Koryu Dai Ichi

The Koryu-dai-Ichi is the basis for all the following Koryu-no-Kata and should be demonstrated with particular precision. Whilst demonstrating a range of classical traditional techniques emphasis should be made of large flowing circular movements.

BAA DAN grade requirements

  • From 4th Dan

Koryu Dai Ni

This kata and the Koryu-Dai-Yon are the only Koryu-no-Kata, which does not include techniques whilst kneeling.

This Koryu no Kata focuses on traditional classical techniques whilst emphasizing tight circular actions and close quarter control.

BAA Dan grading syllabus

  • Required from 4th Dan

Koryu Dai San

This is a ‘fighting’ or ‘self defence’ kata and should be demonstrated in an effective and dynamic manner in keeping with ancient fighting methods.

BAA Dan grading syllabus

  • 1st Kyu (brown belt) – 8 techniques : suwari waza (4), hanza handachi waza (4).
  • 1st Dan – 24 techniques : suwari waza (4), hanza handachi waza (4), tachi waza (8), tanto dori (8).
  • 2nd Dan – 34 techniques : suwari waza (4), hanza handachi waza (4), tachi waza (8), tanto dori (8), tachi dori (5) yari dori (5).
  • 3rd Dan – Complete (50)

Koryu Dai Yon

Based upon the Shicho-hon-no-Kuzushi and Ura-waza. In the first section, Tori should demonstrate large sweeping movements, clearly maintaining centre and Uke must be very light on the feet.

An emphasis should be made on Tori maintaining centralization whilst applying flowing dynamic kazushi (balance breaking). Precision should not be sacrificed for speed.

BAA Dan grading syllabus

  • 1st Kyu (brown belt) – first 14
  • 1st Dan – First 14
  • 2nd Dan – Complete (25)

Koryu Dai Go

Many of the techniques are similar to some which are be found in the Koryu-dai- Ichi, Koryu-dai-Ni and Koryu-dai-yon. By this stage, candidates should be well versed in most of the techniques and so will be able to demonstrate them at greater speed and more powerfully.

BAA Dan grading syllabus

  • Required from 4th Dan

Koryu Dai Roku

Recognised to be the most complicated and difficult Koryu-no-Kata. It is the only Koryu-no-Kata to include techniques where Tori (or Toshu) are armed with the knife (Tanto). Candidates should show slow, smooth and flowing kneeling techniques. The speed of the standing techniques should steadily increase and end in a crescendo. The whole Kata should be demonstrated with soft, flowing, gracefully movements.

BAA Dan grading syllabus

  • Required from 4th Dan

Goshin Ho

This kata shows basic Aikido skills of economy of movement, good posture, and application of power via movement that form the 4th to 7th Dan Shodokan Aikido syllabus. Each section demonstrates different themes and skills:

In the BAA DAN garde syllabus, for 4th Dan and above, a candidate can choose to demonstrate the Goshin Ho Kata instead of demonstrating either the Koryu-Dai-Ichi, Koryu-Dai-Ni, Koryu-dai-Go or Koryu-Dai-Roku.

Fourth Dan

Explores kuzushi and applications techniques from go no sen timing points. Many of the techniques are variation of the nage no kata with atemi and kansetsu waza finishes.

  • Tegatana no Kuzushi
  • Tekubi Dori
  • Datotsushu no Waza (against strikes, punches and kicks)

Fifth Dan

Explores the theme of leading an opponent into a weaker posture before executing technique.

  • Tekubi Dori

Sixth Dan

Explores techniques in which the jacket is grabbed in different ways.

  • Dogi Dori
  • Three methods of balance breaking
    • Using Datsuryoku
    • Using Tegatana
    • Using Kaiten

7th Dan

Revisits the 6th dan syllabus and explores the use of kegatana, datsu roku, and kaiten.