Lancashire Aikikai - Gradings

The technical aspect of Gradings is covered in its own section - Click here

All students in Kyu gradings receive a mark sheet and also a certificate if successfully. Details are the the technical section.

There are times associated with each grade in the syllabus these are expressed as minimum times. Students can take longer and do. It is important that the course attendance requirements are met as laid out in the syllabus prior to any grading. Weapons courses do not count only general courses The Ribby course counts as one course.

Consistancy and moderation of standards will be through Coaching sessions and courses. Our Principal indicated that he would like invitations to see Club gradings that would assist in maintaining standards.

Dan gradings will be held normally twice a year on General courses so that all may watch. The courses with Dan Gradings will be identified in the Aikikai calendar . Course times would be extended to accomodate. Club Leaders should make known to our Principal - candidates for Dan Gradings not less than 10 days before a grading date.

Following a grading details of name, new grade; date of grading and who graded is sent off to the Membership Secretary to put into the Aikikai records; remember either to pass details to the Newsletter contact in your club details or send directly to the Aikikai Newsletter editor. Prepared and present a grading certificate. A template is available to Clubs on the Resource site.

Who may grade (other than our Principal)

Grade held by Grader :	Can Grade to:
5th Dan	3rd Dan #
4th Dan	2nd Dan #
3rd Dan	1st Dan #
2nd Dan	1st Kyu *
1st Dan	2nd Kyu

# As a Panel member on a Aikikai course
* Within a Club but there would need to be a external Panel member who didn't belong to that Club

A Panel of 3 would normally be convened for 1st Kyu and above.

Our Principal, Mr Spence, is responsible for grading those who are 3rd Dan or higher.