Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

1. Gradings will take place, as and when directed by the Dojo-Cho.

2. Many different items will be taken in to consideration when a students grade is assessed. Attendance, advancement, dedication to training. Although the performance during the grading is important, it is not the deciding factor whether a student passes or fails.

3. Certification will only be presented to Junior students who are promoted to a whole grade. Mon passes are not counted.

4. Pugh Sensei & Park Sensei will now oversee and conduct all future gradings from 6th Kyu - 2nd Kyu. Jones Sensei will continue to conduct 1st Kyu gradings.

5. All candidates will be Uke & Tori for all gradings, unless short on time. In which case, an Uke will be provided.

6. All gradings needs to be done at your own pace. It is not a race! When you are given the option to demonstrate a technique of your choice, always show the adequate level for the grade in question. Do not attempt a technique you have very little knowledge of. Stay in the realms of what you know, and not what you think the panel thinks you should know. This is a common mistake.

7. Students who do not follow & learn the weapons AikiKen & AikiJo will NOT be graded. Weapon work Buki-Waza is a basic foundation of Abertillery Aikido Clubs training. If your grading requires testing on weapons, you must be able to demonstrate what is required from the grading syllabus. The weapon grading will always take place before the Taijutsu examination, and on a different day. Once the weapon grading has been passed, you will then be able to go forward for the full grading and promotion.

8. Students who do not pass the required level, will automatically be offered an alternative date to retake their grading. The amended date will normally be within 8 weeks.

9. All students are reminded, poor attendance will prevent you from taking any future grading. It is important to remember, if your application is not successful. You will have to wait a further 12 months before a second recomendation is looked at. Please bare this in mind. Juniors and Adult 6th & 5th Kyu's are not included in this grading rule change.

10. All students who are interested in advancement to 4th Kyu and above will need to download and complete the Kyu grading application form. This can be found on the multimedia page of this site. The completed form should be submitted to a Dan grade for appraisal. The Dojo-Cho will confirm if the candidate is successful with their application.

11. Students will no longer be invited to take a grading, for 4th Kyu & above.The Onus of responsibility is on each student to request a grading, via the application form system.

12. Although all gradings will continue to be free of charge. All candidates for 4th Kyu and above will need to pay a fee of £2.00, if they wish to receive certification.

13. If any student is unsure of the Dojo Etiquette surrounding gradings, please ask a senior member.