The Aikido Schools of Ueshiba

Yudansha Exam Preparation Handbook

Edited by Guy Hagen, USF Aikido
Version 09-22-2011

AIKIDO SCHOOLS

of UESHIBA

The most recent version of this handbook can be downloaded from

http://usfaikido.com/library/yudansha_handbook/
Forward!...................................................................................................1

Six to Twelve Months Before Your Exam!.............................................3

Three Months Before Your Exam!........................................................10

The Week Before Your Exam!...............................................................14

The Seminar of Your Exam!..................................................................15

The Test!.................................................................................................18

Candidate Qualifications!.....................................................................20

How To Complete the Yudansha Application Forms!........................22

Creating a Candidate Biography Sheet!..............................................25

Seminar Correspondence and Administration!..................................27

Candidate Preparation Checklist!........................................................28

Acknowledgements !.............................................................................28

Sample Documents!..............................................................................29
Forward
What this handbook is
In theory, regular practice of aikido under a qualified instructor will prepare a student to pass
their black belt test and to handle situations of stress, aggression and violence. However, we are
often nervous when test time approaches, as subconsciously we don't have confidence that
normal keiko is sufficient preparation for the above-normal stress and performance associated
with testing. We've all heard stories about students who have trained for a long time but had bad
tests or even failed.

Psychology teaches us that humans perform best when provided clear and consistent goals and
expectations, and then are given the tools to achieve them. This handbook was assembled to
help bridge the gap between expectation and preparation by sharing the best advice of some of
ASU's top instructors.

What this handbook is not

I consulted Saotome Sensei and Patty Sensei while compiling this handbook. While it has their
endorsement, nothing contained in this book is officially required for promotion. You should
listen first and foremost to the advice of your own sensei. Implement what you find useful, and
don’t worry about the rest.

Who this handbook is for

This handbook is targeted primarily for Aikido students who wish to prepare for an upcoming
black belt test or promotion. It is not specifically written for instructors, nor is it intended to
supersede Aikido teachers' own methods for preparing their students. However, it contains some
wonderful tips and tools for helping any Aikidoka get more out of their training at any level, and
to help break through training 'plateaus'. Instructors may also get some ideas to augment their
teaching methods by following the examples of ASU's leading sensei.

How this handbook came about

I hope this will continue to be an evolving effort. It started when I wrote down a few pieces of
advice I received when I was preparing for shodan, and the bits and pieces on performance
theory and sports psychology that I picked up along the way. A few pieces of advice were so
helpful that I actively solicited advice from my teachers and sempai for my next tests, and started
to share what I learned with my friends and kohei who were also testing. I eventually compiled a
short list of tips that really seemed to make a difference, and continued to collect feedback from
others to refine what worked and filter out what didn't.

In 2002, my Aikido brother Don Ellingsworth and I helped to first establish what was to become
the annual Florida Rokudan Seminar. This seminar, taught by five or six of Florida's ASU
rokudan instructors, is hosted alternately by the University of South Florida (Tampa), Shindai
Aikikai (Orlando), and ASU Sarasota annually each August. It has become an important event
for testing many ASU yudansha, and has given the instructors an opportunity to express what

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they think is important in a strong black belt test. These sensei had wonderful advice to share
and were passionate about maintaining a high standard of quality for ASU practitioners, and I
decided I was in a good position to support their vision and compile their collective experience.

In 2010, I asked the following question to Saotome Sensei, Ikeda Sensei, and almost all of the
ASU Ueshiba Juku rokudansha: "what are the most important recommendations you would give
to a student preparing for their black belt exam, six months before, three months before, or just
before their test?" I organized their responses (and the best of the other advice I received from
other experts along the way) into this book.

Editing conventions and quotes

Japanese terms have been standardized, lower-cased and italicized, except for formal names and
titles. Americanized plural forms have been allowed as they are commonly used in English and
may reduce confusion (e.g. "ukes", "rokudans"). I have taken liberties to alter quotes to make
grammar, tense, and subject consistent with the rest of this document.

Instructor quotes were selected and arranged to exemplify and illustrate the content. Placement
of a quote doesn’t imply that the quoted instructor wrote that section or doesn’t have additional
opinions on the details. Similarly, the lack of a quote does not imply that other instructors didn’t
provide similar suggestions.

Feedback
I hope this book continues to evolve as I hear from the rokudan sensei that I've missed, as we
share what works, and work together to refine what we've learned. If you are an ASU instructor
that has received the Ueshiba Juku designation from Saotome Sensei and I haven’t successfully
contacted you, please know that it was not an intentional omission on my part and that I would
love to include your recommendations as I update this handbook. If I have quoted you, but
missed what you consider to be an important point, please correct me!

I apologize in advance for any errors and omissions. If any part of this handbook helped you on
your test, please thank the next ASU rokudan instructor you take a seminar from! I also
appreciate feedback in terms of what was particularly useful and what was counterproductive, to
help me improve this handbook over time.

Email: [email protected]
Mail: Guy Hagen, USF Aikido
27810 Sky Lake Circle
Tampa, FL 33544

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Six to Twelve Months Before Your Exam
You have sufficient time in grade, you have strong basic ability, and you know your
techniques. Now is the time to begin preparing so that you can consistently perform under
pressure, so that you can bring your technique to a new level, and you can begin to embody both
clarity and composure on your test. At least six months before your test– if not long before that –
you need to consistently invest yourself toward that change.

“Too many students 'cram' for the testing. I have weapons requirements on all kyu tests.
By the time a student takes 1st kyu, he or she knows everything for nidan. That's the real
secret... true preparation starts years out if they are going to be solid."
— George Ledyard Sensei

"Teachers need to push and motivate some students, and calm down and support others.
Teachers need to be sensitive to the individual needs and personality of each student. If
this period prior to the test is not managed well, students will often look like they
crammed to learn their weapons and waza, and the testing looks sloppy and somewhat
premature for the level they are trying to achieve. It is up to the teacher and the student to
manage these issues. However, in my view, teachers bear the greater responsibility as
they have been through and observed this process numerous times whereas the student is
going through the testing experience for the first time."
— Josh Drachman Sensei

Work on the basics

There is a paradox in our Aikido training. We aspire to the subtle, amazing, almost magical
technique taught to us by Saotome Shihan and Ikeda Shihan and our ASU rokudans; however,
we are tested against, and must perform, clear basic technique. This is particularly true for
shodan and nidan tests. Keiko at this point should emphasize clear, visible, very basic technique;
movements should not be small and subtle, but large and clear as if demonstrating for textbook
photos or for an audience a long distance away. All techniques should start and continue
smoothly to completion – during test preparation, the candidate should set aside any habits of
stopping techniques that meet resistance, or slowing techniques down to analyze them too much.
Strive to always maintain a relaxed, alert, upright posture and stance.

“In general people need more kihon movement in their practice. I can see from many
tests I have given that many people from many dojos do not know kihonwaza well.
Shodan candidates need to demonstrate fundamental techniques right away, not ‘your
style’ of technique. Nidan and sandan level tests should demonstrate more personal
expression, but still be based on clean basic movement.”
— Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan

“...for the six months before the test, I start gearing the class material to the test. I do
more kihonwaza and less aiki principle work. I have all the seniors work with the student

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 and keep the student away from the beginners. I have the seniors push him more while
not making things so difficult that it becomes a confidence drain. The whole point is do
develop a relaxed strong intention.”
— George Ledyard Sensei

Preparing for improvisation

Depending on what rank you are testing for, you will be expected to show spontaneous,
improvised technique. Especially for shodan levels, spontaneous technique is very difficult to
maintain when you find yourself suddenly challenged by a tough uke. Once you've been rattled,
spontaneity goes out the window. As the pressure mounts, it becomes harder and harder to come
up with the next "spontaneous" technique, or remember which technique you haven't
demonstrated in a while.

Ironically, it is possible to prepare for – and improve – improvisation by rehearsing a fixed,

regular pattern of techniques. Even top jazz musicians occasionally insert “riffs” borrowed from
other classical, jazz, or other music genres while they improvise! Select five to seven techniques
(ask your sensei), and find an order for them that flows naturally both verbally and physically.
Practice chanting these techniques to yourself in the same order until you can, on demand,
regurgitate them as one long word! For example, 'ikkyo-nikkyo-sankyo-kotegaeshi-irimi-kaiten'
etc. You should be able to “spit out” your sequence without hesitation or delay, on
demand. Similarly, you should practice performing those techniques in sequence against every
type of attack - even the ones which are rarely, if ever, called such as ushiro tekubi shime. This
gives you a baseline that you can always rely on and fall back upon. During your test, you will
start with your sequence; once started, your body will be able to perform a strong variety of basic
techniques more or less on 'automatic'. This frees up your mind so that when an opportunity or
inspiration arises to show a different technique, you can take advantage of it. When you run out
of spontaneous techniques, you can smoothly drop back into your sequence and continue
performing without so much as a moment's hesitation. When the time comes, don't worry about
showing every variation of every Aikido technique possible; if the examiners want to see more,
or see specific techniques, they'll ask for them.

“During an exam you are way more excited than your partners and you are moving much
faster than you think. Consciously go slower or they won't keep up and you will look bad.

Have a plan in mind, so that when asked to do freestyle, you present a wide spectrum of
technique, both omote and ura. You probably won't be thinking clearly, do you want a
method to make this happen. Not only does this make you look good, it often prevents the
board for asking for specific technique. I like to maximize the control I have and this is a
good way to do this. Every technique is composed of irimi and tenkan. Make sure you do
this and the rest will follow. ”
— Mike Lasky Sensei

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Weapons kata — kumitachi and kumijo
In ASU, weapons kata are a component of all yudansha tests, and many instructors consider the
weapons kata to be the most revealing part of an exam. The weapons kata are your chance to
show how 'sharp' and precise your focus, concentration, and dedication is. Kata are the only
portion of your test that you have 100% control over; you know your uke, you know the
sequence, you have the opportunity to choreograph and rehearse over and over. Senior
examiners generally consider there to be no excuse for a sloppy weapons portion, and
especially no excuse to forget the sequence, fumble, or lose your place. Different instructors
have different perspectives and ideals on what constitutes good weapons technique, but all will
require a strong martial focus, precise movement, and a clear understanding of the 'purpose'
behind each movement.

"In addition to the actual kata, I recommend students include, after each class, 10
minutes of solo weapon practice just moving and working on basic non-repetitive motion
with staff and sword. Keep the movement as simple as possible using one- and two-hand
grips; basically play with the sticks in order to build a level of subconscious confidence
and deeper knowledge of the weapons."
—Kevin Choate Sensei

At least six months before your expected test, you should already know the kata well; at this
point, it's time to pick a designated kata partner and drill, drill, drill. Make a standing schedule
to meet and practice your kata two or three times a week, before or after class, or even over
lunch. Find a rhythm, don't rush the footwork, and make each motion meaningful. Ideally you
should pick a partner that is also testing, or your sempai. A strong sempai can help you 'bring
your best game' to your test; but depending on your situation you may have to look for a partner
on the day of the test, or use a junior (although that really isn't recommended). If you can't find a
designated partner, be sure to practice with as many partners as possible to build your
adaptability and confidence. If you are simply unable to to practice kata regularly with a partner
or partners, you should still commit to practicing the kata solo as uke and nage to internalize the
sequences, footwork, and handwork. Finally, be sure to refine, synchronize, and not rush the
'protocol' portions of the kata — coming together, bowing, drawing the bokken, etc.

“We do a series of topical one day workshops on specific skill sets like weapons taking,
koshinage, sword, jo, etc. The student is required to hit these as part of his preparation.”
— George Ledyard Sensei

Preparing the heart, lungs, and mind — off the mat

The importance of committing to a regular, non-Aikido cardiovascular, aerobic and endurance
regimen cannot be emphasized enough. Everybody's technique degrades as they become
winded, so the longer you can postpone that moment the better your test will look. Any aerobic
exercise will work, but the best ones will last for at least 30 minutes, keep your heart rate up, and
support strong uninterrupted breathing. Swimming, while a fantastic low impact exercise,
unfortunately tends to establish a breathing pattern that you can't use during your

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test. Anaerobic, strength training or bodybuilding regimens do not tend to contribute much to
test endurance.

“The most important single thing a student can do to prepare is to increase their
endurance. The longer they can keep their wind, the longer they can maintain their
composure and clean technique. They should begin a regular practice of running, biking,
swimming, to build up their aerobic ability.

What I do for my students is several months before the test, I start throwing them for three
minutes without a break. Each class, I add a minute or so. This way they can build up
their endurance a little at a time, as part of class.”
— Wendy Whited Sensei

“It is also during the final year of training that endurance should be addressed. If an
average student is training regularly and breathing properly endurance should not be a
problemt. Some students, however, may have physical problems that make endurance an
issue. Proper diet, weight control and extra cardiovascular exercise should become a
priority where necessary. ”
— Tom and Mary McIntire Senseis

However, the real value from aerobic training is not physical, but mental. Sports psychology
teaches us that visualization exercises have as much impact on actual performance as physical
training (if balanced by proper physical training). If you commit properly, your off-the-mat
endurance training won't steal time from your keiko, but instead multiply it! Endurance exercises
are great because once you find your 'zone' your mind is freed up to wander or pursue other
tasks. Your exercise — let's say bicycling — is your opportunity to get your heart rate up to a
level that can support physical performance, a strong, comfortable breathing rhythm that you can
maintain for a long time, and begin to visualize how you want to look performing every single
aikido technique, in sequence, against every possible attack and type of uke. Picture yourself
where you will be testing, calmly, confidently, and methodically demonstrating your techniques
right and left, ura and omote. Mentally drill yourself performing the same sequence of
techniques over and over. If there are potential ukes that intimidate you, or techniques you are
not comfortable with, or physical / health problems, spend time visualizing yourself dealing with
those issues proudly and masterfully all while pushing yourself physically. This will program
your body and mind so that when your test starts, instead of slipping into stress adrenaline and
ragged breathing, you will fall into a comfortable pattern that you can maintain for much longer
than the actual duration of your test.

Make your weaknesses your strengths

If you have health or physical limitations that cannot be fixed by the time of your test, it's
important to not just surrender and hope that the examination board will not hold it against
you. Instead, you may have to find alternate solutions that allow you to maintain your posture,
composure, clarity, and breath. For example, if you have bad knees, don't compensate by

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bending over or neglecting your pins! Perhaps you can find a way to pin by putting one knee
down, by performing deep, wide, good-posture squats, by developing standing pins, or by taking
more time to methodically go to the ground for the pin. Find your own solutions that allow you
to preserve your health while maintaining composure. Have a flexible mind, and don't be
trapped into thinking that if you can't do technique the way healthy 20-year-olds do technique, all
that's left is inferior. It's harder to find an exemplary way to do your technique without pushing
yourself to further injury, than it is to prove your dedication by punishing your body past what is
wise. Budo should make you stronger, and now is the time to use your creativity to find alternate
solutions so that your test looks powerful and adaptive rather than handicapped.

“The only piece of real advice I would give a test candidate is to figure out what you hate
to do, something you dread might come up on your test, some person you pray will not
jump up as uke and then work on it or with them until it is no longer an issue. Then pick
the next thing...and the next...and you'll be amazed at how quickly 30 years pass!”
— Don Moock Sensei

"I think it is important for candidates to observe at least one real test (preferably one
close to the curriculum and level of their own test) during this period so they can see for
themselves what they will likely be called on to demonstrate."
— Josh Drachman Sensei

Stress inoculation
In the US Special Forces, they refer to something called “stress inoculation”. In essence, what
this means is exposing the candidate to stressful situations until some of the novelty wears off,
and the situation becomes familiar enough that other reactions can be programmed than
desperation, startlement, fight-or-flight, or panic. This has at least two components: the
intentional cultivation of constructive stress, and repetitive exposure.

“A greater emphasis during training for examination should be placed on multiple

attackers so that the basic movements don’t fall apart under the stress of the situation.
Too often treated lightly as just a right of passage, an important indicator of your
understanding is your ability to see and to quickly assess a situation and respond while
maintaining your cool under stress. It is the foundation and an important training tool
for the next step in each student’s training process.”
- Patty Saotome Sensei

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 "Try to create situations that take you to the point of failure, that challenge you, that
literally put your back to the wall. Practice controlling your breathing in those
situations, and retaining your basic form, posture, relaxation and movement.

During regular class you should train with more experienced people, train with people
you don’t like, train with people that don’t like you. In post-class training your partner
should be uncooperative as uke and rough as nage."
— Kevin Choate Sensei

Constructive stress requires a lot of commitment from your dojo and your ukes, as well as
yourself. You must enter every engagement with the intent that you are going to pour 100% of
your energy and attention into it, to not slouch, relax, or be defensive. This is particularly hard
when you are the only person on the mat who is trying to maintain a high level of energy output,
so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your ukes must attack you with all the sincere force they can
muster, but it’s especially important that they practice “exam-style uke” behavior: powerful, clear
attacks that require nage to respond, but without a hint of trying to struggle with, stop, or
outmuscle nage. Yes, the yudansha candidate should be able to perform clear basic technique on
any opponent, but nothing is demonstrated by an uke who attacks defensively or with intent to
“shut nage down”, and several months of training with this type of uke will not prepare you for a
test you can be proud of. Again, do not be afraid to ask your ukes to attack you differently, or
ask your instructor to help create a more intense training environment. Although ukes should be
attacking with all their heart, they should also be committed to take complete, full-speed ukemi
for you so that you can practice performing a technique from its start to its finish, every time.
When you find an uke that helps push you into the “stress zone” and takes good ukemi, take the
opportunity to work with them before and/or after class regularly.

“We try to get people in the habit of doing extra work after class before every test
starting from 6th kyu. Further we expect each person to help others prepare. So by dan
ranks what we want is

1. Commitment to do the pre-test work for 6 months to a year

2. Use that work to make a real change in how the individual does Aikido.
3. The dojo community should be right there supporting the individual.

What I want to see is a base level of skill and then a commitment to work, continue
learning and help others. Anything in particular I tell a person is my best guess as what
will work to keep them on a even psychological keel and progressing. I used to be very
Japanese, i.e. little praise and lots of criticism. I have consciously changed that.”
— Chuck Weber Sensei

You can “stress inoculation” train for any part of your examination – open hand, suwari waza,
weapons take-away, and randori. During this phase of your training, encourage your ukes to

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attack you as if it were your test at the beginning of every attack. Do this again, and again, and
again...

Pushing yourself — on the mat

Most instructors agree that promotion candidates have the responsibility to take control of their
training, and create opportunities to push their limits outside of class and to seek challenges
during training.

"It's pretty much possible to attain every white belt rank if you just show up long enough.
Dan ranks have little meaning, however, if students just "coast into" their rank
promotions. If you don't invest a higher level of effort into your yudansha training, how
can you expect your abilities to reach a higher level? I like to see testing candidates
training hard before and after class for several months before they might be testing. I
want to see their commitment to push themselves, and their sincere desire to move beyond
their current limits. Real growth requires sustained extra effort."
— John Messores Sensei

"Once a student has passed the 1st kyu test their basic technique should be a good
representation of their instructor and the weapons forms should be memorized; assuming
that and assuming that they are training 3 days a week; I would suggest (for all ranks) 20
to 30 minutes of extra training each training day.

Students can increase their stamina by taking more non resistive ukemi in regular classes.
Instead of 4/ 4 constantly, pyramid start at 4/4 and work your way up 4/4, 4/6, 4/8, 4/10,
4/12 …. 4/fail (meaning the candidate throws their partner four times, then the partner
throws the candidate 4, 6, 8, or 12 times)."
— Kevin Choate Sensei

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Three Months Before Your Exam
Three months before your test, your training should change. Your focus should change to
reinforcing and polishing the technique you know, and no longer think about learning different
ways to execute technique differently. The test is close enough that you may start feeling stress
and wondering if you are ready. In these last three months, it is time to train your attitude and
vision, and set a standard and image of what your test will look like. It is now time to "amp up"
your training so that you don't coast into your test, but come into your test investing 110% effort.

“The last month or so, I would focus on henko waza. I do classes in which I tell the
partners to be a bit more of an jerk when they work with the student. The emphasis is on
having the student stay relaxed when things don't work cleanly. If a partner plants or
resists unwisely, I want to see some atemi waza and an instant change in technique with
no change in the emotional load the student carries. That's the real focus on the last
phase of preparation. I want to see calm intensity throughout. I focus on projection of a
“sphere of intention” that makes it appear to everyone watching that the student "owns"
his space and the ukes are just "guests" in his space. If something doesn't work, I don't
even want to see a reaction by the student... I want to see him make whatever change is
appropriate as if it were what he intended all along.”
— George Ledyard Sensei

“The test prep advice is different for each student; I tend to call each up in front of the
class starting about 3 months before the scheduled test and ask for random techniques
and then run them through a quick randori. As each student is different they get different
coaching. Sometimes I ask them to slow down, sometimes to speed up, sometimes to open
up and sometimes to focus more; [it depends on each student].”
— Wendy Palmer Sensei

"During this time we tend to have at least one class specifically for test preparation.
In this class the sensei will call for techniques and the students will change partners
between techniques, but no demonstrations are done. This means that students train for
at least 45 minutes without stopping. If this doesn’t happen during a regular class, the
shodan candidate should attempt to get other students together and arrange a similar
situation outside of class time. During this special class, the shodan candidate is
encouraged to concentrate on posture, timing, breathing, and controlling the situation.
Any student who can do this has the stamina [and focus] for a shodan test."
—Tom and Mary McIntire Senseis

"Teachers need to know their students. Motivate the ones that need to be pushed. Support
and calm those that put too much pressure on themselves. Feed each the tools they need
to go out and perform optimally."
— Josh Drachman Sensei

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Embodiment – choosing your mantra
A mantra is a chant to help focus meditation, and it has value for training too. At this point your
sequence of techniques, endurance breathing, and mental visualization of yourself performing
against all techniques, attacks, and ukes should be automatic. As a result, you should have
sufficient attention span to add a new tool.

Believe it or not, you have the ability to select one adjective that other people may use to
describe your test (assuming you have prepared sufficiently). Choose a single word that you
would like to embody physically, mentally, and spiritually, but preferably one that is appropriate
to the rank you are testing for and is descriptive of performance. Examples could include
"precise”, "masterful", "unshakable", "professional", "confident", "in control", etc., whatever
appeals to you. Poor examples include "like a shihan" (too subtle, too vague), "elegant" (not
really what your examiners are looking for), or “powerful” (possibly leading to muscular or
violent technique).

“All too often the warrior spirit doesn’t make an appearance during examination. By
that, I don’t mean power, speed, or technical ability, but attitude, focus, and bearing.
How do you train to embody the spirit of a warrior, the true heart and soul of Aikido?
Maybe it must already be within you. But concentrate on the reason behind each basic
movement, on developing the control necessary to choose compassion, but always be
prepared for any possibility. If you hold the integrity, pride and honor of the spirit of
protection foremost in your mind that focus will directly influence your attitude and the
movement of your body in the same way the physical training in basic technique
influences your mind and with work and dedication you may come to embody the warrior
spirit.”
— Patty Saotome Sensei

Off the mat, continue your aerobic-plus-visualization training, only now be sure to mentally
vocalize your adjective, and clearly imagine how your demeanor and actions will manifest that
adjective as you perform your practice sequence. On the mat, mentally chant your adjective to
yourself as you train, reminding yourself to reflect your adjective in how you stand, how you
move, how you meet uke, and how you perform your technique. You may find that by repeating
this to yourself during keiko, that it will help you manifest – and make habitual – on the outside
what you have been rehearsing inside.

"Attention to mental attitude is vitally important at this stage. I usually tell students to
take command, to make the dojo their stage where nothing they do is wrong so they can
move confidently even when they confront mistakes or hit a snag with either a partner
they don't know how to manage or an off kilter attack or whatever the challenge may be."
— Josh Drachman Sensei

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Connection / Zanshin / Kamae
During your test, you will not be graded just upon how you perform your technique, but also
how you convey yourself and how you stay connected to your uke during the entire test.
Examiners will be alert for candidates that slump in relief after throwing uke, or who start to
slouch as they tire, who turn their back on their uke, or who even look like they aren’t really
awake. Long before your yudansha test, it is important to practice maintaining a powerful,
intense connection to your ukes during regular keiko from the time you bow to them until the
time you bow to somebody else. Practice controlling your distance, timing, and when your
partner attacks by how strongly you project your mu to kamae (no-sword sword stance) at all
times; practice demonstrating your connection to your partner through your hands and eyes so
clearly that somebody thirty feet away could see it clearly!

“I watch candidates while they are sitting, waiting to be tested. Are they attentive? Are
their backs straight even if they are sitting cross-legged? If they are kneeling during a
technique, are their feet together? If they are slouching or spread all over, it shows a
lack of self-discipline.”
— Duane “PeeWee” Jones Sensei

Change your mindset

It’s often useful at this stage in your training to examine your feelings toward your test. Most
people dread their black belt tests, and when asked will say they “wish the test were just over
with”. However, if you mentally “step back”, you may realize that you not only don’t dread your
test, you crave it. You have already spent months preparing – not to mention the years of keiko
and seminars before that – and if your instructor came to you now and said “oh, we didn’t think
you would perform well, so here’s your black belt anyway” you would be disappointed, right?
We all actually want to be tested in front of our peers and instructors and perform so well that
everybody says “wow, that was amazing!” The dread comes from not knowing what the test is
going to be like, or fear that you won’t perform well.

Remember that Aikido is not just a sport, it’s a spiritual art; you are training to change the type of
person you are and who you are in society, to your friends, and your family. If you have
dedicated yourself to improving your physical technique with the right attitude, you can expect
that on the other side of that test you will come home a slightly different person – one that you
chose to be. With dedication and sacrifice, you have polished your mind and body to be
something that you admire and others admire too. While the earning of a black belt does not
denote mastery, and the purpose of training is not to earn belts, the exams have an important
purpose in that they provide these challenges and moments of transformation that let us prove to
ourselves “we have become something more that we were yesterday”.

"Overall, I believe in the transformative power of the testing experience and believe it is
a vital part of the Aikido development process. I really find that students who get to the
other side of the testing experience mature, grow and make good progress toward
achieving more advanced levels of the art. They usually look very different from those

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 12

 that do not go through the testing process. I tell students I look not just at execution but
how much they have changed and improved in judging performance. I have found this
gets good results in motivating candidates to do the best they can."
— Josh Drachman Sensei

With these thoughts in mind, ask yourself how you would feel today if your test, your
transformation, your challenge, and the end result of all your training were taken away. You’d be
frustrated and outraged! Realize that you want your test, and you are looking forward to the
transformation you are investing yourself toward. With that in your heart, the day you step on
the mat it will be clear to everybody that you are there with a purpose.

Looking professional — early notice

Sure, your old dogi with all the holes in it shows that you’ve trained hard. However, it’s
important to make the right impression during your test, and show that you are taking your test
seriously, and that you respect your examination board. You will be representing your dojo and
your own instructors, so it is a good idea to make sure you look sharp and professional for your
test. Take a good look at your dogi, hakama, and weapons, and decide if you need to make any
repairs or if it’s time to order replacements!

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The Week Before Your Exam
You’ve been pushing yourself hard for six months. You are tired both physically and mentally,
but charged with anticipation. Now is a great time to ... take a break! Take a week off from
Aikido. Keep some light cardio/aerobic exercise up to keep your muscles loose, but give your
body a rest. Get a massage. Go to a spa, spend time in a hot tub! Find time to get extra sleep.
Go do something fun with your friends or family, just don’t abuse your body. You won’t lose
anything at this point by letting your body recuperate and build up strength. It’s OK to think
about your test and how you want it to look, but don’t feel you need to!

Looking professional — final preparations

As discussed earlier, it’s a good idea for you to look sharp and professional for your test, and
represent your dojo well. Remember that your test might be videotaped, and your test will
probably set your reputation among your peers and instructors for a long time. Get a good
haircut. Wash your uniforms, and keep a clean one set aside for the day of your test!

“If you look at any culture, you will see that part of the warriors’ spirit is revealed in
their orderly appearance, how they care for their equipment, and how they manifest
mindfulness, leadership, and attention to detail. On a test, we aren’t just looking at
physical ability, but the potential to lead, the ability to manifest those traits.”
— John Messores Sensei

Prepare your paperwork

Instructions for obtaining, and completing, the required application forms are included later in
this handbook. You are expected to bring these applications and other materials (such as signed
check and your existing passbook, if applicable) to the day of your examination. However, it’s
best to prepare your paperwork carefully and far enough in advance to mail or email to the
individual who is handling the examination paperwork at the test seminar, and to prepare copies
to bring with you as well.

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The Seminar of Your Exam
Most yudansha tests are performed during a regional seminar. ASU policy states that black belt
examinations should be held before a panel of ASU godan or rokudan instructors, or before
Ikeda Sensei or Saotome Sensei (who rarely if ever sits for exams). That means that you will be
training right up to the moment of your test.

"On the day or the night or two before, the main focus for the student and teacher should
be appropriate mental attitude. Drilling more techniques, while a normal response to the
pressure of an impending test, is probably not very productive beyond a certain point. I
usually tell the inhibited, formal types to let it go, own the stage they will occupy during
the test, stay in themselves and make it happen. Think big, act big, do big. The less
disciplined types, I encourage to stay focused on the task at hand and as cleanly as
possible execute, execute, execute. For both types, it is important to have them believe
there is nothing they will see out there during the exam that they cannot manage or
resolve even if it is off curriculum or out of the ordinary. In any case, I think it is
important to show real support and encouragement and that you, as the teacher, are there
for the student throughout the whole process."
— Josh Drachman Sensei

Donʼt try to learn anything new

Nobody has probably ever told you that before, and it might be easier to say than do. If the
seminar sensei show you anything new or give you technique advice, it is best to follow their
instructions – but don’t try to significantly change what you’ve been practicing for the last six
months for your actual test. Don’t let yourself be confused, or force your body into a different
“groove” than what it is now prepared for. After your test, you can remember and apply all of
the new wisdom you have just learned.

Feel out your ukes

While you probably won’t know who your ukes will be for your test, you should be able to
identify the entire pool of potential ukes before your test. Seek out and train with all possible
test ukes that are at the seminar – especially people that are unfamiliar to you. Set their
expectations in advance of the test; let them know through training how you will be handling
them, and make it clear by your movements that you will be requiring them to take full, clear
ukemi and that they can trust you to perform technique safely. It is also your responsibility to
show confidence, humility, compassion, and a smile, so that they do not feel the need to “put you
in your place” or are afraid to attack you properly. Determine if they are going to give you
difficulty: will they give poor attacks? Will they try to drag you down on randori? Will they try
to be sneaky or reverse you on open hand? Prepare yourself mentally before your exam, so if
they come before you, you will not be caught off guard. Prepare them mentally so they know
without a doubt how you will be dealing with them on the test and that there will only be one
clear ending to each technique – a clear throw and pin without hesitation from you.

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 15

 “Don’t get too used to the same ukes. Train with all types of ukes before your test - tall,
short, large, small, and strong.”
— Duane “PeeWee” Jones Sensei

Eat and sleep right

The night before your test, try to get plenty of sleep. Keep yourself well hydrated, and take
plenty of electrolytes and good food (nothing particularly greasy or heavy). Try not to drink
much, even if it is a time-honored ASU tradition! The day of your test, it is generally
recommended that you eat plenty of carbs – a mix of fast carbs (like fruit) and slower carbs (like
pasta). A quick Internet search will give plenty of really good recommendations for sports
nutrition that match your dietary preferences, and it’s not a bad idea to plan your “before-test”
meals well in advance so that you know your body will have all the resources it needs for
maximum performance.

“We recommend that candidates eat moderately and stay well hydrated on this day! Since
yudansha testing often takes place at weekend seminars, it is a good idea to avoid heavy
meals and hardy partying before the test takes place.”
— Tom and Mary McIntire Senseis

Practice manifesting your spirit

If you can find a time after the dojo or mat is clear of people, practice bowing in. Often,
candidates are nervous, and when they are called up they rush through the bowing in – setting the
tone and pace for their entire test. This is a good chance for you to familiarize yourself with the
space you will be testing in, and practice starting your test off right. Imagine your name being
called, and with dignity and focus proceed to the kamiza as if you are the sensei about to lead
class. Without hurry, settle down to seiza, focus, take a deep breath, and bow. When you turn to
the examination board show them with your eyes what kind of test you are going to demonstrate
– fierce, confident, determined! Practice the bowing protocol once or twice until you can feel
that when the test starts you will own the mat!

“During examination I always look first into the student’s eyes.”

— Patty Saotome Sensei

Introduce yourself
We have found that it’s a really good idea to introduce yourself to your examination board at the
start of the seminar, and let them know you are a candidate. Often, the examining sensei may not
personally know who the candidates are, or how well they have prepared, or really anything
about them. Even if the sensei do know you personally, they probably don’t know as much about
you as a student as would be useful for them to know while watching your test. By introducing
yourself, you give them a chance to watch you train during seminar classes, and to discuss you
with other sensei. It is also a good time to ask the examiners what they would like to see
emphasized on your test, and any particular performance specifics – for example, would they like
to see omote right and left on one technique, and ura/tenkan right and left on another technique?

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 16

Or would they prefer to see right-left omote-ura tenkan on every technique, even at the cost of
dragging out the test? Let them give you their preferences and wishes and any last minute advice
they care to share.

We have also found at our annual Florida Rokudan seminars that it is very helpful to prepare a
short “bio sheet” that profiles you and your readiness to test, as well as any special health or
other considerations that the examiners should know. A sample bio sheet is included at the end
of this handbook.

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The Test
The time has arrived! Keep these last few reminders in mind as your test begins.

“I remind students that the test is a collective effort – you are not alone – and your test is
not yours alone. It is a gift back to all those who have helped you – a chance to show
them that you were paying attention, listening to them – it is a thank you for the gift of
training from your entire dojo and teachers. we all test together – so you are not alone!”
– Robin Cooper Sensei

Focus on the basics

Remember to focus on posture, clarity, composure and basics. We all attend seminars by Ikeda
Sensei, Saotome Sensei and others where they dazzle and inspire us with seemingly impossibly
subtle movement. That is the goal to which we all aspire - but not the goal to which we are
tested, particularly for shodan and nidan. Saotome Sensei has emphasized that we must first all
start from a strong, common foundation, and your test will be about how clearly you can display
those fundamentals.

Composure
Slow down. Pin at every opportunity. Every time you pin, take a strong, deep breath. Don’t let
uke’s speed rush you; no matter how hard or fast uke attacks, you do not have to speed up to
match. Make your movements large and clear as if you were demonstrating for the audience
“way up in the cheap seats”. At natural points in each technique, dramatically show your control
and understanding of the waza. Imagine that your actions are being photographed for an
instructional manual, and each movement must be visible and distinct to the viewer.

Iʼm still nervous...

You’re expected to be; it wouldn’t be much of a test if you weren’t pushed outside of your
comfort zone. Just remind yourself that by this point, you have invested 100, 200, 300 or more
hours preparing just for this moment. All of the ukes that will step before you haven’t prepared
at all; they “just showed up” for the seminar. Trust yourself and know that if you truly have
committed yourself to preparation, your test will only push you hard enough to really shine. Tell
yourself that during the test, it is your mat and everyone else is there with your permission.

“The day of the test is always a challenge. The worst part is anticipation and knowing
that can make the day go easier. Remembering to control posture, timing and breathing
will help to calm nerves and make an enormous difference in the test.”
— Tom and Mary McIntire Senseis

Interacting with the examiners

Always treat the examination board with utmost respect, never treat them casually or informally.
If you did not hear the name of a technique, are confused, or have a problem which must be
addressed (such as an injury), you should face the examiners, bow, and ask as politely and
succinctly as possible. Usually a simple “Sensei?” will suffice. If the examiners give you

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special instructions, you should acknowledge them with “Hai, Sensei!”, and never with a casual
nod, wave, “yeah”, or “ok”. Never put your hands on your hips, never ignore the examiners, and
never argue with them. Even if the examiners are mistaken, agreeing with them and following
their instructions demonstrates humility and dedication.

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Candidate Qualifications
As I asked for their testing preparation advice, a few senior instructors shared their expectations
for each level of yudansha rank. These are the goals for which students should be training, and
the attributes they should be cultivating within themselves.

“Shodan: form. Good standard technique, classical form is what I want most to see in
terms of technique. Aikido instructors teach different styles and the judges will respect
another's choice of variations. When choosing technique to be demonstrated it must be a
stylistic variation that the candidate is completely familiar and comfortable with. It
should be technique with which the candidate is completely capable and proficient. All
technique should be fully completed including pins and weapon-removal. Maintain
proper attitude towards uke even after the technique is completed. If demonstrating ji yu
waza the candidate should choose their techniques and variations before the test. Know
what you are going to do and then do it. Use pinning as a time to breathe and plan your
next technique. The candidate must maintain good attitude and posture throughout the
test. Try not to talk to the judges unless you cannot hear or understand the requests.

Nidan: power. I want to see that the candidate can now apply more power in their
technique. You should be able to control a much bigger, stronger, more aggressive uke. A
good martial spirit that is never comical, degrading, silly, or lackadaisical is essential.

Sandan: effectiveness. Ukes will not be restricted to simple flowing attacks. They are
expected to give candidates a difficult time. Candidates must be able to control difficult
attackers.

In general all candidates must take care of their ukes and show proper respect for the
judges, their ukes the dojo (kamidana) and guests.”
— John Messores Sensei

“Shodan is the beginning. At this stage the most important thing is the application and
precision of basic movement and technique appropriate to your level.”
— Patty Saotome Sensei

“... for shodan I expect clean, clear distinctions of the parts within the technique.
Nothing fancy even if they can [show fancy technique]. Basically I want to see that they
can demonstrate the alphabet and can move with an even pacing through the moves.
Posture and extension are important.

For nidan I expect all of the above and more ability to effect the timing of the interaction.
Instead of waiting for uke to attack they need to be able to lead uke so the interactions
become more fluid. I am open to a little more creativity in some of the variations and the
ability to improvise in unknown situations.

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 For sandan I expect more creativity in the variations – the ability to make small or subtle
adjustments as the technique unfolds. Also the ability to handle more speed and power
without loosing confidence and relaxation.”
— Wendy Palmer Sensei

"Shodan: focus on smooth continuous movement and breathing. Proper control of

distance at the beginning and end of the technique (1 tatami standing, ½ sitting). Proper
execution of pins or final postures. Front and rear movements should be clear and
distinct. Power is not necessary, but clarity is essential.

Nidan: Your first test confirmed your knowledge of the basic forms of the art; the second
should test you under stress.

Sandan: OK, you're tough! Your basic technique will never be questioned again, it is
yours, show your respect, your ability to present it, and your desire to explore. Strive to
represent a deeper understanding of the basic forms their difficulties and their
limitations."
— Kevin Choate Sensei

"In order to answer these questions I feel compelled to address the issue of the meaning
of yudansha and how we (Mary and I) view this pivotal accomplishment in an aikidoka’s
training. We are all familiar with the concept that shodan marks the beginning rather
than the culmination of training. It is our view that time spent in the kyu ranks is, in a
sense, time primarily spent learning how to train. It is during this time that a student
learns basic Aikido technique and how to interact with their training partners to make the
training experience productive for both parties. By the time a student attains the rank of
shodan he/she should be able to go to any dojo where Aikido is taught and be able to
participate in keiko. During the kyu rank phase of a student’s training they also learn
the proper etiquette and attitudes conducive to practical and productive training."
—Tom and Mary McIntire Senseis

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How To Complete the Yudansha Application Forms
The following instructions have been posted by Patty Saotome Sensei, and apply to all ASU
promotion yudansha candidates:

“ASU can no longer accept promotion request forms that are incomplete or not clearly
written. The Aikikai takes the information for certificates, yudansha passbooks and
membership cards directly from the forms you fill out. To avoid misspellings the forms
must be legible. To avoid having ASU return the forms to you for completion all
information must be included. Please use the following guidelines.

It only takes a couple of minutes to do this carefully and correctly and we appreciate your
cooperation. “
— Patty Saotome Sensei, (12/22/2003)

To help increase the legibility of ASU applications and meet the requirements set by ASU
administration, the yudansha application forms are available for download in Adobe Acrobat
“fill-in form” format at the following URLs, and as attachments at the end of this handbook.
Please follow these guidelines and bring your completed application forms with you and present
them to the head examiner in advance of your test. Please make sure that the forms you provide
are legible and printed in high quality; facsimiles and poor copies can introduce errors and make
your forms difficult to process.

• http://usfaikido.com/2008/08/yudansha-application-forms/
• http://www.aikido-nova.org/links.html
• http://winterintensive.com/

Unless you are instructed otherwise, it is best to mail or email your forms to the head examiner
in advance of your test and bring printed copies as backup to the day of your examination, along
with a check to “Aikido Schools of Ueshiba”. The promotion fee depends on your rank and
current US-Japan currency exchange rates, and may not be precisely specified until the day of
your test. If you have one, bring your existing yudansha passbook and provide it to the head
examiner with your check and application forms. If you have lost your passbook, you can
request a replacement passbook for an additional fee.

Application for Dan Grades

1. Surname: Provide your last (family) name.
2. First name: Provide your first name.
3. Date and Place of Birth: Provide your birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY) and State/USA of your
birth.
4. Sex: Check the box indicating your gender.
5. Address: Provide your current mailing address.
6. Nationality: Provide your current citizenship (USA).

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 22

7. Occupation: Indicate, in one or two words, your current occupation.
8. Signature of Candidate: Provide your signature.
9. Number of Aikikai Membership: If you are testing for shodan or transferring with rank
from an organization not affiliated with Hombu, please leave this blank. If you have
previous Hombu rank, provide the Aikikai number indicated in your passbook. Do not
provide your ASU member number.
10. Date of Aikikai Registration: If you are testing for shodan or transferring with rank from
an organization not affiliated with Hombu, please leave this blank. If you have previous
Hombu rank, provide the Aikikai registration date indicated in your passbook.
11. Present Rank, test location, and Examiner: Please specify as briefly as possible.
Recommended answers for “Where and When” follow the format “City ST, MM/YY”.
Recommended answers for Name of Examiner are first initial, last name (e.g., “H. Ikeda”).
If you are applying for nidan or higher, you must use the exact information for your previous
test that is printed in your yudansha passbook.
12. Date of Starting Aikido: Please specify the month and year of your first Aikido class or
seminar (e.g., “MM/YYYY”).
13. Name of Dojo: Please specify the name of the dojo to which you are currently primarily
affiliated and training. You should probably provide city and state (e.g. “Shobukan Dojo,
Washington D.C.”)
14. Date and Place of Examination: Ask the head examiner of where you will be testing how
they would prefer the location to be indicated for consistency; if not known, it is OK to leave
this blank. It is recommended that you format your results in the form of “dojo, city and
state” (e.g. “Shobukan Dojo, Washington D.C.”).
15. Grade Obtained: Leave this blank.
16. Examiner’s Signature: Leave this blank.
17. Leave this blank.

Aikido Headquarters Registration Form

1. Membership No.: If you are testing for shodan or transferring with rank from an
organization not affiliated with Hombu, please leave this blank. If you have previous Hombu
rank, provide the Aikikai number indicated in your passbook. Do not provide your ASU
member number.
2. First Name: Provide your first name.
3. Last Name: Provide your last (family) name.
4. Male or Female: Please write down your gender (male / female)
5. Date of Birth: Provide your birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY)
6. Nationality: Provide your current citizenship (USA).
7. Address: Provide your current mailing address.
8. Occupation: Indicate, in one or two words, your current occupation.
9. Signature: Provide your signature.

Aikikai Foundation: Application for International Yudansha Card

1. Date: The date of your examination / promotion.

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 23

2. Surname: Provide your last (family) name.
3. First Name: Provide your first name.
4. Date of Birth (Day) / (Month) / (Year): Provide as requested.
5. Sex: Provide as requested.
6. Occupation: Provide as previously indicated.
7. Nationality: (USA)
8. Address: Provide as requested.
9. Aikikai Membership Number: If you are testing for shodan or transferring with rank from
an organization not affiliated with Hombu, please leave this blank. If you have previous
Hombu rank, provide the Aikikai number indicated in your passbook. Do not provide your
ASU member number.
10. National Organization: “Aikido Schools of Ueshiba”
11. Representative: “Shihan Mitsugi Saotome”
12. Dojo: Please specify the name of the dojo to which you are currently primarily affiliated and
training. You should probably provide city and state (e.g. “Shobukan Dojo, Washington
D.C.”)
13. Instructor: Please specify the name of the head instructor of your current dojo.

Shodan candidates should leave the “previous rank table” blank. Candidates for ranks nidan and
higher should fill out this table using the information provided on the second page of your
Aikikai yudansha passbook.

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Creating a Candidate Biography Sheet
ASU yudansha candidates are usually expected to be tested at a regional seminar, before a
committee of senior ASU instructors, or before Ikeda Shihan or Saotome Shihan. In these
situations, the examiners may have to review numerous candidates at a seminar, and they may
not know you well enough to recognize you or remember your qualifications (or special
considerations) for testing. By providing a very brief “introduction sheet” to the members of the
examination committee, we have found that the examiners were appreciative of the additional
information and that it helped them assess the candidates better. While these introduction/bio
sheets are not mandatory, we do encourage you to use the template “candidate biography sheet”
provided at the end of this handbook or create one of your own. Bring enough copies to
distribute to every examiner. The following section describes the parts of the template, and why
they are important pieces of information to provide your examination committee. A sample
biography outline is included at the end of this handbook.

Examination profile:
provide the instructors a current photo (preferably a clean headshot, and in Aikido uniform) so
that the examiners can recognize you during the test, and during the seminar leading up to the
test. Make all the most important information quickly available, including your name, dojo, rank
you are testing for, the date of your last examination, and your current age. Also provide the
name of the instructor that has recommended you for promotion (your sensei).

Recent Seminars and Test Qualifications:

The ASU Student Handbook lists specific requirements for yudansha promotion, including
number of training days and classes since last promotion, and recent seminars with Ikeda Sensei
or Saotome Sensei that the student has attended. The examiners can only assume that the
candidate has met these minimum requirements, but it is a good idea to indicate how she has met
and exceeded the requirements.

Training Background: 
Briefly indicate or checklist how long you have been training in Aikido, and what other styles or
martial arts you have trained or ranks you have attained. Sometimes, these will help the
examination committee appreciate your readiness and your particular idiosyncrasies.

Professional Summary:
Very briefly describe your occupation, educational, and professional attainments. Most
instructors appreciate work-life balance!

Dojo Contributions:
This section should be written by your recommending instructor. Beyond physical performance,
the candidate’s commitment to supporting the dojo, the Aikido community, and other students is
important. For some candidates, their contribution and commitment to Aikido is more important
than their physical capabilities. Have your instructor write a few words about your contributions
and leadership. Encourage them to be specific; for example “she always trains after class and

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 25

goes out of her way to work with junior students every day” will be more useful to the examiners
than “she is a strong supporter of the dojo”.

Note from Instructor:

In the end, the reason you are being considered for promotion is the recommendation from your
instructor. Every examination committee wants to know that your instructor is backing their
recommendation of you, and some words from your instructor to the examination committee will
help reinforce their trust. It is also a good idea for your instructor to list any special health
considerations or injuries that limit your endurance or ability to perform particular techniques
like suwari waza, so that the examiners have these limitations in front of them while they call
your test!

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 26

Seminar Correspondence and Administration
Hundreds of ASU promotions are submitted every year, and it’s our responsibility as organizers
and dojo cho to be professional and detail oriented.

Recommending Instructors
It is sometimes necessary to recommend a student for dan promotion without testing at a seminar
due to age, health, or because their rank is sandan or higher. Of course these types of
recommendations can be corresponded directly to ASU administration. Even then, it helps to
“announce” such promotions at a regional seminar, and submit their promotion paperwork along
with the other promotions.

Regardless, and even if you are used to sending paperwork directly to Patty Sensei, you should
send recommendations and promotion paperwork for your students to the organizer of the
event where they are testing, even if you are told it is OK for you to do otherwise. Sticking to
the “process” makes it easier on everybody, including Ikeda Sensei, Patty Sensei, and our
seminar organizers.

Seminar Organizers
Just as each individual test candidate has the responsibility to provide properly completed
paperwork and payment for examination fees, it is the seminar organizer’s responsibility to
collect and coordinate all the paperwork for all the test candidates and submit it to ASU
administration in a single organized packet. Please do not presume upon your seniority or your
relationship with Patty Sensei to send paperwork in piecemeal, or assume that somebody else
will check for mistakes.

Checklist for paperwork:

A letter to ASU Headquarters providing details about the examination venue, the examining
instructors, and detailed list of promotion candidates
Verification that each student met minimum promotion requirements, and has the
recommendation of their instructor(s)
Sorted, legible, error-checked documents for each student:
• Passport (if promoted to nidan or higher)
• Complete Application for Dan Grades form
• Complete Aikido World Headquarters Application for International Yudansha Card
• Check or money order payable to “Aikido Schools of Ueshiba” for the amount of
examination fee

A sample seminar promotion packet letter is included at the end of this handbook. Of course,
you can elaborate or use any format of letter that you wish, so long as you are organized and
complete.

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 27

Candidate Preparation Checklist
Develop a training plan, and know what you will focus on for several months before your
potential testing date. Ask your instructor help you focus on what is essential, and discuss
what they want you to focus on.
Make certain that your instructor has OKd your test for the seminar administrators, head
examiners at the testing event, or with Patty Saotome Sensei or Ikeda Sensei.
Have your paperwork prepared and submitted in advance, and bring copies to the actual exam
along with a check to ASU.
Make sure your weapons, uniform, hakama and general appearance will be clean and in good
order for your exam.

Acknowledgements
A special “thank you” is given to ASU’s Ueshiba Juku instructors for their advice and
contributions. This handbook is based first and foremost on their knowledge and experience. I’d
like to give additional thanks to Messores Sensei and Saotome Sensei for taking me on as their
student. To Saotome Sensei and Patty for making me feel like family and for trusting me to
make this handbook happen without offending everybody. To Don, Melissa, Jae Sang, Pete,
Nick, Robert, Adam and others for their friendship and ability to keep me challenged. To my
own students for helping me to become an instructor in my own right and to discover how I can
make a difference in people’s lives. And finally to my wife and best friend, Rebecca, for her
support and understanding of the importance Aikido is in my life.

The Unofficial ASU Yudansha Test Preparation Handbook! 28

 Sample Documents

!
Seminar Promotions Letter

Date

Patty Saotome Sensei

Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
29165 Singletary Road
Myakka City FL 34251

Subject: Yudansha Promotions

Dear Patty:

I am pleased to submit the successful yudansha promotions from the January 1, 2011 seminar in
Tampa, Florida. The examining instructors included _________, _________ and ________.
Each of the following candidates tested to the satisfaction of the instructors and were promoted
to their new ranks. For each candidate, you will find enclosed a check to the Aikido Schools of
Ueshiba for their examination fees, as well as all required application forms and passports.

Student Name ASU # New Rank Test Fees

(where applicable)

Total Fees Submitted $

Each of the candidates provided documentation that they met minimum requirements for
promotion, or came with the recommendation of their sensei. If you have any questions, please
contact me.

Respectfully,

Seminar Administrator
ASU Dojo Name
Contact information

!
Yudansha Candidate Biography
Name:
Dojo:
Instructor:
Testing for:
Last Promotion:
Age / Born

Training Background: 

Recent Seminars:

Dojo Contributions:

Professional Summary:

Note from Instructor: