Aiki Budo of Denver

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Kids Program

Aiki Budo of Denver's kids Aikido program teaches children the basics of Aikido self-defense. Just as importantly, students develop improved listening skills, focus, discipline, and self-confidence. Aikido as a martial art is about harmony and cooperation, therefore, there are no competitions or trophies. Children naturally respond to the joy and creativity of the art.

Our school is a terrific environment to learn, share and become a member of a community of aikidoka (aikido students). Students in the program will get lots of physical exercise, learn basic aikido techniques, and develop a sensitivity and patience towards other students.

Children are welcome to come and watch a class at any time to understand a little about what we do and what aikido is. Our children's aikido classes are a lot of fun but are to be taken seriously.


Requirements

The kids rank sequence consists of five kyu ranks starting at 10th kyu and progressing towards 6th kyu. After 6th kyu, the child may transition to the adult sequence starting at 5th kyu.

The following is a description of the five kids ranks including the color of belt and minimum time requirements for advancing from one rank to the next. Other factors are considered when determining if a student must train longer in order to advance in rank.


10th Kyu - Yellow Belt (20 Training Days)

Demonstrate basic dojo etiquette and basic aikido posture, movements, and rolls. All 10th Kyu techniques are performed without a partner, with the exceptions of Tai No Henko and Kokyudosa.


  1. Seiza - Sitting on knees with feet underneath, back straight and face front.
  2. Bowing/Rei - From seiza, bow towards sensei, left hand first, bottom stays down. Right hand lifts first, return to seiza.
  3. Rise from Seiza - Right foot first, left leg bent underneath, rise to standing.
  4. Hanmi Migi - Basic aikido stance, with right foot forward, body weight distributed equally in a triangular stance. Means "half-body".
  5. Hanmi Hidari - Basic aikido stance, with left foot forward, body weight distributed equally in a triangular stance. Means "half-body".
  6. Irimi - Enter towards opponent. Single step forward with back leg.
  7. Kaiten - Rotate hips to change direction of stance 180 degrees.
  8. Tenkan - Turning movement. Pivot front foot inward while bringing feet together, then stepping back with opposite foot.
  9. Irimi Tenkan - Irimi followed by tenkan. Entering and turning
  10. Tenshin - Back foot moves over one footprint, front foot slides out of the way and back.
  11. Shikko - Knee walking, forward, backward and turning.
  12. Suwari Waza Irimi Tenkan - On knees, perform Irimi Tenkan.
  13. Ushiro Ukemi (half) - Half back roll.
  14. Tai No Henko - One-wrist grab, person being grabbed performs tenkan and sinks low and heavy.
  15. Kokyudosa - Sitting breath throw. While seated in seiza, opposite partner, partner grabs both hands. Raise hands, taking partner's center, drop hands and apply pin.

9th Kyu - Orange Belt (20 Training Days after 10th Kyu)

All requirements of 10th kyu, plus:


  1. Katatetori Kokyuho (omote/ura) - Breath turning movement.
  2. Katatetori Sumi Otoshi (omote/ura) - Corner-drop throw.
  3. Katatetori Kokyunage (tenkan) - Breath throw. Tenkan, slide forward and extend hand, moving uke into a forward roll
  4. Aihanmi Katatetori Kokyuho (omote/ura) - Breath turning movement from cross-hand grab.
  5. Kokyudosa - Sitting breath throw. While seated in seiza, opposite partner, partner grabs both hands. Raise hands, taking partner's center, drop hands and apply pin.
  6. Mae Ukemi - Forward roll.
  7. Ushiro Ukemi - Back roll.

8th Kyu - Green Belt (40 Training Days after 9th Kyu)

All requirements of 9th kyu, plus:


  1. Aihanmi Katatetori Kotegaeshi (omote/ura)
  2. Aihanmi Katatetori Iriminage (omote/ura)
  3. Morotetori Kokyuho (omote/ura)
  4. Hanmi Handachi Ryokatatori Kokyuho
  5. Standing Kokyudosa
  6. Mai Yoko Ukemi
  7. Ushiro Yoko Ukemi
  8. Ushiro Mai Yoko Ukemi

7th Kyu - Blue Belt (80 Training Days after 8th Kyu)

Prior to testing, should be demonstrating leadership skills in kids' class, assisting the teacher when called upon to lead exercises and to mentor less experienced students.


  1. Ryokatatetori Tenshinage (omote)
  2. Aihanmi Katatetori Ikkyo (omote/ura)
  3. Shomenuchi Kokyuho (omote/ura)
  4. Katatetori Kaitennage (omote/ura)
  5. Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi (omote/ura)
  6. Yokomenuchi Kokyuho (omote/ura)
  7. Standing Kokyudosa (2 attackers)

6th kyu - Purple Belt (100 Training Days after 7th Kyu)

Should be demonstrating leadership skills in kids class, assisting the teacher when called upon to lead exercises and to mentor less experienced students. May be invited to participate periodically in adult classes.


  1. Morotetori Iriminage (omote/ura)
  2. Shomenuchi Iriminage (omote/ura)
  3. Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote/ura)
  4. Shomenuchi Kaitennage (omote/ura)
  5. Yokomenuchi Kokyunage (maikiotoshi)
  6. Ushiro Tekubitori Kokyunage (omote/ura)
  7. Suwari Waza Shomenuchi Iriminage (omote/ura)
  8. Katatetori Kokyunage (tenkan, tenshin - 2 attackers)