California Aikido Association (CAA)
Examination Requirements (revised July 2017)
Nidan
(Prerequisite**: 360 training days and 2 years since obtaining Shodan)
BASIC CONTENT
A comprehensive examination of basic Aikido techniques. (See Shodan examination.)
KAESHI WAZA
Demonstration of reversals (counters) from a variety of basic techniques
TACHI DORI
Demonstration of sword-taking techniques
JO DORI
Demonstration of staff-taking techniques
JIYU WAZA
One person flowing freestyle
RANDORI
Multiple attack as directed by examiners
ESSAY
Optional per Division Head
Submission of a short essay on an Aikido-related subject
NOTE: The essay should be submitted to the Division Head prior to the examination.
**Please note that the Dan application form requires the training days to be listed, not the number of years of training. Eligibility is counted from the date of registration of the Shodan rank. The date of registration is found in the student’s Yudansha book. A Grading Committee member from the respective division must be present to officiate the exam.