Testing

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• Testing is an important part of your aikido development, for a long list of reasons. At a minimum, it forces you to review an expanding curriculum of techniques on a periodic basis as you move up the ranks. 

• The CAF follows the Hombu curriculum. However, the CAF required a higher number of minimum training days between tests.

• Ben-sensei keeps track of attendance at Burloak Aikikai, and can tell you how many training days you’ve logged and how many until your next test. If you practice elsewhere as well, those count too, so please keep track. Note that if you practice in a class on a day, it counts as "one", regardless of whether you trained for 30 minutes or 8 hours that day.

• Ben-sensei has authority to test all kyu ranks (and perhaps black belts up to a certain level under extraordinary circumstances, which are unlikely to occur), but far prefers to have you test before a panel at a seminar. 6th kyu is an exception: all 6th kyu tests will take place at our dojo.

• Ben-sensei devotes time and attention to test preparation for individuals during class. Sometimes that means you will get less attention/practice time during class or be asked to support a test candidate by taking ukemi, but what goes around comes around and you will get similar attention in turn.

• Prior to testing, arrange for a person to be your uke. They should typically be around the same rank as the level you are testing for. In some cases, you may be told on the day to partner with someone other than your arranged uke instead.

• The test fee is $25 for kyu ranks and considerably higher for dan ranks. See the CAF website for details on the paperwork and fees. Note that dan tests strictly require all paperwork be submitted by Ben-sensei to the CAF on your behalf at minimum one month in advance.