book containing 5th to 1st kyu syllabus?

Just a quick question.

Does anyone know if there exist a book that focuses on the Aikikai testing syllabus for 5th to 1st kyu?

As mentioned before, I used to practice TKD quite a few years ago, and there I had this excellent book by master Cho Won Sup, which contained the entire syllabus for 10th to 1st kup. The book was complete with drawings/photos of techniques, poomse(kata), lots on Korean language, etc. It was a great aid when practicing alone, as well as knowing exactly what to focus on when training toward tests, and what the different techniques was called.

Does there exist any similar book on Aikido, with the Aikikai syllabus? I am thinking of lists of what to train for on each test, names of techniques, descriptions, jo-Kata's, bokken, english translations of the japanese words(hoping for Norwegian would be too far-fetched) etc. Most preferably something with a similar structure as the TKD book described above.

Thanks!

Christian

No book available as far as I know, but I'm currently working on a DVD of the UKA grading syllabus which is based on the Hombu syllabus. Should be ready in about 2 to 3 weeks if that helps.

The book "Ultimate Aikido" by Y.Yamada shows the testing requirements from 5th kyu through early Dan grades as per the USAF East sylabus. Costs about $12 on Amazon.

A set of Video tapes (and now DVD's also) by Yamada sensei also shows the techniques for each grade. The series is entitled "Aikido:The power and the Basics" and is available through www.aikidoonline.com

There really is no standard syllabus for there to be a book on.

Best regards,

Philip Smith wrote: No book available as far as I know, but I'm currently working on a DVD of the UKA grading syllabus which is based on the Hombu syllabus. Should be ready in about 2 to 3 weeks if that helps.

Thanks. How much does the Hombu syllabus differ from the Aikikai? Will you post here when it's finished?

Jon Jankus wrote: The book "Ultimate Aikido" by Y.Yamada shows the testing requirements from 5th kyu through early Dan grades as per the USAF East sylabus. Costs about $12 on Amazon. A set of Video tapes (and now DVD's also) by Yamada sensei also shows the techniques for each grade. The series is entitled "Aikido:The power and the Basics" and is available through www.aikidoonline.com

Regarding the Ultimate Aikido book, is there much difference between the standard Aikikai testing requirements and the USAF(what does this mean?) East syllabus?

Thanks!

Christian

Greg Jennings wrote: There really is no standard syllabus for there to be a book on. Best regards,

But there is standard testing requirements for Aikikai, isn't it? If there is a book that goes through that, it's enough for me.

Christian

Christian Orderud wrote: But there is standard testing requirements for Aikikai, isn't it?

I don't train under the Aikikai umbrella but as I understand it even though there may be a list of "standard" arts each instructor injects his own personality and method into them. So even if you practiced the technique as it appeared in a book the testing instructor may want it done a different way.

Bronson

Christian Orderud wrote: Thanks. How much does the Hombu syllabus differ from the Aikikai? Will you post here when it's finished?

No real difference but Hombu produced a "Core" syllabus about 2 years ago which various Aikikai have added bits to depending on local requirements.

For example some instructors have added weapons to the core but others have not.

Ill let you know when DVD is complte.

The USAF is the United States Aikido Federation. Style is Aikikai. Check out www.usaikifed.com

Christian Orderud wrote: But there is standard testing requirements for Aikikai, isn't it?

The Zaidan Hojin Aikikai is a large and fairly loose organization.

Under the Aikikai, there are many flavors of aikido. What is correct in one might be wrong in another.

Even within Hombu dojo which is more or less co-located with the Aikikai headquarters, there are many teachers that have their own unique aikido.

So, no, there is no standard syllabus such as what you're looking for. You should talk to your instructor or sempai.

Best regards,

Bronson Diffin wrote: I don't train under the Aikikai umbrella but as I understand it even though there may be a list of "standard" arts each instructor injects his own personality and method into them. So even if you practiced the technique as it appeared in a book the testing instructor may want it done a different way.

Bronson,
The variation is much wider than that. I'll just use my situation.

My dojo is a member of the Aikikai through the Takemusu Aikido Association. The TAA, as an organization, practices Iwama-style aikido and thus technically driven by the late Morihiro Saito via the "top tier" of instructors who all trained directly with Saito Sensei.

The next nearest dojo is a member of the Aikikai through the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU). Their aikido is heavily influenced by Mitsugi Saotome Sensei.

The very best shodan candidate student from my dojo would utterly fail the test at their dojo. Likewise, the very best shodan candidate student from their dojo would utterly fail at my dojo.

Despite striving toward the same end goal, the pedagogical methods are just that different.

Best regards,

Greg, thanks for the clarification.

Bronson

Personally, I am of the opinion that Doshu Morteru Ueshiba is the head figure of Aikikai. Yes, there are various shihan and instructors with variations, and that is fine. BUT... given the question was directed toward Aikikai, I'm surprised no one mentioned "Best Aikido: The Fundementals" and "Best Aikido 2: The Aikido Master Course" both written or co-written by Doshu.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...024845-4464920

These books don't necesscarily go into kyu grading requirements, as every organization is different. However, these books explain and illistrate aikido techniques in a very excellent way and are very through.

As far as requirements for the Aikikai go, the closest thing I can find is this table of requirments here:
http://www.geocities.com/kodokan_aik...s/ranking.html

Your instructors may have something different. Always refer to them. I do like to learn as much as possible to be as prepared as I can be for any test. That last link... if you are ready for those requirements, you should be good to go. But again, always consult your sensei. It will be He/She who is testing you when it all boils down to the end.

Good luck!

PS: The books are really great!

John Boswell wrote: As far as requirements for the Aikikai go, the closest thing I can find is this table of requirments here: http://www.geocities.com/kodokan_aik...s/ranking.html

Here's something I wrote up a while back:

http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showth...7359#post17359

-- Jun

Talked to one of the Shodans at Sunyata Dojo today, and we are Hombu Dojo. Might simplify things. The main instructor at Sunyata is Mouliko Halen 6th dan btw.

Thanks for a lot of great advice! Keep it coming, as I'm sure more than myself have wondered about this.

Christian

Hi,

The requirements that Jun listed are written in the book, Aikido Kihan, which was translated and became Best Aikido. I think that it is telling that Honbu decided not to list the test requirements in the English (ie. international) version. For me, the differences Aikikai Honbu places between Japan and elsewhere is an interesting subject.

Charles

Christian Orderud wrote: Talked to one of the Shodans at Sunyata Dojo today, and we are Hombu Dojo. Might simplify things. The main instructor at Sunyata is Mouliko Halen 6th dan btw. Thanks for a lot of great advice! Keep it coming, as I'm sure more than myself have wondered about this. Christian

You're very lucky, he's very talented and has an excellent teacher himself in Endo Sensei.


rgds

Bryan