Welcome to our guide on Aikido belt progression. This page explains the ranking system used in Takeda Budo Aikido, from beginner white belt to master levels.
01 Kyu Ranks - Student Grades
The Kyu system represents student grades, starting from 8th Kyu (beginner) and progressing toward 1st Kyu (advanced student). In our tradition, students begin wearing the white hakama at 4th Kyu.
8th Kyu - White Belt
The starting point of the Aikido journey. Focus: basic dojo etiquette (reishiki), proper bowing, falling techniques (ukemi), and fundamental stances.
Duration: 3 months of regular training.
7th Kyu - Yellow Belt
Basic techniques and movements. Curriculum includes forward/backward rolls, fundamental pins (osae waza), and basic strikes (shomen uchi).
Duration: 3 months after 8th Kyu.
6th Kyu - Orange Belt
Development of flow and connection. Advanced ukemi, basic throws (nage waza), and understanding ma-ai (distancing).
Duration: 3 months after 7th Kyu.
5th Kyu - Green Belt
Increased technical proficiency. Includes suwari waza (seated techniques), multiple attacks, and beginning weapons training (bokken/jo).
Duration: 3 months after 6th Kyu.
4th & 3rd Kyu - Brown Belt (White Hakama)
Advanced student levels. Students begin wearing the white hakama. Focus on deepening principles and refining techniques.
Duration: 6 months each.
2nd & 1st Kyu - Blue Belt (White Hakama)
Final student grades. Preparation for shodan through mastering all basic techniques and understanding Aikido philosophy.
Duration: 6 months each.
02 Dan Ranks - Black Belt Grades
The Dan system begins at Shodan (1st Dan). In Takeda Budo tradition, hakama color changes at specific grades to signify different stages of mastery.
1st Dan - Shodan (White Hakama)
"Beginning degree"—the true start of the Aikido path. Developing personal expression of techniques.
Minimum time: 1 year after 1st Kyu.
2nd Dan - Nidan (White Hakama)
Deepening technical and spiritual understanding. Assisting in teaching and dojo administration.
Minimum time: 2 years after Shodan.
3rd to 7th Dan (Blue Hakama)
- 3rd-4th Dan: Technical mastery
- 5th Dan: Mastery of teaching methods
- 6th Dan: Philosophical understanding
- 7th Dan: Complete embodiment. (Blue kimono + blue hakama).
Time between: 3-5 years minimum.
03 Master Grades & Teaching Licenses
The Menkyo system represents teaching licenses in the Takeda Budo tradition, inherited from Nakamura Sensei. These are separate from technical dan ranks.
Shodan Kyohan
The beginning teaching license. Holders can teach beginners and intermediate students under supervision.
Requirement: Usually awarded at 3rd-4th Dan level.
Chuden Kyohan
The middle teaching license. Holders can teach all levels independently, operate a dojo, and award kyu ranks.
Requirement: Usually awarded at 5th Dan level.
Joden Shihan
The advanced teaching license. Holders can teach other teachers, lead national seminars, and award ranks up to 3rd Dan.
Requirement: Usually awarded at 6th Dan level.
Okuden Shihan
The inner transmission license. Holders understand the deepest principles of Aikido, can transmit the complete art, and award ranks up to 5th Dan.
Requirement: Usually awarded at 7th Dan level.
Kaiden Shihan
The complete transmission license and highest teaching authority. Holders have mastered the art and can award any rank or issue teaching licenses.
Requirement: Usually held by 8th Dan practitioners.
Understanding the Progression
Aikido progression is not just about collecting belts. Each grade represents technical skill, personal growth, teaching ability, and philosophical understanding.
