Going for a grade requires sufficient preparation ahead of the date. If the below standard is not accomplished no application will be accepted. We strongly recommend a focused training 6 months ahead of the date. Application forms must be filled six months prior to the grading and final list of courses attended two weeks before grading.

Shodan:

• Minimum recommended 2 classes per week
• 1 summer course recommended
• 3 compulsory fully attended Aikido week end seminar yearly.
• Minimum 2 years of intensive (3 times per week and more) practice since 1st Kyu or 3 years of regular practice (1 - 2 times per week).

Nidan:

• Minimum recommended 2 classes per week
• 1 summer course recommended
• 3 compulsory fully attended Aikido week end seminar yearly.
• Minimum 2 years of intensive practice since Shodan or 3-4 years of regular practice

Sandan:

• Minimum recommended 2 classes weekly advised 3 weekly
• 1 compulsory summer course
• 3 compulsory fully attended Aikido week end seminar yearly.
• Minimum 3 years of intensive practice since Nidan or 4-5 years regular practice

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As any diploma all grades must be seriously prepared. Don't only expect your instructor to train, motivate and boost you. You have also to put on the effort yourself and train correctly a good 6 months prior to grading. Ask fellow students to help you to prepare and ensure you are going through a couple of mock gradings.

Becoming a yudansha also means that you must keep up your level by continuously practice and attend courses outside your own Dojo. The challenge is to develop your Aikido over the years by meeting other clubs yudansha and Kyu students. No development can occur if this does not happen and this is the reason why yearly courses are part of the cursus.

DAA courses are planned 6 months in advance to allow each candidate to book ahead their week end. Any others courses happening in Europe are also valid.