I'll start catching the lead this summer after my exams! :D

enjoy training,

Anat