Core Syllabus and Grading Requirement

(Written by Clive MacDonald, sensei and Ian Johnson, sensei, with acknowledgment to the AIKIKAI G.B 1968.)

GRADING POLICY

Gradings will be held three times a year in March, July and November. Students, who, in the opinion of the grading panel, have completed the minimum mandatory training hours and shown sufficient improvement will be invited to participate in a grading. Gradings will be conducted within a lesson dedicated to that purpose or, with special dispensation, at the next available class. Students who are eligible to grade for first kyu and above can expect to be examined by a panel of society instructors, in which case this grading will normally take place during a course or similar society event.

We are a friendly and relaxed club, a collection of like-minded people training together in the spirit of Budo. Please bear in mind that grades obtained within this club are recognised worldwide and as such represent the outward indication of your hard work and that of those before you, who have contributed to the success of the club and ultimately it's members.

With this in mind please remember that a grading is a serious occasion, as is any examination, and observe the following.

1. Bow to the shomen on entering and leaving the dojo.

2. Wear footwear to the edge of the tatami.

3. Wait at the edge of the tatami until an instructor invites you on.

4. Bow to the shomen when stepping on and off the tatami.

5. Show complete respect for everybody, especially for their health and wellbeing.

6. Bow to your partner before and after practicing.

7. Inform your instructors of any injury.

8. Always ask permission to leave the tatami (it will be given).

9. Body and clothing must be clean before practice.

10. Arrive in good time to warm up (for your own safety)

11. Do not wear jewellery on the Tatami

12. Occasionally you may cut or scratch yourself, should this happen tell an instructor immediately.

13. When an instructor asks you or the class to stop training, do so immediately.

You are reminded that this syllabus is designed to draw out the best from you and the teachings within Aikido. It is not a comprehensive list of all techniques and should be viewed as a guide.

There is now a syllabus for Shodan and Nidan but you'll have to get there with us to find out what is on it :-)....oh and a 2500 word essay for Shodan is also required.

If you wish to print any syllabus page please do so by 'right clicking' on the link and selecting "open in new window" from the pop up menu

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