Introduction

In general, we have chosen to follow the Kodokan system of judo. However, we have also chosen to focus our studies on the more technical, traditional, and self-defense aspects of the art, rather than on competition. We do include various forms of randori or “free practice” in our classes, which allow students to test and hone their skills, but we are not concerned with aquiring points or winning trophies.

So while our students are certainly free and welcome to participate in tournaments if they wish, we do not require it for any rank advancement.

Additionally, we consider not just the skills and abilities of our students, but also the contributions of strong judo leaders and teachers when awarding rank.

Time Requirements

The following represents the average  requirements in terms of hours, years, and techniques.  All criteria for promotion remain at the discretion of the grading sensei and are subject to change. With respect to Gokyu no waza requirements, students should concentrate on ashi waza, koshi waza, and te waza for their requirements. Study of sutemi waza should be of secondary importance and its practice will be limited.

RANK BELT TOTAL HOURS MINIMUM AGE TIME IN GRADE TOTAL TIME
Yonkyu Green 40 18 3 months 3 months
Sankyu Brown 90 18 4 months 7 months
Nikyu Brown 175 18 7 months 14 months
Ikkyu Brown/Black 260 18 7 months 1.5 years
Shodan Black 435 18 1.5 years 3 years
Nidan Black 735 18 2 years 5 years
Sandan Black 1185 20 3 years 8 years
Yondan Black 1635 22 3.5 years 12 years
Godan Black 2235 25 4 years 16 years
Rokudan Red & White 3000 29 5.5 years 20 years

 

Technical Requirements

Yonkyu (Green belt)
  • Basic ukemi (falling)
  • Gokyo no Waza: 1st kyo | 2 holds & escapes

All of the requirements for yonkyu, plus the following:

  • Advanced ukemi (falling)
  • Gokyo no Waza: 3 throws of 2nd kyo
  • 5 holds & escapes

All of the requirements for sankyu, plus the following:

  • Gokyo no Waza: 1st & 2nd kyo complete
  • 5 pins & escapes
  • 5 basic chokes
  • General vocabulary & history

All of the requirements for nikyu, plus the following:

  • Gokyo no Waza: 3rd kyo complete
  • 5 arm bars

All of the requirements for ikkyu, plus the following:

  • Gokyo no Waza: 1st, 2nd, 3rd kyo
  • 5 chokes
  • 5 arm bars
  • Nage no Kata: 1st, 2nd & 3rd sections

All of the requirements for shodan, plus the following:

  • Gokyo no Waza: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th kyo
  • Nage no Kata: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th
  • Katame no Kata: 1st section
  • Refined knowledge of Ne Waza
  • Basic teaching skills

All of the requirements for nidan, plus the following:

  • Gokyo no Waza complete
  • Nage no Kata complete
  • Katame no Kata: 1st & 2nd sections
  • Advanced knowledge of Ne Waza
  • Advanced teaching skills

All of the requirements for sandan, plus the following:

  • Katame no Kata complete
  • Advanced knowledge of Ne Waza
  • Advanced teaching skills

All of the requirements for yondan, plus the following:

  • Knowledge of Ju no Kata
  • Professional ability in the areas of technique & instruction
  • Contribution to Judo through teaching, organization or competition

All of the requirements for godan, plus the following:

  • Full professor, extraordinary teaching and leadership skill