Resources
Grading infographics
The free downloadable infographics below are a handy resource for practice of basic technique (kihon waza). Aikido cards are designed to work visually with these graphics to further enhance your learning experience.
The most basic adult grading, after 50 classes, focusses on Katate Dori & Shomen Uchi attacks with a variety of defences- they will include omote (direct) and ura waza (turning) versions. Katate dori (wrist grab) Irimi nage (entering throw), is a wonderful technique and is still practiced by the masters at 6th dan level because it teaches distance, timing and the shapes needed to handle strikes and pulled punches as used in boxing.
In Ikkyo Shomen Uchi, focus on the attackers head to guide your 'arm bar' technique in a vertical circle - up and then down, dropping your body weight as you take the uke into a flat pin.
This grading tests your understanding of 2 new attacks; Yokomen uchi and kata dori. In the hold downs, Nikyo wrist torsion is introduced. Tenchi nage may also be performed from Ryote dori, and Sankyo Kubi shime may be requested. It will depend on your lineage and local curriculum. At this level, the grading panel wants to see a basic understanding of technique, ukemi and evolution from 5th kyu.
I like to call this grading the 'mini shodan'. This is typically a tough grading because many styles introduce koshi nage by this level - notorious for being a 'tricky' technique, mostly because it's not practiced enough at early stages of training (unless of course you train Takemusu/Iwama, who specialise in big ukemi). But the big thing in this grading is stamina. Techniques can accumulate greatly when you perform omote and ura versions. Kaiten nage, which includes soto & uchi versions, plus ura & omote, can lead to multiple demonstrations, with uke's and nage's fatigued and flustered. Perform ukemi (rolling) and receive as much as possible in your practice to keep fit and flexible.
Second kyu is a bit easier than 3rd kyu - Your technique should be well on the way to becoming more fluid with controlled power and strong ukemi. Gokyo is introduced usually as a tanken dori (wooden knife) attack. Not a difficult technique as such, but timing is required for the 'gyaku' yokomen version, which is an exaggerated hay maker style attack. A skilled knife wielder would probably never use this, however, we are learning basic response here. The 'what if' scenarios happen much later. Master the basic first.
First Kyu is a culmination of all gradings so far. The pass rate is generally set quite high (ie 70% or more of correct application of technique) and the grading panel want to see a responsive demonstration in suwari waza and tachi waza. Depending on your ability, and the amount of people grading, the number of techniques actually performed may be reduced by requesting omote on one side, ura the other. Weapons taking - tachi dori, may be requested and of course jiyu waza. Usually a 3 person attack, called sannin gake. Kokyu nage (breath throws) may be requested, such as 3 versions of yokomen uchi kokyu nage.
Shodan/Black Belt*
The beginning of your aikido journey!
No download sheet is included for Shodan because it differs so much across dojos even in the same lineage – although the focus will still be basics. The mix of techniques including wooden weapons and kokyu nage may be adjusted by the grading panel even on the day of grading.
At Shodan, you will demonstrate competence and understanding of body movement with more precision in all technical aspects, plus ability to recover quickly from loss of focus should this occur (nearly always!). On the day of your grading, it will depend on many factors such as how many other people grading at your level, relative heat or cold (summer school in Melbourne around January tends to be hot ~ 30ºC (90ºF) on the mat). As aikido is 50% ukemi - part of the assessment is your stamina and performance of ukemi under pressure.
*Please discuss with your sensei or local dojo for specific requirements.
Card Sequences
Random card sequences are a great way to practice specific technique. Simply match the attack and defence cards from the Kyu grading you wish to practice, then make an attack pile and a defence pile. Cards face down, you can now shuffle the cards and perform combinations solo or with a partner.
When solo, think of a kata (a pattern sequence) and imagine your attacker striking or grabbing. Visualise their distance and speed as you move offline. You can even practice being an uke and the physical movement required to receive and blend.
The syllabus can be overwhelming for a beginner due to multiple combinations. But in fact, by learning/memorising 10 basic attacks, and perhaps 15 basic defences you're well on the way to grasping how they combine to become hundreds of variations. This knowledge plus the concept of Kokyu nage (breath throw) is really the spirit of aikido.
Kokyu nage are throws with limitless variations, the differences are in the timing & type of attack. They can be a lot of fun because they are dynamic and give immediate feedback such as moving your centre and breathing out as you throw. From 2nd kyu, you may need to demonstrate various kokyu nage in a grading. There is no fixed form, other than your organisations technical training requirements.
Simon Pearce Sensei & Joe Costa, practicing strike combinations