GRADINGS
The belt system is a distinctive feature of judo. Promotion within the Sho,Mon and Kyu grades is based on technical ability, knowledge and understanding, together with Japanese terminology and supplementary knowledge. There is no contest requirement but it is expected that the judoka follows a recommended randori and contest program as illustrated in the syllabus and has attained appropriate levels of achievement for each colour belt.
To attain a Dan grade, a judoka can enter an examination against other judoka of the same grade and, by demonstrating superiority over a cross-section of judoka at the same level, can win promotion to the next rank. Wins against judoka of the same grade or above in certain competitions may also count towards promotion. In this way, promotion through the Dan grades becomes increasingly difficult, since for each new grade the players will be of a higher standard. Judoka must also complete a competitive skills assessment that becomes progressively more demanding as they move through the Dan grades. However, a judoka may choose to follow the Technical Dan Grade pathway where they are examined on technical knowledge and understanding against a set criteria, higher than that for the contest route, and which also becomes progressively more difficult through the grades.
To attain a Dan grade, a judoka can enter an examination against other judoka of the same grade and, by demonstrating superiority over a cross-section of judoka at the same level, can win promotion to the next rank. Wins against judoka of the same grade or above in certain competitions may also count towards promotion. In this way, promotion through the Dan grades becomes increasingly difficult, since for each new grade the players will be of a higher standard. Judoka must also complete a competitive skills assessment that becomes progressively more demanding as they move through the Dan grades. However, a judoka may choose to follow the Technical Dan Grade pathway where they are examined on technical knowledge and understanding against a set criteria, higher than that for the contest route, and which also becomes progressively more difficult through the grades.
Where and when to Grade:
During the year Southend Judo Club aim to provide at least two opportunities to grade within the Sho and Mon Grades scheme. These will not be advertised and normally take place next to our normal Wednesday Junior session.
Opportunities to grade within the Kyu Grades scheme are monthly. Every last Wednesday of the month opportunity exists for those who have been advised and feel confident that they have reached the correct level of skill to pass to the next grade.
At Southend Judo Club Sho/Mon Grade Examinations and Kyu Grade Examinations are taken only by Lead Junior Coach and Lead Senior Coach respectively. This provides a level playing field for every one in the club and keeps the standard at the same high level.
On average progression within the Sho/Mon Grade scheme is one Sho/Mon every six months. However there are exception, in this case this will be explained. Progression through the Kyu Grade scheme is on average at a rate of 1 Kyu per year. Obviously these timelines can be adjusted either way depending on the frequency and regularity of training.
During the year Southend Judo Club aim to provide at least two opportunities to grade within the Sho and Mon Grades scheme. These will not be advertised and normally take place next to our normal Wednesday Junior session.
Opportunities to grade within the Kyu Grades scheme are monthly. Every last Wednesday of the month opportunity exists for those who have been advised and feel confident that they have reached the correct level of skill to pass to the next grade.
At Southend Judo Club Sho/Mon Grade Examinations and Kyu Grade Examinations are taken only by Lead Junior Coach and Lead Senior Coach respectively. This provides a level playing field for every one in the club and keeps the standard at the same high level.
On average progression within the Sho/Mon Grade scheme is one Sho/Mon every six months. However there are exception, in this case this will be explained. Progression through the Kyu Grade scheme is on average at a rate of 1 Kyu per year. Obviously these timelines can be adjusted either way depending on the frequency and regularity of training.
Mon Grade Syllabus states:
For grades up to and including 9th Mon, gradings should be completed within the candidate’s club and can be examined by
the same coach that instructed the candidate.
For 10th Mon and above, gradings may be completed within the club, but candidates may also grade at Inter-club, area
promotion examinations and at any other event such as a Technical Training course. It is good practice that the examiner
should be different from the coach.
&
Kyu Grade Syllabus states:
For grades up to and including 4th Kyu, promotion examinations should be completed within the candidate’s
club and can be examined by the same coach that instructed the candidate.
For 3rd Kyu and above, promotion examinations may be completed within the club but candidates may also
grade at Inter-club, area promotion examinations and at any other event such as a Technical Training course. It
is good practice that the examiner should be different from the coach.
However members of Southend Judo Club are expected to grade within the club structure as mentioned above up to and including 18 Mon or 1 Kyu.
Dan gradings are taken by BJA Senior Examiners and as such BJA will advertise where and when such gradings take place. Please refer to the BJA Calendar of events.
This is not for political reasons, but to keep the integrity of the club intact.
As a club we feel responsible for our member's progression in Judo and feel we need to implement above structure to be able to safeguard our members.
For grades up to and including 9th Mon, gradings should be completed within the candidate’s club and can be examined by
the same coach that instructed the candidate.
For 10th Mon and above, gradings may be completed within the club, but candidates may also grade at Inter-club, area
promotion examinations and at any other event such as a Technical Training course. It is good practice that the examiner
should be different from the coach.
&
Kyu Grade Syllabus states:
For grades up to and including 4th Kyu, promotion examinations should be completed within the candidate’s
club and can be examined by the same coach that instructed the candidate.
For 3rd Kyu and above, promotion examinations may be completed within the club but candidates may also
grade at Inter-club, area promotion examinations and at any other event such as a Technical Training course. It
is good practice that the examiner should be different from the coach.
However members of Southend Judo Club are expected to grade within the club structure as mentioned above up to and including 18 Mon or 1 Kyu.
Dan gradings are taken by BJA Senior Examiners and as such BJA will advertise where and when such gradings take place. Please refer to the BJA Calendar of events.
This is not for political reasons, but to keep the integrity of the club intact.
As a club we feel responsible for our member's progression in Judo and feel we need to implement above structure to be able to safeguard our members.
