At Florida Aikikai, we adhere to the ranking and testing structure of the United States Aikido Federation, which is based on a traditional Japanese ranking system including kyu ranks (below black belt) and yudansha (black belts). The kyu rank curriculum focuses on technical principles in order to build a solid foundation for advanced aikido practice. After black belt, training becomes more focused on the subtleties of Aikido and students begin to develop their own style.
Most adult students complete their first test and achieve their first rank (6th kyu) within their first few months of practice. This first test includes the basic elements of training, such as stance, fundamental movements, safe falling, and common attacks. As training progresses, tests become less frequent and cover a broader range of techniques.