Ranking System

I. The purpose of testing

Testing is designed to allow the student to measure his/her progress in the study of Aikido. At each level the student must display a level of proficiency in executing the required test techniques that is consistent with the students' natural ability. The student is also required to demonstrate a knowledge of the underlying principles of Aikido. The ki test is designed to allow the student to display this knowledge.

It is a fact that all students differ with regard to natural talent and that some will perform "at a higher level of proficiency" than others. At a higher level of proficiency, is in quotes because no objective criteria for making that value judgment exists. That is, there is no universal yardstick for measuring the ability of one student in comparison to another. The student is able to relate, on a personal level, present performance to past performance and it is this comparison that testing is designed to enable.

II. Testing format

Tests are conducted in two stages, the ki test and the technique test. During the ki test the student will be required to display: correct posture (seiza and standing), unbendable arm, weight underside, stability of posture from ukemi (sitting), stability of posture when rising from seiza and stability of posture when moving to seiza. The student must occasionally smile during the ki test :-)

The technique test is composed of a group of techniques that become progressively more demanding the further the student progresses. In addition to the techniques required for a specific kyu or dan level, the instructor may require the student to execute any or all techniques from prior level requirements.

III. Rank Levels and Instructor Certification Levels

The Berkshire Hills-Ryu ranking system will be composed of three classifications, each with it's own requirements for promotion. The classifications are: Kyu ranks, Dan ranks and Instructor certification levels. Testing will be required for all Kyu ranks, and Dan ranks thru 3rd Dan. Promotions to ranks beginning with 4th Dan will be at the discretion of the Founder.

Becoming an instructor requires a commitment to the art that very few students are willing to make. Berkshire Hills-Ryu Aikido realizes that not all students will wish to become instructors and start their own dojos. Students who wish to simply train deserve to be recognized for their dedication to the art and their desire to better themselves through continued study. Therefore, all students will qualify for all Dan ranks as long as they continue to train. Students seeking instructor certification must apply for entry into the instructor certification program.

Testing of students may be only conducted by certified Berkshire Hills-Ryu instructors as outlined in the instructor certification section below. The Founder will conduct all Dan rank tests either at seminars or at the student's home dojo.

Kyu Ranks

Rank

Hours since last test

Months since last test

Belt color

Sixth Kyu

16

2

Orange

Fifth Kyu

24

3

Orange

Fourth Kyu

40

5

Blue

Third Kyu

56

7

Blue

Second Kyu

72

9

Brown

First Kyu

80

10

Brown

Dan Ranks

Rank	Hours since last test	Months since last test	Hakama color
First Dan	104	12	Any
Second Dan	208	24	Any
Third Dan	416	48	Any

All 'hours since last test' figures are based on 2 hours of practice per week. Both hours and months requirements must be met before a student will be eligible to test for promotion to the next rank. For students who advance to Dan rank, wearing of the hakama is optional. However, all instructors must wear a hakama when teaching. Hakamas may be any color or pattern.

Instructor Certification Program

The instructor certification program is intended for students who wish to further their program of study to include providing instruction in their own dojos. The program requires students to display the ability to share their knowledge of Berkshire Hills-Ryu Aikido with others in a manner consistent with the principles they have learned advancing through the ranks. Instructors must be able to: illustrate ki principles using examples, explain the continuous and returning center, display a thorough understanding of Berkshire Hills-Ryu technique and teach the Berkshire Hills-Ryu jo staff and single and double bokken forms.

There is no formal course of study for this program. It is the instructor candidate's responsibility to acquire the knowledge necessary attract students and open and run a dojo. All the resources available at the Great Barrington dojo are at the disposal of instructor candidates. As instructor candidates progress toward their goal of starting their own dojos, they will be promoted through the instructor levels by the Founder.

Students are encouraged to apply for entry into the instructor certification program upon attaining the rank of Shodan.

Instructor Certification Levels

Certification level	Rank	Requirements	Testing privileges
Instructor Candidate	Shodan	Willingness to teach at the dojo of an instructor of a higher rank on an as needed basis	No testing of students
Instructor	Nidan	Actively teach one or more classes per week	May test students thru 5th kyu
Senior Instructor	Sandan	Manage, either singly or in partnership, their own dojo, offering at least 2 classes per week - must offer weapons instruction	May test students through 3rd kyu
Master Instructor	Yondan	Must have one or more of their students rise to the rank of shodan and enter the instructor certification program	May test students through 1st kyu