Gradings

Grading Structure

Club Judoka will hold Junior gradings every three to six months, seniors will be graded every six months. 

Gradings are designed to test your knowledge, skills and contest ability. Students will need to satisfy all of the criteria in order to pass. To be considered for grading, students will need to attend a minimum of 80% of weeks between grading, Club Judoka only count a week as one session. 

All students must have at least 4 months practical experience before participating in their first examination.

Throwing

All throwing techniques are to be examined first whilst Judoka’s are stationary, then while both Tori and Uke are moving.

Groundwork

All groundwork techniques will be assessed on not only technical demonstration, but also on effectiveness. When examining Osaekomi-Waza, the Judoka must have full control of uke. They must be able to hold their opponent down securely for a minimum of 10 seconds. When demonstrating Kansetsu-Waza and Shime-Waza, candidates must be able to obtain a full submission.

Uke

Uke will be assessed on how he/she is able to receive Tori’s throws and all groundwork. When assessing Tori’s Osaekomi Waza, Uke must be able to perform realistic escape attempts.

Gradings will take place in our Dojo at Optimus Gym.

For full details of our grading syllabus please visit the JFA U.K. website.

Kyu Grading - Senior Grades

Club Judoka understand that our instructors know their students best.

Our instructors play a key role in understanding each student’s development and knowing his/her ability, capabilities and disabilities more than any external examiners could. Club Judoka’s instructors are best placed to nurture and provide an environment to motivate and encourage the student to reach his/her full technical potential. Each of our instructors at Dan grade and above are therefore able to grade their students up to 1st Kyu Brown Belt.

What is the Kyu Grading System

  • 6th Kyu = Red Belt

  • 5th Kyu = Yellow Belt

  • 4th Kyu = Orange Belt

  • 3rd Kyu = Green Belt

  • 2nd Kyu = Blue Belt

  • 1st Kyu = Brown Belt

The Kyu Grade system is a distinctive feature of judo, with the promotion to different coloured belts based on technical ability, knowledge and understanding- as well as supplementary knowledge of Japanese terminology.

Judoka aged 14 and over are eligible for Kyu Grading, if you’re starting Judo at aged 18 or over you will automatically start on the Kyu Grade system.

During a grading all judoka are required to:

  • Know the common english names and meaning of all Japanese terminology that is used for the grade they are being graded for.

  • Required to practically demonstrate techniques required for that grading.

  • Where appropriate they must also be able to discuss their reasons for their choice of technique, grip etc.

For gradings up to and including the 4th Kyu, can be completed within the judoka’s own club coach. For judoka being graded to 3rd Kyu or higher, you have the option to be graded at your own club or at an inter-club event, area promotion examination or at a technical training course.

With regular studying and training a judoka should be able to complete the Kyu Grade system in approximately 3 years. There are 6 different grades contained within the Kyu system, which each grade requiring a different coloured belt.


Dan Grading

The Dan grading system is a very distinctive feature of judo promotion, to different ranks based on a variety of different pathways and achievements.

Getting a dan grade is one of the highest qualifications available to judoka so it’s a great achievement!

WHO ARE THE DAN GRADES FOR?

The dan grade system is for any judoka who is 15 years of age and older and has moved on from completing the Kyu Grades system.

HOW DOES THE DAN GRADE SYSTEM WORK?

To pass through the dan grading system, Judoka must test their ability by entering an examination within the dan grade system. As part of the examination judoka are required to demonstrate their superiority over a cross-section of other players competing at this same level.

This examination ensures that successful dan grades up to 5th Dan are only populated by skilful judoka.

Judoka wanting to move up the grades to higher than 5th Dan must apply to British Judo. A decision is then made on their application by the British Judo Board of Directors.

WHAT ARE THE BELTS IN THE DAN GRADE SYSTEM?

There are 10 different grades contained within the Grades system, which represented by 3 different coloured belts.