Aikido doesn't have competitions or tournaments. Our school conducts annual evaluations for graduation. The grading system allows for an assessment of each student's learning level, while exam preparation generates internal changes in both the students taking the exam and their peers, in relation to the demands they must meet. This also develops a sense of effort and concentration, in addition to fostering non-competitive collaboration and assistance.

Although assessment is ongoing, preparing for and taking exams and changing grades become an incentive, a short-term goal for each individual.

Preparation for the presentation contributes to the deepening and acquisition of knowledge, as well as to personal and group growth and improvement. With the collaboration of their peers, each student works to develop their own perception and ways of resolving the difficulties posed by the practice of Aikido and, consequently, by life itself.

The grading system allows for the determination of each student's practice time and learning level, and also serves as support for those newer to their journey. It is not a system of power or subservience toward those with a lower grading, but rather one of service and collaboration with those less experienced. The higher the grading, the greater the responsibility toward the dojo and their fellow students.

Kyu ranks are awarded by Shushinkan Aikikai, whose current president is José Luis Caló, while Dan (black belt) ranks are awarded by the Aikikai Foundation (Hombu Dojo – Tokyo, Japan), whose current president is Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.