The Dangrade / Higher kyu grade application form is compulsory for wanting to do a exam from 2nd kyu and higher.
If this form is not filled out and approved by the AIKO board You cannot participate in an exam.
The application has to be done at least 6 months before the actual exam, this to give examinators a insight of the work done that leads up to the exam, as the AIKO expects students to improve them-self through rigorousness training.
Goal for students should to involve them-self in external training sessions other than their own dojo to improve and learn other insights.