Ranking systems were created to maintain standards, recognize students' growth and abilities to potentially teach the material to others. Testing is not in any way a competition.
According to the promotion structure of the International Aikido Federation and United States Aikido Federation, Aikido is separated into two categories: the kyu grades (lower) and the dan grades (higher). The kyu are student grades, organized from lowest (6th kyu) to highest (1st kyu). They are denoted with a white belt. The dan are the expert grades, and are organized in ascending order, from 1st dan to 8th dan. They are denoted by a black belt. Some dojos have created their own systems and use different colored belts for every one or two kyu ranks.
Eligibility for testing is determined by several factors, including the amount of hours practiced, the Aikidoka's attitude, attendance, and contribution to the specific dojo. The requirements generally vary with style and organization.
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