Quote:
Howard Dyke wrote:
I'm amazed that there are dojo and/or associations in which you do not have to test to advance in rank.
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Hi Howard,
In Aikikai, rank advancement from shodan to yondan are either by testing or by recommendation. Recommendations are either made by the head of the recognized association or by a shihan to Aikikai Hombu. One of the common grounds for recommendation is the age factor; another is the individual's contribution/effort towards the growth and propagation of Aikikai aikido.
If an individual has been recommended for a rank, his/her subsequent rank(s) will be recommended too. I understand that if an individual has been recommended at shodan, he/she is not allowed to instruct professionally - this is reasonable under such circumstances.
All ranks after yondan are by recommendations. Technically yondan by testing is the highest graded rank, beyond that, ranks are honorary
Best...
David Y