Man do i feel lucky ... my dojo is independent, our Head Sensei (4th Dan) decides when we should receive grading; but usually with verification of guests when they visit.
Halfway through this year, about a month before i joined, they reopened the dojo separate from the Mushin-Wado Shinpo Society of Europe. The clubs development has been close with several important instructors, they even had Master Sammy come to teach in 2000.
We are now only in one organization, the Aikido circle of Friendship. So even if i had to leave this Dojo, i cant see sensei striping me of my rank
