Forty Four
Iron is full of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion.
"The Art of Peace" by Morihei Ueshiba
Rank
Belt Color
Hours per week
Total hours in Aikido
Minimum age of candidate
Time in grade
Total time in Aikido
Yonkyu
Green
3.0
40
14
3 months
3 months
Sankyu
Brown
3.0
80
14
3 months
6 months
Nikyu
Brown
3.0
120
14
3 months
9 months
Ikkyu
Brown
3.0
160
14
3 months
1 year
Shodan
Black
4.5
250
16
6 months
1-1.5 years
Nidan
Black
4.5
500
18
1 year
2 years
Sandan
Black
4.5
850
20
2 years
4 years
Yondan
Black
4.5
1,100
22
2 years
6 years
Godan
Black
4.5
1,600
25
2 years
8 years
Rokudan
Red & White
4.5
2,600
29
3 years
11 years
Shichidan
Red & White
4.5
4,600
37
8 years
19 years
Hachidan
Red & White
4.5
6,600
45
8 years
27 years
The rank of Shodan may be given at one year if the total hours and technical requirements are met. The above recommended hours per week, if followed, will result in the total hours needed at the recommended time in grade and the total time in the art.
No person shall be deprived of a rank when the total hours and technical requirements are met, regardless of how long it takes to meet those hours. Not everyone can practice 3 to 4.5 hours per week.