Dan Testing
Each test candidate/instructor must supply the following information in the body of a plain-text e-mail: Testing rank; Name; Date of last test; Days of practice since last test; Dojo name; Sensei
Optional information
Note: Name should be as it appears on the dojo list from the CAF.
- For Shodan candidates, the Date of last test is the actual date of your last test.
- For yudansha levels above Shodan, the Date of the last promotion day is the date on the certificate issued by Hombu for your current rank. This date should be the same as in your yudansha book or on the CAF membership list.
- Days since last test refers to the number of days that you have practised; adjust that to include the expected additional days of practice you will have by the test date.
- It is optional for you or your sensei to add information about any limitations, such as physical problems or your age if you are a senior.
- The candidate’s sensei should submit the completed Dan Test application. Otherwise, the candidate may submit it with his/her sensei’s permission.
- Deadline :The Dan test application must be received by the Chair 1 month before testing.
- Send the Dan Test application e-mail to
Other necessary forms
All candidates must fill in the following two forms and then print and sign them and submit them to the seminar organizer with the test fee at the start of the seminar.
- 1. CAF Application for Promotion
- 2. Hombu Application for Test
Two additional forms are required for Shodan candidates:
- 1. Hombu Application to Join Aikikai
- 2. Hombu Application for Yudansha Book
The Forms are fillable PDFs. Acrobat Reader seems to work best for these fillable PDF files.
The Coordinator will only accept forms from candidates cleared by the Examination Committee.
- All forms must be typewritten with no handwriting except for signatures.
- Where an instructor’s signature is required, your current instructor must sign, except for dojo chief instructors, who must get a signature from a member of the Examination Committee.
Payment: Candidates must pay an examination fee of $30 and is non-refundable.
Payment of examination fee must be submitted in advance of testing with the necessary forms.
After announcement of a successful test, the promotion fee must be paid to CAF Secretary Kim Riddick, , or Yumi Nakamura, chair of the exam committee, before you leave the seminar.
The promotion fee varies with dan level: see the CAF website for details.
Test fee is payable by cash or cheque made out to Canadian Aikido Federation. (No credit card will be accepted.)
Promotion fee is payable by cheque only made out to Canadian Aikido Federation. (No credit card will be accepted )
Candidates expecting to test can withdraw at any time before the test date. However, they should inform as soon as possible: