Click image to enlarge. @David ColwillWe promised gradings and we don’t disappoint. They’ve been set for Saturday 21st February at the normal timeslot. Practice will be focused on preparing for them in the run up so please do your best to attend if you would like to grade.

The gradings themselves usually follow a syllabus at the lower levels, and you can get a copy of this from Dave. It will basically consist of all the candidates for the grade pairing up while an examining board (made up of friendly faces!) issues instructions. Don’t worry if you can’t remember what the Japanese the examiners are shouting, it’s an aikido test not a language one; the examiners will reissue the instructions in English and get someone to demonstrate if necessary. At the first level (Rokkyu or 6th Kyu), often the partners will be fellow candidates, though it is possible you will be paired up with someone higher. Either way there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

Anybody wanting to try aikido for the first time is welcome to at any point, though it would be best if you don’t make the 21st Feb your first foray, it would involve a lot of sitting for you!