Aikido utilizes the kyu and dan system of ranking which follows substantially the systems used by most martial arts. Students are divided into two categories: students of kyu rank and students of dan ranks. Kyu ranked students are collectively known as mudansha, or "undergraduates", and have not yet attained their black belts. Dan ranked students are collectively known as yudansha, or "graduates", and have earned their black belts.

     At East Bay AIKIDO, the first exam an adult takes is 5th Kyu. They then advance through the kyu ranks until they reach 1st Kyu (Ikkyu). After passing the black belt examination, they are awarded the rank of Shodan or 1st Degree Black Belt. Shodan literally means "beginning level" and is seen as the start of one's serious training, not the end. After attaining Shodan, students work their way up through the dan ranks. Young people begin at either 9th or 10th Kyu, depending on their age and abilities.

     Our parent organizations, the California Aikido Association and Zaidan Hojin Aikikai (Hombu Dojo), set the basic requirements for each grade level. However, each dojo is allowed to modify the content required at each level to some extent as long as the overall standards are met. As well as technical proficiency, it is recognized that time is an important factor in developing character. Therefore, there are time requirements for each grade.