This is a compilation of judging criteria agreed upon by Vanadi's instructors regarding the club's kyu ratings. We hope it can also serve as a guide for trainees as they prepare for their next degree. 

1. Both time and number of training sessions must have elapsed between the ratings. We expect the following minimum times between grades: Half a year between grades 6-5, 5-4 and 4-3 kyu and then a full year between grades 3-2, 2-1 and then 1 kyu – 1 dan. Regarding the number of sessions trained, according to the Swedish Aikido Association's grading committee, you must have trained as follows:
   • 6 kyu – at least 20 training days (total)
   • 5 kyu – at least 30 training days (total)
   • 4 kyu – at least 40 training days since 5 kyu
   • 3 kyu – at least 50 training days since 4 kyu
   • 2 kyu – at least 50 training days since 3 kyu
   • 1 kyu – at least 60 training days since 2 kyu
2. The grading is a "homework examination" where a number of techniques that must have been learned are examined. 
3. But account must also be taken of the individual's personal conditions and development, and this differs for different people. The list below should therefore be understood as guidelines with some "room for stretching".

6 kyu

6 kyu is a voluntary grade for the clubs. We have it and we see it as a kind of encouragement degree that you should be able to take even if you started in the middle of the semester. What we want to see is that the graduate has learned the most important things about budo training, mainly basic dojo etiquette, and understands that you show respect for each other on the mat. 

5 kyu

At this level one should have gained an understanding of basic position and tai sabaki and be able to demonstrate this on one's own, fall forward and backward with the head on the right side and also demonstrate a beginning to relate to the partner. The few techniques that are to be demonstrated should be done with a little more certainty in execution. 

4 kyu

Here we focus on the posture, that it gradually stands straight, bends the legs (and not the back) and does not hang forward with a crooked back when throwing. The movements must be clear and omote/ura must be performed correctly and in the correct order. There must be an understanding of techniques and that these constitute a system. Too much hesitation in front of technicians should not be accepted.

From 4 kyu, a significantly larger investment in training is required for those who want to progress to graduation. It is before this degree that you should get a mentor and should have trained 2-3 times a week.

3 kyu

Here greater safety is required in cases and techniques etc. and at least a high case should be able to be displayed on order. The posture must be good and the positions clear.

After obtaining the degree 3 kyu, one has the right to wear the hakama and is therefore a "representative of aikido". It also means, for Vanadis, that you are welcome to the advanced pass. Ukemin should therefore be stable and secure in order to cope with this and camp participation etc

2 kyu

At this degree, additional emphasis is placed on dynamism, flow and safety in technique execution and that the techniques are performed from start to finish/locking. There must be good communication with the partner.

1 kyu

The grading is a technical test of the "entire system" which should then be mastered. The focus here is on sanshin – presence and perception of space. The grader should be aware of the uke and seek out and position himself rather than standing and waiting for the attack. Strikes and defenses against strikes must be carried out with more energy. A high level of fall technique is also expected here - even if you don't fall high.