What are the ranks of Godo-ryu Aikido?

Students begin their journey as a 6th Kyu white belt Aikido-ka. 

Students at this level attain a functional grasp of practical self defense techniques and begin to learn about effective movement, balance, and using an attacker's momentum as an asset. With regular training, a student will be ready for advancement after three to five months.

The 5th kyu rank is an extension to the technique learning process of 6th kyu. Advanced techniques are introduced at this level, as students become more comfortable with their rolls and break falls. Students learn how to execute familiar techniques from disadvantageous positions.

Additional pins and submissions are taught at this level, as the student begins to develop a sense of control. Fluidity of movement, stability, and reversing an opponent's strength are present within all exercises. Students at this level may begin to train against multiple attackers, learning how to respond in fast-paced situations while using smart movement and the attacks of one's opponents to safely escape harm.

The 4th kyu rank primarily focuses on honing techniques through improved movement and understanding of the forces at work in each technique. Instructors occasionally refer to this rank as the "forced step". Students become familiar with forcing their opponents to make mistakes, exploiting their attacks to take their balance (and as a consequence, assume a disadvantageous stance). More advanced techniques are introduced at this level, including those that require a level of precision and fluidity not typically seen in earlier ranks.

The 3rd Kyu rank at this rank students are well-trained in the basic techniques of Godo-ryu Aikido, including throwing techniques, joint lock submission techniques, choking submissions, and defenses from multiple varieties of attack and position. With this knowledge and level of experience, the student typically begins to identify weaknesses in his/her techniques, understanding that (s)he is only now beginning the journey to master Godo-ryu Aikido. Students at this level revisit all previously taught techniques, training with a rigorous focus on fluidity of motion, proper manipulation of inertia, and quickness of response.

The 2nd kyu rank continues to emphasize improvement and refinement of earlier techniques. At this level, students have typically had a chance to train on nearly all of the techniques in Godo-ryu Aikido with a variety of opponents. Further refinement of one's movement and control takes place at this level, as the student strives to attain a deeper functional understanding through mat time and mentoring students of higher kyus.

The 1st kyu focuses on self-improvement through mentoring others. Students prepare to become instructors as a 1st Kyu brown belt.

Students are expected to have high proficiency of all techniques within Godoryu Aikido, having spent hundreds of hours in training.

1st Dan black belt A Godo-ryu Aikido practitioner that has reached this level is considered an expert martial artist, capable of defending him/herself and others from harm while subduing an opponent safely and under control. One that has reached this level has begun to achieve mastery within the art, and is typically given permission to lead classes and instruct others. This rank indicates a substantial accomplishment, requiring many years of consistent training and dedication to the art to achieve.