At the end of each Kid's session we have "
Kid's Day". There is a fun Aikido games class for both age groups followed by testing for those who are eligible. After testing we have some refreshments.
All current and former students are welcome to attend. Even if a student is not testing this time,
it is great for them to watch testing, and they may even help!The $10 testing fee may be paid at regular class or on the day of testing.
"Kyu" ranks are the ranks below black belt levels. For children, each kyu rank up to 6th Kyu has a belt color. Each belt color has 3 levels, A, B & C. The level is designated by stars attached to the students belt. C level is no stars, B level is 1 star, C level is 2 stars.
- 10th Kyu rank is white belt,
- 9th Kyu rank is yellow belt,
- 8th Kyu rank is orange belt,
- 7th Kyu rank is green belt,
- 6th kyu rank is blue belt.
To do well on a test, children must be calm and focused, as appropriate for their age. The “Mind and Body Unification” parts of the test are used to show this. The “Hitori Waza” are movement exercises that must be done correctly and with good balance. The techniques are Aikido throws that must be done with a partner. There is no contest against other people in Aikido, either in testing or in classes. When working with a partner on a test or in class, both the attacker and thrower are trying to do the correct movement and be safe.
A student's amount of practice, behavior, age, and the ability to perform the test criteria all affect eligibility for testing. In general kids test for the first time after attending two full sessions. This assumes an attendance of at least 7 classes per session. After that time they usually test at the end of every other session. That's about 3 times a year for those who attend regularly. Rank in the lists for specific dates below show the minimum each student will be tested for. Higher rank may be considered based on performance during the test.
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