I'm curious as to the testing process involved in other styles of Aikido. In the my style it can take up to ten or more years to reach 1st dan, depending on ones progress. The focus is on quality of teachers as opposed to quantity. Upon being asked to test, we go to the main dojo where our test is viewed by all the teachers and tape recorded. The director of our style then takes the tapes back with him to review. A few months later we receive feedback from him and our own teacher as to our progress and what needs work. It is at this time that we are awarded (or not awarded) our promotion. I find this to be a very effective system, but I would like to get an idea as to how other schools are approaching the testing of their students. Please comment.
Jeff Jodoin
"Think during practice" - Master Minoru Mochizuki