| 1. Important
Elements For Grading |
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Knowledge of Technique |
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The candidate should show full understanding of
the techniques specifically required for the grade being taken,
as prescribed by the grading syllabus. They should, however,
also be prepared to demonstrate techniques and understanding
outside the range of the grading syllabus if required. It is
advisable to study the contents of the Grading Syllabus. Yudansha
should have full knowledge of all aspects of Aikido relevant
to their grade (e.g. multiple attacks, weapons, jiyuwaza, etc.). |
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Contact (Ki) |
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Contact (Ki) is the natural power that can be
produced when body and consciousness (mind) are unified. In
the higher state of Aikido, ki is understood as spiritual energy
that transforms into physical energy. Certain techniques of
breathing also stimulate this process of transformation, (kokyu:
breath ryoku: power). In Aikido, training to cultivate or to
discover ki is especially important because its discovery is
necessary for the realisation of the potential that every person
has within his or her consciousness. This power is not usually
fully realised and is therefore only partly used. |
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Posture |
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Correct posture is essential to good Aikido practice.
The candidate should demonstrate strong posture, which is stable
in motion and not liable to collapse when projecting or controlling
an uke. |
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Flow & Flexibility |
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Aikido techniques should, ideally, be smooth and
fully control one’s uke. There should be no clash when
receiving an attack. Uke’s balance should be controlled
by nage throughout all controlling techniques (e.g. nikkyo,
sankyo etc.) and should be applied with the minimum of force
necessary to make them work. The techniques of Aikido should
be subtle and free of inappropriate force or strength. Techniques
should be executed with a relaxed body and mind i.e. harmony. |
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Maai & Zanshin |
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Maai is a very important element in any
martial art training. It means tactical distance in relation
to one’s uke. In judging correct maai many factors come
into play, for instance: the relative size of the people involved,
whether there is one uke or many, the nature of the surrounding
space, the type of weapons one is facing (e.g. the difference
in length between a sword and a knife) Furthermore, maai is
constantly changing by the action created by attack and defence.
The moment an uke moves, maai begins to change. When nage takes
the initiative using one’s subjectivity to gain control,
the result of the motion is to affect maai.
Because of the many variables involved, and most importantly
because of the dynamic character of maai, its exact distance
cannot be measured or taught in a fixed form. Nor can it be
learned in theory: the “sense” of maai is a matter
of practical experience and can be learned only through practice.
Zanshin is the awareness of one’s uke before,
during the execution of and after the completion of a technique.
It is also the ability to react appropriately to a situation
in order to achieve and maintain control. Zanshin incorporates
spatial awareness, use of peripheral vision and sensitivity.
Although physical technique finishes when nage executes the
technique action continues in consciousness, which allows the
correct maai to be calculated for the next technique, if necessary.
However, the meaning of zanshin is not limited to the practical
point of view, in a deeper sense zanshin denotes continuity
and flow of ki (energy of consciousness), the bridge between
one action and another. |
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Ukemi |
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Ukemi is the method of receiving techniques to
protect oneself from serious injury, although in general terms
ukemi equates to forward, backward or side break fall. There
are various ways of ukemi according to the technique and circumstances
of practice. To master ukemi is one of the most important aspects
in learning Aikido, not only from the point of view of safety
but also for the confidence it gives in practice, necessary
for the real enjoyment of the art. Good ukemi should end with
the person being projected in a stable posture and fully prepared
to receive the next technique. However, the idea of ukemi in
Aikido should be understood more deeply. Ideal Aikido has neither
winner nor loser, just pure action. One person executes the
action and the other takes ukemi. Therefore, there is no difference
between technique and ukemi in Aikido. It is important to understand
that ukemi is as important as technique. |
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Spirit |
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The candidate should always show good and positive
spirit at all times, even in circumstances where it is difficult
to do so (e.g. if suffering an injury or having failed a grading).
Aikido is a martial art and good martial spirit is essential.
Although one should enjoy practicing and always have consideration
for a partner, correct positive spirit is important to enable
control of oneself and ensure a safe attitude to others. Positive
spirit breeds confidence and allows one to relax and enjoy the
practice of Aikido at its higher levels with full movement,
control and power. |
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Manner & Attitude |
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All aikidoka should have correct manner and attitude
at all times. Respect for fellow students and, particularly,
seniors is an important aspect of one’s development. One
should be prepared to practice with any other student, regardless
of age, sex, colour, nationality or creed. Correct etiquette
should always be observed in the dojo, with rei being made to
the kamiza before and after practice, and to seniors and others
students during practice. Instructors should be addressed as
“Sensei” at all times during practice. Remember
that you are always responsible for the safety of others, particularly
juniors and less experienced students, even if you are a low
grade. Always try to help people who do not understand the practice
and etiquette of Aikido. Involvement in dojo, club, national
or international activities can show commitment to the development
of Aikido. Even the lowest grade can contribute to spreading
the word and practice of Aikido and can assist in the teaching
process. Try not to be too humble or self-effacing. Be positive
about your Aikido. Take your practice seriously but not yourself! |
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| 2. |
Grading Advice
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i) |
Ensure that your grading form is correctly completed and handed
in on time. All applications should be accompanied by valid
membership booklet and grading fee (Yudansha should also present
their Hombu Yudansha Booklet). |
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ii) |
Ensure that the keikogi you wear for your grading is clean
and in a good state of repair. |
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iii) |
Students taking senior grades (Ikkyu / Yudansha) are to have
their own tanto, bokken and jo ready in case weapons techniques
are required. (When executing weapon techniques, always observe
correct etiquette and never throw a weapon across the dojo floor
or to your partner. Hand the weapon back properly or place it
carefully on the tatami.) |
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iv) |
TAKE YOUR TIME. A grading is not a
race. It is far better to demonstrate techniques at a measured
pace and correctly rather than at a frantic speed, which is
more likely to result in errors and exhaustion. Listen carefully
to the examiner calling out the techniques required and any
other instructions. If you do not understand or do not hear,
ask for the instruction to be repeated. |
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v) |
Always be aware of activity going on around you on the tatami.
Do not become so focused on yourself that you endanger others. |
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| 3) |
Order of Grading |
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i) |
Line up in seiza facing kamiza. |
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ii) |
The grade being taken will be announced. |
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iii) |
Your name will be announced. |
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iv) |
When your name is announced bow and answer “HAI”. |
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v) |
If by some chance your name is not called out you should advise
the grading committee immediately. |
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vi) |
In shikko (knee-walk), proceed to line up in the centre of
the tatami. Be in seiza (according to the order called) facing
kamiza. |
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vii) |
A signal will be given to perform a seated bow towards kamiza. |
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viii) |
Turn/move slightly so that you are facing Sensei and the Grading
Committee. Then perform a bow to Sensei and the Grading Committee.
Your partner will be seated next to you. If there are an odd
number of people taking a grade, an uke will be designated. |
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| 4. |
Terminology |
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The correct order of bowing (Rei): |
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SHOMEN NI REI = Bow to the kamiza at the front of the dojo. |
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SENSEI NI REI = Bow to Sensei and the examining committee. |
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O TA GAI NI REI = Bow to your partner. |
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During the grading: |
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HAJIME = start
YAME = stop
KOTAI = change
SUWATTE = sitting techniques
TATTE = standing techniques
SEIZA = sit down |
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| 5. |
After the Grading |
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5.1 |
AIKIDO FEDERATION (SINGAPORE) reserves the right to amend
and/or change the rules stated herein. |
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i) |
The result of the grading will be announced at a later date. |
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ii) |
Please help to keep the mats or with any cleaning up if necessary. |
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iii) |
Yudansha will also need to complete the Hombu registration
forms. |
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Whatever the result of your grading, it is considered
good manners and correct etiquette to thank your Instructor(s)
for their help in preparing you for the grading. Remember
that all of the Grading Committee have been through the same
grading process, so they really do know how you feel and are
sympathetic to the stresses you experience.
Also remember that there is no shame in failing a grade and
many seniors, including members of the Grading Committee,
have failed a grading at some time. |
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