The examination system in Aikido is not structured on competition. You will be graded on the following points.

• Your understanding of basic technique appropriate to your level.
• Your spontaneous movement and response appropriate for the attack.
• Your ability to adapt your movement to the force of the attack.
• The concentration and awareness you maintain throughout the examination.
• Continuity of movement is important, not speed.
• Confidence and courage are important, not ego.
• Be prepared to uke for someone else of your same level during the examination period. You will be graded on your ukemi.

A technique should be demonstrated continuously both right and left until there is a signal to stop. Both irimi and tenkan movement should be used whenever applicable. You will be expected to know and respond to the Japanese terms. It is necessary to have completed the required hours of training (only one hour per day may count in computing time requirements.) and it is necessary that the waiting period between each examination has expired before making application.

• Examinations will be held at a Winter or Summer Intensive Training Camp or in an approved regional dojo under the direction of at least two qualified examiners responsible for the region.
• A candidate must have attended at least two seminars with Saotome Shihan and/or Ikeda Shihan since attaining ikkyu grade. During the seminar it is the responsibility of the regional instructor to inform the Shihan so that he may observe the candidate more closely.
• Regional examinations will not be scheduled more than once a year.

• Examinations will be held at a Winter or Summer Intensive Training Camp or at a regional seminar in the presence of Saotome Shihan and/or Ikeda Shihan.
• A candidate must have attended at least one Winter or Summer Intensive Training Camp since attaining shodan rank and within one year of the scheduled examination date. It is the responsibility of the regional instructor to inform the Shihan at that camp so that he may observe the candidate more closely.
• The application form for all yudansha ranks must be submitted to ASU well in advance of the examination to validate qualifications.