Is Aikido effective for self-defence?

Yes. Aikido is a highly effective martial art for self-defence. It teaches you to redirect an attacker's force, control joints, and neutralise threats using balance and technique rather than brute strength — making it practical for people of any size or fitness level.

Who can join? Do I need prior martial arts experience or high fitness?

Everyone is welcome regardless of age, gender, background or current fitness level. Aikido uses body mechanics and balance rather than raw strength, making it ideal for men, women, and children of all shapes and sizes.

What should I wear for my first class?

Just wear comfortable athletic clothes (sweatpants/t-shirt). We train barefoot on tatami mats. When you decide to commit, we will guide you on getting a standard white gi (uniform).

Who leads the training at Aikido Bahrain?

Our dojo is led by Shihan Sensei Sufyan (6th Dan), alongside Sensei Igor (1st Dan), Sensei Sadeq (1st Dan), and Sensei Husain (1st Dan). All our senseis are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and encouraging family atmosphere.

How do free trials work?

Your very first class is 100% free with no commitment. Come experience the art of self-defence and harmony firsthand — contact us to claim your free pass.

Official Examination Syllabus

Kids Kyu Test Syllabus

Official examination requirements and technique syllabus at Bahrain Aikido Academy with direct links to instructional videos.

Adults Kyu Test Syllabus Kids Kyu Test Syllabus

Kids & Youth Curriculum

Kids Kyu Examination Requirements

Click on underlined techniques with the video icon to watch the demonstration video on YouTube.

This video library is the KUY test reference material — the same techniques demonstrated here are what you will be graded on. Use it to prepare for each rank at Aikido Bahrain.

Demonstration videos feature Sensei Chris Carr, Nidan, as uke.

Understanding the Ranks

How Aikido Ranks Work

Every new student begins with a white belt. The first formal examination is for 5th Kyu, and students then progress downward through the Kyu ranks — 4th, 3rd, 2nd and finally 1st Kyu, the highest student rank. After 1st Kyu begins the Dan (master) ranks, starting at 1st Dan (Shodan, the first black belt) and rising to a maximum of 10th Dan.

Stage 1White BeltBeginnerWhere every Aikido journey starts — no examination required.

Stage 25th KyuFirst ExamThe first formal grading, covering basic ukemi, stance and foundational techniques.

Stage 34th – 2nd KyuIntermediateProgressing through orange, green and blue belts as technique and understanding deepen.

Stage 41st KyuHighest Student RankThe final Kyu rank (brown belt) and the gateway to the black-belt Dan grades.

Stage 51st – 10th DanMaster RanksThe Dan grades begin at 1st Dan (Shodan) and rise to a maximum of 10th Dan.

5.5th Kyu(Yellow Belt)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 20 hours class and two months of continued class participation from White belt

Jo Suburi 1-5
Koho Tento Undo
Mae Ukemi
Ushro Ukemi
Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori ikkyo
Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori irimi nage
Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori kote gaeshiVideo

5th Kyu(Yellow Stripe)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 20 hours class and two months of continued class participation from Yellow belt

Koku dosa
Hanmi no Kamai
shikko
Tai Sabaki (Tenken and Irimi Tenken)
Tachi waza shomen uchi ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza shomen uchi irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza Shomen uchi Kote gaeshiVideo

4.5th Kyu(Orange Belt)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 50 hours class and five months of continued class participation from yellow stripe

Yoko ukemi
Funakogi undo
Shomen uchi ikkyo undo
Zengo undo
Tai Sabaki (kaiten)
Jo Suburi 1-10
Suwari waza ai hanmi katate dori irimi ikkyoVideo
Suwari waza ai hanmi katate dori irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori nikyoVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori uchi kaiten nageVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kokyu nageVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori tenchi nage

4th Kyu(Orange Stripe)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 50 hours class and five months of continued class participation from Orange belt

Ken shoman no kamai
Suwari waza shomen uchi ikkyoVideo
Suwari waza shomen uchi irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza kata dori ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza kata dori nikyoVideo
Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori sankyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi shiho nageVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi ude kimi nageVideo
Tachi waza ryote dori kokyu nageVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryote dori sankyoVideo

3.5th Kyu(Green Belt)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 70 hours class and seven months of continued class participation from Orange stripe

Happo undo
Tekubikosa undo
Sayu undo
Sayu choyaku undo
Jo Suburi 1-13
13 Jo Kata
Boken shoman uchi
Boken yokomen uchi
Boken gyku yokomen uchi
Suwari waza gyaku hanmi katate dori ikkyoVideo
Suwari waza gyaku hanmi katate dori nikyoVideo
Suwari waza kata dori ikkyoVideo
Suwari waza kata dori nikyoVideo
Hanmi handachi waza shomen uchi irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryote dori ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryote dori sankyoVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryote dori shiho nageVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryote dori kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza ryote dori ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza ryote dori shiho nageVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki ude garamiVideo

3rd Kyu(Green Stripe)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 60 hours class and six months of continued class participation from Green belt

Udefuri undo
Udefuri choyaku undo
Ushirotori undo
Ushirotekubitori undo
Suwari waza shomen uchi nikyoVideo
Suwari waza shomen uchi sankyoVideo
Suwari waza shomen uchi gokyoVideo
Suwari waza shomen uchi kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi nikyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi sankyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi gokyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza shomen uchi sankyoVideo
Tachi waza shomen uchi kokyu nageVideo

2.5th Kyu(Blue Belt)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 70 hours class and seven months of continued class participation from Green stripe

22 jo kata #2
bokken kata 1
Suwari waza ryo kata dori ikkyoVideo
Suwari waza ryo kata dori nikyoVideo
Suwari waza kata dori sankyoVideo
Suwari waza gyaku hanmi katate dori irimi nageVideo
Suwari waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kote gaeshiVideo
Hanmi handachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori soto kaiten nageVideo
Tachi waza ryote dori kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza ryote dori irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryo kata dori ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryo kata dori nikyoVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryo kata dori sankyoVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryo kata dori kokyu nageVideo
Tachi waza yomomen uchi gokyo
Tachi waza shomen uchi shiho nageVideo
Tachi waza shomen uchi soto kaiten nageVideo
Tachi waza shomen uchi uchi kaiten nageVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori sankyoVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori yonkyoVideo
Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori sumi otoshiVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryote dori kokyu nageVideo
Tachi waza katate ryote dori (morote dori) irimi nageVideo

2nd Kyu(Blue Stripe)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 60 hours class and six months of continued class participation from Green stripe

Suwari waza yokomen uchi ikkyoVideo
Suwari waza yokomen uchi nikyoVideo
Suwari waza yokomen uchi sankyoVideo
Suwari waza yokomen uchi yonkyoVideo
Suwari waza yokomen uchi irimi nageVideo
Hanmi handachi waza ryote dori shiho nageVideo
Hanmi handachi waza shomen uchi irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza kata dori men uchi ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza kata dori men uchi nikyoVideo
Tachi waza kata dori men uchi sankyoVideo
Tachi waza kata dori men uchi shiho nageVideo
Tachi waza kata dori men uchi kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza kata dori men uchi irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori kokyu nage
Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori koshi nage
Tachi waza kata dori sankyoVideo
Tachi waza kata dori yonkyoVideo

1.5th Kyu(Brown Belt)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 60 hours class and six months of continued class participation from Blue stripe

Rondori 2 uke
Jo Suburi 1-20
Jo dori
boken suburi 1-7
boken Kata 2
Suwari waza yokomen uchi kote gaeshiVideo
Suwari waza shomen uchi gokyoVideo
Hanmi handachi waza shomen uchi ikkyoVideo
Hanmi handachi waza shomen uchi nikyoVideo
Hanmi handachi waza shomen uchi gokyoVideo
Hanmi handachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori nikyoVideo
Hanmi handachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kote gaeshiVideo
Hanmi handachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kokyu nageVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki nikyoVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki sankyoVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza chudan tsuki uchi kaiten nageVideo
Tachi waza ushiro katate dori kubi shime kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza ushiro katate dori kubi shime shiho nageVideo
Tachi waza ushiro ryote dori ude kime nageVideo

1st Kyu(Brown Stripe)

Official Syllabus

Minimum 70 hours class and seven months of continued class participation from brown belt

Rondori 3 uke
Boken (tachi) dori
Tachi waza jodan tsuki ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza jodan tsuki nikyoVideo
Tachi waza jodan tsuki sankyoVideo
Tachi waza jodan tsuki shiho nageVideo
Tachi waza jodan tsuki irimi nageVideo
Tachi waza jodan tsuki uchi kaiten nageVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi ikkyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi nikyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi sankyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi yonkyoVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi kote gaeshiVideo
Tachi waza shomen uchi gokyoVideo
Tachi waza kata dori ganmen uchi ikkyo
Tachi waza kata dori ganmen uchi nikyo
Tachi waza kata dori ganmen uchi irimi nage
Tachi waza kata dori ganmen uchi ude kimi nage
Tachi waza yokomen uchi ude kimi nageVideo
Tachi waza yokomen uchi ude garami
Tachi waza yokomen uchi hiji kime osae

Bahrain Aikido Academy and its instructors assume no liability for those who choose to practise techniques outside of the dojo.

Ready to Prepare for Your Next Rank?

Speak with your instructors in the dojo to confirm your class hours and readiness for the upcoming grading cycle.

Contact the Dojo