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General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Real Aikido, created by Ljubomir Vračarević in 1993 in Serbia (WRAF), is a European tactical self-defense system derived from Aikido, Judo, and Jujutsu. The complete cascade from 5th Kyu to 5th Dan (Shihan) evaluates high-speed joint wrist locks, moving takedowns, knife/handgun disarming, and VIP bodyguard defense.

1st Level – 5th Kyu (Yellow)

5 KyuRank #1
Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Basic stance, Ukemi falls, wrist locks, and grab escapes under pressure.

Symbolism & Meaning

Serbian tactical self-defense system founded by Ljubomir Vračarević in 1993.

2nd Level – 4th Kyu (Orange)

4 KyuRank #2
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Moving elbow locks, takedowns, and defense against punches.

Symbolism & Meaning

Redirecting attacker's energy into immediate ground takedown.

3rd Level – 3rd Kyu (Green)

3 KyuRank #3
Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Moving elbow joint locks, takedowns, and street punch defense.

Symbolism & Meaning

Modification of traditional Aikido for real-world application without ceremonies.

4th Level – 2nd Kyu (Blue)

2 KyuRank #4
Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Tanto knife defense, weapon disarming under pressure, & joint counters.

Symbolism & Meaning

High proficiency in neutralizing armed attacks in self-defense.

5th Level – 1st Kyu (Brown)

1 KyuRank #5
Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Defense against knife, stick, and close handguns, multiple attacker combat.

Symbolism & Meaning

Pre-master rank of full tactical proficiency.

6th Level – 1st Dan (Black Belt Master)

1 DanRank #6
Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Full master rank. Certified instructor of World Real Aikido Federation (WRAF).

Symbolism & Meaning

1st Dan = Official instructor authorized to lead a Real Aikido club.

7th Level – 2nd Dan (Nidan)

2 DanRank #7
Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Full-speed applied joint locks, examination judging, & club leadership.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening dynamic power in realistic self-defense application.

8th Level – 3rd Dan (Senior Master)

3 DanRank #8
Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Bodyguard training, special military and VIP protection instruction.

Symbolism & Meaning

Senior instructor officially training law enforcement globally.

9th Level – 4th Dan (Yondan)

4 DanRank #9
Typical gap since previous grade: 48 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Senior teacher rank. Directing national WRAF federations and instructor training.

Symbolism & Meaning

Mastery maturity in Ljubomir Vračarević's technique & tactics.

10th Level – 5th Dan (Grandmaster WRAF)

5 DanRank #10
Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Highest WRAF instructor rank. Methodological guarantor & development head.

Symbolism & Meaning

Shihan = Living representative of Ljubomir Vračarević's tactical legacy.