The Black Belt Test

USAF Dan Testing

Several of our students have inquired about Dan testing (Black Belt Testing) in our organization. So I thought I would share my opinion and experience on this matter. It normally takes anywhere from 4-7 years with diligent practice to be ready to take a Shodan exam. There are some other factors that allow this time to be a little quicker or some cases longer. Those are Seminar attendance, specifically seminar attendance with our organization's Shihan most importantly the seminars that Yamada Sensei teaches. Other factors are attitude, and let's face it "talent or ability" to progress, meaning that everyone learns at a different pace, and in different ways. The biggest thing I've learned is it's not a Sprint but a Marathon. There is no competition in Aikido. Hence, no promotions based on tournaments, but rather rank obtained is not only about your technical ability but your commitment to the art and the philosophy of the way.

I've learned that you don't ask for rank, you don't ask to be tested but when your instructors feel you're ready, you will know. Aikido is one of the most humbling arts where "Self Promotion" is not the way and rather frowned upon. When you take a Dan test, it is implied that you are more than ready and you are merely demonstrating your understanding of Kiyon waza (Basic Technique) and showing your growth in Oye waza (Advanced technique) specifically Jyu Waza (Freestyle) and Randori (Multiple attackers).

In our organization, there are 3 Levels of Teaching certificates; Fukushidoin, Shidoin and Shihan, Fukushidoin can test and promote all the Kyu ranks, Shidoin can test Shodan and Nidan, and any Shihan can test Sandan and above. Having said that, other than Kyu promotions, all the instructors that I've met in the USAF when it comes to Dan testing follow the same practice, they attend one of the major seminars (I believe there are close to 8 now) where Yamada Sensei is teaching and put their students in front of him. This is the true test. Both for the student and instructor putting that student up, Yamada Sensei mentioned in the last seminar that if you're student does poorly on the Dan test it is the Instructors fault and direct reflection of him/her. I think this is what makes the USAF so special and in a class of their own. With these standards, the quality of black belts in our organization set the bar for other organizations.

Finally, the whole process is what makes it so special. Being at seminar with hundreds of people watching, testing in front of Yamada Sensei and sometimes other Technical committee members, it's normal to be nervous. But if you have good Aikido and the right attitude, it should be a wonderful experience.

When our Chief Instructor recommends you to test for a Dan Rank, it is because you have adhered to the high quality standards of the USAF. He welcomes the opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills and is proud of your accomplishments, dedication, pain and suffering, and Aiki spirit.