Exam Program 2nd DAN
Prerequisites:st A minimum of 2 years practice 4 times per week since the last exam (1 DAN)st
 Knowledge and techniques of all preceding examinations KYU and 1 DAN Consent of the dojo’s technical director
The literal translation of some Japanese terms is placed between quotation marks “…“.
Technical Program
AttackTechniques

TACHIWAZA

Explanatory comments,
theoretical elements“standing practice”
1. tenshin maeashi
Irimi: omote
2. tenshin maeashi
Irimi: uraikkyo, nikkyo:
yoko ichimonji
sankyo, yonkyo:
tate ichimonjiUshiro ryotetori

1

Ikkyo, nikyo, sankyo, yonkyo
Seoiguruma and ipponseoi
1Kurumagaeshi and aikiotoshi
Koshiguruma and aikigoshi
Jiyuwazairimi kaiten vs. irimi tenkan

Shomenuchi

23
4
5
6

Ikkyo (omote)7

Kotegaeshi and ikkyo

tori: position always
right or always left footforwarduke: attack freemaeashi irimi irimi
sabakiushiroashi irimi tenkansabaki8

Jiyuwaza
2 formsof yonkoygoshi :1. uchi kaiten
2. Soto kaiten

Shomenuchi kiawase
Katatetori aihanmi

9

Yonkyogoshi and aikigoshi

1. tenkan tenshinsabaki
2. irimi tenkantenshin sabaki

Katatetori gyakuhanmi

10

Koshinage
Makiotoshi and aikigoshi

1. irimi tenkan sabaki
2. tenshin tenkan sabaki

Katatetori aihanmi

11

Iriminage and shihonage

12

Iriminage and shihonage

13

Kokyunagedifferent forms
1. kokyunage makiotoshi
2. nenten makiotoshi kokyunage
3. kaiten nage
4. genkei kokyunage
5. torifune kokyunage
6. others

14
15
16

JiyuwazaIriminage and kotegaeshi
Jiyuwazawith different tai-/te-sabaki

17Jyujigarami

nage and osae

Udekimenage, and then various
Kokyunage

for the kokyunage:
1. kokyunage makiotoshi
2. nenten makiotoshi kokyunage
3. genkei kokyunage
4. suicide techniqque
5. mae- ,hiki- ,kiri- ,kaiten- otoshi (omote/ura)
6. others

Katatetori gyakuhanmi

Katatetori aihanmi
Ryotetori

ushiroashi irimi
tenkan tenshin,jodan sabaki

1. basic: presence
In the face
2. variation: entry
ikkyo ura
1. basic: tekubigaeshi
2. variation: presence
to the face

Katate ryotetori
18

1. kamihanen
2. shimohanen

1

In the original version of this technique Ikeda Sensei asked for chinshin kurumagaeshi, This technique has been excluded
because the risk of an accident is too high, both for uke and tori.

These examination programs are built up following the teaching system ofth
Aikido conceived by Shihan Masatomi Ikeda, 7 dan, former technicaldirector of the Swiss Aikikai.

© Eric Graf, 08/06/2016
Translated by Joe Mc HughPAGE 2

Ushiro ryokatatori

Ushiro ryotetori

Koshinage

20

Genkeikokyunage

21

Ikkyo, then jiyuwaza

22

24

JiyuwazaIkkyo, kotegaeshi,
1. uchi no te
Iriminage, shihonage
2. kata no te
Tenchinage and genkeikokyunage

25

Iriminage and kubijime

26

Ikkyo - kotegaeshi

ushiroashi irimi tenkan sabaki
iriminage: soto- and uchi sabaki,
kubijime: soto sabaki
renrakuhenka-waza, via ikkyo kuzushi,
then ushiroashi irimi, irimi tenkan

27

Tenchinage, genkeikokyunage

taninzutori

28

Shihonage and ikkyo

29

Iriminage and kotegaeshi

chudan kuzushi
1.omote:tatakiotoshi ura, ushiroashi irimi tenkan
2.ura: tatakiotoshi omote maeashi irimi, irimi
1.maeashi irimi, uchi ukenagashi, jodan kuzushi
2.ainuke

30

Jiyuwaza

Entries!

31

Ikkyo, nikyo, sankyo, yonkyo

1. omote: tatakiotoshi ura,Ushiroashi irimi tenkan tenshin
2. ura: ukenagashi, maeashi irimi,

32

Tachitori

for below, positions of the feet of uke-tori when
the attack arrives: ai hanmi

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Ikkyo/gokyo
Hiji kime ura osae
Shihonage
Mae otoshi jodan/chudan

mae okuri ashi ushiroashi irimi tenkan

Hiki otoshif.

Gyaku kiri oroshi

mae okuri ashi mae ashi tenkan
mae okuri ashi ushiroashi irimig.
h.

Othersi.
j.
k.

Kotegaeshi
Kubi jime
Othersl.

Different techniques

23

Katatori menuchi

Chudantsuki

Yokomenuchi

Tachi (bokken)

Shomen uchi /Chudan tsuki

Yokomen uchitate ichimonji, presence in the face
1. tenshin maeashi irimi
2. tenshi ushiroashi irimi
1. jodan kuzushi
2. chudan kuzushi
for ikkyo 3 forms:
1. crawl in front,
2. as direct genkeikokyunage
3. tate ichimonji: ikkyo ura variation19Ikkyo/gokyo ura“Take the sword”

ashi ushiro tenkanuchi sabaki

ushiro okuri ashi ushiroashi irimi tenkan
ushiroashi irimi tenkan

soto sabaki

soto sabaki - ainuke (h. -k.)Jiyuwaza
One must first strive to execute first the 6 basic techniques and then progress to techniques moredeveloped and free. This will demonstrate a certain capacity to control the attacks received. If there
are multiple ukes, never immobilise one to the floor. If there is a single uke, the examiner expects tosee also fixed pins (osae). In addition, avoid moving backwards between the execution of thetechniques, on the contrary, as far as may be possible, tori must go to meet the uke(s).

ndExamination program 2DANPAGE 3

Buki waza“weaponspractice”

Katas

Explanatory remarks, theoreticalsupplements

2

Kumi tachi
1 Ichi no tachi “father” & “son”
2 Ni no tachi “father” & “son”
3 San no tachi “father” & “son”
4 Yon no tachi “father” & “son”
5 Go no tachi “father” & “son”
6 Ki musubi no tachi “father” & “son”“Work with the bokken”
1st bokken kata
2nd bokken kata
3rd bokken kata
4th bokken kata
5th bokken kata
6th bokken kata“Work with the jo”

Kumi jo
7 The 4 kata of Ikeda Sensei
8 The 20 Suburis
9 Kata 38 omote
10 Kata 38 ura
Hojo

Alone and with 4 attackers
Alone
Alone and with partner
Alone and with partner
From the school Kashima Shinden Jikjishinkage

12 haru no tachi3 “father” & “son”
13
14
15
16

“spring sword”

natsu no tachi “father” & “son”“summer sword”

Aki no tachi “father” & “son”“autumn sword”

Fuyu no tachi “father” & “son”“winter sword”

Variation “father” & “son”

the 5th hojo kata

Kata
The candidate must show that he/she has integrated the contained information in a more in-depth
manner and demonstrate that the handling of the weapon has progressed. When executing a kata it
is necessary to do so without hesitation. Katas which have been asked in previous exams areexpected to demonstrate a development. Development is a continuous ongoing process.
Genki waza“techniquesfor health”
Kokyu hoForms

Explanatory remarks, theoreticalsupplements4Breaths
1 Mizu no kokyu
2 Tsu no kokyu
3 La Kaze - no kokyu
4 Hi no kokyu
Kokyu soreni.
ii.

Jiritsu shinkei wo kappatsu ni suru kokyu
Zenshin no shinkei wo kappatsu ni suru kokyu

iii. Ibuki

5 iv. Hai no. hataraki wo yoku suru kokyu 1

v. Hai no. hataraki wo yoku suru kokyu 2
vi. Rokkotsukin kyoka suru kokyu
vii. Mune wo hirogeru
viii. Ketsuekijunkan wo kappatsu suru kokyu

2“Breathing forms”“Breathing of the water”“Breath of the earth”“Breath of the wind”“Breathing the fire”
i.
ii.

Stimulation of the autonomic nervous system
Stimulation of the nervous system throughout
the bodyiii. Vital force
iv. Stimulation of the respiratory system 1v. Stimulation of the respiratory system 2vi. Strengthening of respiratory intercostal muscles
vii. Opening of the chest
viii. Breathing for the stimulation of the bloodsystem
ix. Purification of the lungs (good to evacuate

The exact detailed descriptions of the katas required in the exam are described in the book “Aikido Sanshinkai: Buki Waza,
the practice of weapons in Aikido". This book can be obtained directly from Dojo de Neuchâtel - Espace Culturel or orderedover the internet.
3
This kata is the subject of an article in the SSKL N°7 in which it is detailed step by step. This article can be downloaded free ofcharge on the site www.dojo-ne.ch in section San Shin Kai Letter.
4
All the health exercises are described in details in the book “Regenerative Gymnastics Genkikai”. This book can be obtained
directly from Dojo de Neuchâtel - Espace Culturel or ordered over the internet.

ndExamination program 2DANPAGE 4ix. Kyome
x. Kiaix.

Recumbent Gymnastics
Yodo ho
7動 法
Mo kan undo
8
毛管 運動
Gassho gasseki undo
9
合掌 合蹠 運動
Kingyo undo
10
金魚 運動
Sitting Gymnastics

Genkikai

11 Open and closed positions of the 4 elements

The meaning of 2nddiseases)
Shout, stimulation of the vital force"Health system"“Method to nurture, develop andrefine movement"“Exercise for the capillary"“Exercise of the joined palms of the hands and solesof feet"“Fish exercise (goldfish)"

Water:
Earth:
Air:Fire:

anza and kaiza
seiza and wariza
taiza and choza
kahuza and gakuza

danst

Progressing from the 1 dan, the candidate must be able to demonstrate speed, controlled power,greater mental determination and a greater internalisation of martial reflexes. One experiences this asa feeling of having progressed. Taking into consideration his/her capabilities, the candidate shoulddemonstrate a certain endurance and a physical, mental and emotional strength. The preparation fornd
2 dan requires many months. It is necessary that the candidates prepare themselves physically(swimming, jogging, walking, cycling, etc.), mentally (memorising the program, understanding of thesystematic) and emotionally.
A lack of preparation often leads to the loss of the basics (technically, emotionally and physically) andthe risk of an accident increases. This is important throughout the exam and is evaluated in terms of
the possibilities of the candidate. Indeed, the preparation insures that the candidate reaches his/her
maximum potential during the examination. The act of comparing oneself with other aikidokas or one
aikidoka with another is futile. If one is sincere and wishes to make real progress it is recommended toemploy the philosophy of kaizen (改善) meaning "change for better". Practically one can ask thefollowing questions: -what did I learn today? -what can I improve?
stIn comparison to the 1 dan exam, the examiner must see a progress in noting that there was aphysical and psychological preparation. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate: A clarity in the execution of techniques, A better overall stability (anchor, low center), Good posture (axis sky-earth of the vertebral column) shizentai,
 A good control of the stress generated by the uke(s), A good management of the distance ma-ai,
 A good fluidity (ki nagare) and continuity in the execution of movements,
 A capacity to retain his/her potential, availability, mobility, ability to react and vigilance(zanshin), A capacity to sustain attention and sufficient concentration in relation to the uke, On integrity: respect and preservation of oneself and his/her uke.
 As tori, not to be hurt and not injure uke. Having a right attitude (shisei), a controllingof his/her physical power, a pace suitable to the circumstances between themovements and to the execution of the movement.
 As uke, to engage in attacks without being suicidal; give clear attack to tori and accept
what the situation evolves without anticipating negatively; having a creative attitude,
by attacking, creating a situation that requires reaction and obeying then to the“dynamic logic”, by remaining present, active, vigilant and adaptable throughout thetechnique; fall without injury.
 There should be no hesitation to the execution of the techniques.
 By maintaining his/her balance, tori must put uke in a situation of imbalance.
nd Protect his/her center line (see 2 kyu) always, as tori or as uke.
As the practitioner progresses, all these physical actions will later evolve into psychological and mental
states of being (tranquillity, serenity, responsiveness, etc.).

nd

Examination program 2DAN