NOTES: The Unity Aikido Dan Grade Certificate shown above is made up of many elements. Each one is significant. All Unity Aikido Dan grades take the Oath of Allegiance when they receive their ranking. The Oath eloquently distills the essence of the path of Aikido and is a guide to all who accept it.
The Hokusai Wave background mirrors in nature the elements of movement & stillness in the Aikido path. It has a relationship with the calligraphy in our logo, too. Such a serendipitous happening as sensei Hanifa was given this print 40 years ago only to find Unity Aikido in it just a few years ago.
The Japanese caligraphy was brushed by Master Kenji Tomiki, founder of the style we practice, & was also a gift. The spiral is a depiction of the ever increasing skill and responsability of the Aikido practitioner. The Rose Mons or crests are part of the insignia of Unity Aikido and are worn on the jacket similarly to Japanese mons. The square graphics in the corners are an artistic form of caligraphy reminding us that all praise is due to the One origin of life, not ourselves.

SEVEN LEVELS OF AIKIDO

The seven levels are an integral part of Aikido but the Japanese teaching method has not emphasised their importance. Sensei Macfarlane recognised them in Aikido, after her study of Sufism under Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi made her aware of their importance for the growth of the enlightened Human Being.

The Unity Aikido curriculum is now firmly based on the seven levels of development, from the 7 Lesson Foundation Course up through the seven Kyu or class grades to 1^st Step/1st Dan, and on through the seven Dan grades to technical proficiency at 7^th Dan. Sensei Macfarlane runs teaching classes for the Dan Grades from time to time to give them insight how to effectively apply the seven levels principles to each of the stages of Aikido development.