Four Winds Aikido

As a serious student of Aikido, you will occasionally be invited to test for rank. Tests are a privilege and only students showing an attitude of humbleness, respect and sincerity in their training will be asked to test. Aikido is unique in that testing is fairly infrequent. I feel it is more important to have a solid foundation with good basics than it is to have several belts. To possess high rank, or any rank, without knowing the basics would be an insult to the art.

When you are invited to test, the first thing you should do is seek out a partner as all testing is done hands-on with an attacking partner. This partner must be your rank or above and can not be testing or ukeing (partnering) for any other student testing. It is important that you make every effort to prepare. All preparation will be done outside of class time unless there is a specific belt workshop.

On the day of the test you will need to follow a very specific set of etiquette rules. Testing is a very serious event and should be regarded by the student as such.

The Sensei will clap and all students will line up. Sensei will announce the testing to take place and will then begin calling candidates up one at a time to take the test. Once your name is called, you should bow, then shikko forward until you are about one meter from Sensei. Bow to Sensei and whomever else may be on the testing board. They will return your bow. Turn 180 degrees and now bow to the students. They will return the bow. Now turn back to Sensei. You may be asked questions or asked to demonstrate something by yourself at this point.

Sensei will tell you when to bring out your partner. Once you are told, move into seiza (if not already there) and bow to your partner who will be lined up with the rest of the class. Your partner will return your bow and then shikko out to you. They will stop about one meter from you and you will bow to each other one more time. At that point your test will continue. You will be told what is required and you will be expected to demonstrate it with your partner. If you make a mistake, ask the Sensei if you may try the technique again, but NEVER stop in the middle of any technique.

If you are taking the first test, then just before you demonstrate ukemi, you will be asked to excuse your partner. You will both go into seiza and then bow. Your partner will then turn to the Sensei and bow before turning and moving back to the rest of the class. On your first test, upon completing the ukemi and shikko, you will line yourself up back in front of Sensei and bow. Sensei will return the bow and you will turn and move back to the class in shikko.

On your subsequent tests, you will be required to perform a randori which will include additional attackers. The Sensei will choose the people he wants to take part in the randori in addition to your partner. You will line up across from them and then bow. It is important that you not hesitate on the bow as an attempt to catch your breath or gain more composure. The randori will continue until the Sensei tells you to stop. You will finish your test with kokyodosa and once that is finished you will once again bow to your partner and then you will both turn and bow to the Sensei. At that point you will turn and shikko back to the class.

After the testing is completed for the class, each candidate will be called up individually to receive a critique and, if successful, to be promoted. Once your name is called, you will bow and shikko out to the same position you went to test. You will then receive your critique. If you passed the test, Sensei will read your certificate to the class and then hand it to you. Once you take the certificate, set it aside and bow to the Sensei and he will bow back.

At this point you should move forward on your knees and remove your belt. Hand it to the Sempai and Sensei will tie on your new belt. Once it is tied, move back and bow once again. After Sensei returns your bow, turn to the class and bow. They will return your bow and then you should gather your certificate and old belt and shikko back to the class. That will be the end of the testing process.

Once you have taken a test, you may be asked to act as a mentor for upcoming students preparing to test. Your responsibility will be to make certain that they completely understand all aspects of testing including etiquette and technique execution. Being a test mentor is a major responsibility and is a wonderful learning experience.

Continue to test criteria...