Florida Aikido Center
Belts & Rank...
In most styles of Aikido there are 6 kyu ranks (white belt ranks) and 8+ dan ranks (black belt ranks).
We use only white belts and adults wear either white, white with a hakama or black with a hakama.
Testing takes place after a minimum number of classes or training hours are recorded, also there may be a minimum period of time between tests depending on skill level. Testing is typically scheduled by an instructor and practiced for ahead of time. There are no surprise tests.
It is typically considered rude to ask to be tested.
At the Florida Aikido Center, as is true of many traditional Japanese martial arts schools, attainment of a black belt is neither quick nor easy. A skilled and determined student may achieve the level of shodan in as little as 5 1/2 years, but a more realistic assumption is about 7 years. This should not discourage you – in fact, the journey is part of the reward in Aikido.
Also remember that the black belt is not a prize, nor does it make one a "master.” Nothing signifies this better than the word shodan, which translates roughly as "first step.”
We welcome and encourage those with prior martial arts experience – in fact, many of our students have at least some exposure to another art. We feel this previous experience enriches the training environment of our dojo and definitely brings character to open mat sessions. However, while ranks attained in other arts are respected, those ranks will not transfer over to Aikido.
We use only white belts and adults wear either white, white with a hakama or black with a hakama.
Testing takes place after a minimum number of classes or training hours are recorded, also there may be a minimum period of time between tests depending on skill level. Testing is typically scheduled by an instructor and practiced for ahead of time. There are no surprise tests.
It is typically considered rude to ask to be tested.
At the Florida Aikido Center, as is true of many traditional Japanese martial arts schools, attainment of a black belt is neither quick nor easy. A skilled and determined student may achieve the level of shodan in as little as 5 1/2 years, but a more realistic assumption is about 7 years. This should not discourage you – in fact, the journey is part of the reward in Aikido.
Also remember that the black belt is not a prize, nor does it make one a "master.” Nothing signifies this better than the word shodan, which translates roughly as "first step.”
We welcome and encourage those with prior martial arts experience – in fact, many of our students have at least some exposure to another art. We feel this previous experience enriches the training environment of our dojo and definitely brings character to open mat sessions. However, while ranks attained in other arts are respected, those ranks will not transfer over to Aikido.