6th Kyu Testing
Why Test?
Testing is a tool to aid in progression and a compass by which to orient. When testing is coming up students tend to focus on specific aspects of their training that they need to improve upon. They make sure that they have depth in techniques that they might have just been exposed to prior. By shodan (first degree black belt) students should have a basic proficiency in all empty hand techniques and be ready to focus on deeper aspects of the art without being hindered by technical details.
Different students will excel in different realms. Some will know a thousand variations of techniques. Some will be exceedingly dynamic. Some will have excellent structure. Some will always be in perfect synch with their partners. Regardless of students' strengths, the technical proficiency expressed in tests creates a common ground in which to grow together. Everyone in a training community working to bring everyone else up, so when one student is promoted, the joy is shared by all.
"Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead." - Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
How does rank progression work for aikido?
In modern Japanese arts ranks start by counting down through kyu or learning ranks. The first rank you test for varies from organization to organization, but we start by testing for 6th kyu. Ranks count down as you progress until you reach 1st kyu, after which the next rank is shodan (literally "first step") or first degree black belt. Black belt ranks count up, with hachidan or 8th degree black belt being the highest attainable under normal circumstances.
We do not use colored belts to designate rank, though from 3rd kyu to 1st kyu students are allowed to wear brown belts. In our organization there is no formal rank requirement to wear the hakama (baggy pleated pants), though students normally start wearing them after they take their first test.
When am I ready to test for 6th kyu?
The ASU testing guide requires 30 days of training over 3 months, but more importantly it requires that the student be adequately ready. For new CSMAC students, coming consistently for the school year will hopefully be enough to be ready for testing. Ultimately it is up to the instructor to decide who is ready to test.
What do I need to demonstrate on a 6th kyu test?
Different instructors look for different things on tests, but for 6th kyu I focus on three main things:
-Being able to demonstrate the techniques from hearing the Japanese names (both omote and ura)
-Being able to stay calm and upright
-Being able to go to the ground safely as uke
Obviously, the more technical depth early on, the better, but the 6th kyu test is about walking through the aikido door and being able to jump into a class and participate with some sense of what is going on.
"A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind." - Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
What is on the 6th kyu test?
Per the ASU testing guide:
- Basic Ukemi (front and back rolls) *
- Katate dori tenkan
- Katate dori irimi *
- Shomen uchi ikkyo (omote and ura)
- Shomen uchi irimi nage (omote and ura)
- Mune tsuki kote gaeshi (omote and ura)
- Katate dori shiho nage (omote and ura)
- Yokomen uchi shiho nage (omote and ura) *
- Kokyu tanden ho
For more more details on Japanese terminology see the ASU Glossery.
Any hints for testing?How much does testing cost?
Testing is offered at a discounted rate for university students in ASU. The test itself has an administrative fee of $25. Also, when students first test they are expected to pay annual membership dues to ASU, also discounted at $25. It is preferable that students test in a training uniform (keiko gi), which may be another expense to consider. The purpose of aikido is not to make money and these expenses should be considered the bare minimum for covering administrative costs and to show commitment to training, but if the cost is prohibitive please speak with your instructor.
David Ruttinger
CSM Aikido Club Head Instructor