The Capital Aikido Federation (CAF) is an independent association of Aikido dojos of which Potomac Aikikai is a member. Our home dojo is Capital Aikikai, just outside of Washington, DC, in Silver Spring, MD. Our technical director and founder is Clyde Takeguchi Shihan. CAF ranks are recognized by Aikikai Hombu Dojo and the International Aikido Federation.

5th Kyu (50 practice days min)

  1. Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote/ura)

  2. Shomenuchi Iriminage

  3. Katatetori Shihonage (omote/ura)

  4. Ryotetori Tenchinage

  5. Tsuki Kotegaeshi

  6. Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi

  7. Morotetori Kokyuho

 4th Kyu (60 practice days min)

  1. Shomenuchi Nikkyo (omote/ura)

  2. Yokomenuchi Shihonage (omote/ura)

  3. Tsuki Iriminage

  4. Ushiro Tekubi Sankyo (omote/ura)

  5. Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi

  6. Suwari Waza:
    • Shomenuchi Ikkyo
    • Katatori Nikkyo (omote/ura)
    • Katatori Sankyo

3rd Kyu (70 practice days min)

  1. Yokomenuchi Iriminage (two ways)

  2. Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi

  3. Tsuki Kaitennage

  4. Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo (omote/ura)

  5. Morotetori Iriminage (two ways)

  6. Shomenuchi Sankyo (omote/ura)

  7. Suwari Waza:
    • Shomenuchi Iriminage
    • Shomenuchi Nikkyo (omote/ura)

  8. Hanmi-Handachi:
    • Katatetori Shihonage
    • Katatetori Kaitennage
    (uchi and soto mawari*)

  9. Tachitori & Jotori: Shomenuchi/Tsuki

 2nd Kyu (80 practice days min)

  1. Shomenuchi Shihonage

  2. Shomenuchi Kaitennage

  3. Yokomenuchi Gokyo

  4. Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage

  5. Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage

  6. Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage

  7. Morotetori Nikkyo

  8. Hanmi-Handachi:
    • Shomenuchi Iriminage
    • Katatetori Nikkyo
    • Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi

  9. Tachitori & Jotori: Shomenuchi/Tsuki

  10. Freestyle - two people

1st Kyu (100 practice days min)

  1. Katatori Menuchi - five techniques

  2. Yokomenuchi - five techniques

  3. Morotetori - five techniques

  4. Shomenuchi - five techniques

  5. Ryotetori - five techniques

  6. Koshinage - five techniques

  7. Tantotori

  8. Hanmi-Handachi (Ushiro Waza - five techniques)

  9. Tachitori & Jotori

  10. Freestyle - three people

 Shodan (150 practice days min)

  1. All of 1st Kyu requirements

  2. Tachitori

  3. Jotori

  4. Henkawaza**

  5. Freestyle - four people

Nidan (300 practice days min)

  1. Attend two seminars per year after Sho-Dan

  2. All of Sho-Dan requirements

  3. Tachitori - two people

  4. Freestyle - five people

  5. Kaeshiwaza***

 Sandan (450 practice days min)

  1. Attend two seminars per year after Nidan. Subject of exam to be determined by examiner at the time of the exam.

Yondan (600 practice days min)

  1. Subject of exam to be determined by examiner at the time of the exam.

Note: Time requirements are counted from the last test

* Uchi and Soto Mawari - both inside (uchi) and cut-side (soto) movements.

** Hankawaza - switching from one technique to another. Examiner will call the first technique.

*** Kaeshiwaza - counter techniques. Uke applies the technique to nage. Original technique will be called by examiner (e.g., to apply sankyo against nikkyo).


Glossary of Terms

  1. Hanmi Handachi - uke standing, nage sitting

  2. Hanmi-Handachi - uke standing, nage sitting

  3. Henkawaza - switching from one technique to another.

  4. Jotori - staff techniques

  5. Kaeshiwaza - counter techniques

  6. Katatetori - one hand grab to wrist

  7. Katatori - one hand grab to collar

  8. Morotetori - two hands on one

  9. Ryotetori - both wrists grabbed from the front

  10. Shomenuchi - strike to forehead

  11. Soto Mawari - outside movements

  12. Suwari Waza - techniques from sitting

  13. Tachitori - attack with sword

  14. Tantotori - attack with knife

  15. Tsuki - thrust or punch

  16. Uchi Mawari - inside movements

  17. Ushiro Kubishime - choke from behind with free hand grabbing wrist

  18. Ushiro Ryokatatori - both shoulders grabbed from behind

  19. Ushiro Tekubitori - both wrists grabbed from behind

  20. Ushiro Waza - any attack from behind