After assistant teaching and exploring new levels of understanding, the student moves to the most serious part of her training. She begins to expand into the role of Sensei. She may be assigned her own class as a part of the preparation for Shodan. The Adventurer level is represented by the brown belt. The Adventurer enjoys every aspect of the art, and develops a playful attitude. Shades of gray expand into millions of colors. The possibilities are endless. Timing is essential to performing techniques at a brown belt level. Control of energy and force is the most difficult part of this phase. Students need to learn to use different levels of ki and strength to move uki. Also important is "maai" or correct distancing. These and a holistic understanding of Aikido including Ken, Jo, ki development and meditation are essential before the student is ready to proceed to Shodan. Often the adventurer is the best aikido practitioner he or she will ever be.

This is the most dangerous role for students. Students may enter this playful stage and never grow out of it. Students who want to "play" at aikido without taking on the responsibilities of further rank often get stuck here.

The commitment it takes, and the need to workout daily is often practiced while preparing for Shodan but not continued after it. To help avoid the fall off after achieving Shodan, the Sensei may focus on skills necessary for Nidan and Sandan. The Sensei may expect the student to plan their involvement in Aikido for two or three years after they take their Shodan. Here students begin to explore what it would be like to set up and run their own dojo.