USJA Promotion Requirements
The USJA National Rank System is designed to ensure that promotions awarded reflect the technical expertise, character development, and overall contribution of the individual. Inherent in this process is the direct evaluation of all candidates.
The USJA Promotion Points Guide lists the amount points given for each activity towards future promotions. A section of USJA Junior Practice & Study Tests is available. A Kodokan Technical Development Program is also availble.
Examiner Classifications consist of three levels (Senior, National, and Master)
- To hold Senior level, examiners must be Yodan (4D) in rank.
- To hold National level, examiners must be Godan (5D) in rank.
- To hold Master level, examiners must be Rokudan (6D) or higher in rank.
(1) All students must meet certain minimum requirements to become eligible for promotion. They must then pass an exam and be recommended for promotion by their instructor.
(2) All recommendations for promotions must be submitted to the USJA National Office on the proper recommendation for promotion form for approval. Candidates for all kyu promotions must be examined and approved by a club instructor who is one or more ranks higher and be ratified by the USJA National Office. All promotions are reviewed by the USJA National Office to ensure that all minimum promotion requirements have been met and have been properly documented.
(3) All promotions for shodan or nidan must be examined and recommended by their instructor or a USJA dan one rank higher in grade, than the rank applying for, before being approved by the USJA National Office.
(4) All promotions for sandan must be examined and recommended by a USJA Senior, National or Master Rank Examiner. This additional requirement ensures that the candidates have a thorough knowledge of all USJA rank system technical requirements.
(5) All promotions for yodan and godan must be examined and recommended by a USJA National or Master Rank Examiner and further approved by the National Promotion Board.
(6) All promotions for rokudan must be examined and recommended by two USJA Master Examiners and further approved by the National Promotion Board.
(7) All promotions to the rank of shichidan or higher must be examined and recommended by three USJA Master Examiners, approved by the National Promotion Board and ratified by the USJA Board of Directors.
(8) A $25.00 Non-refundable processing fee must accompany all promotion recommendations to yodan and higher. The remainder of the promotion fee must be remitted on notification of successfully passing to the rank applied for.
(9) Minimum time as a USJA student and current member in a USJA Chartered Club.
(10) Minimum time in grade as a registered member of previous rank. If the candidate is a Life Member, that candidate must show continuous membership by sustaining their life membership with a $25.00 donation every year since their last promotion.
(11) A passport photograph of the candidate. The photograph may be in the form of an electronic file.
(12) A synopsis of all judo related activities since the candidate’s last promotion. The synopsis shall include but not be limited to the requirements listed in value of points and time in grade.
(13) A completed rank examination (Sr. Judo Test booklet) with endorsement of Certified Rank Examiners must accompany application. (This is not required for ranks above rokudan.)
(14) A recommendation by the applicant’s instructor.
(15) A completed and cleared background check, either through the USJA, USJF, or USA Judo if you are:
- An applicant for a USJA Dan promotion or current holder
- A Chair Person or member of a USJA Committee
- A member of the USJA Board of Directors or a Corporate Officer
- An applicant for USJA Instructor Certification - both new and renewing
- An applicant for USJA Coach Certification - both new and renewing
- An applicant for USJA Referee Certification - both new and renewing
- An USJA member claiming promotion points for coaching activities.
(16) All paper work must reach the National Office forty-five (45) days prior to the next scheduled promotion board meeting for yodan or higher.
(17) All examiners must be a Active or Sustained Life Member with the USJA and belong to a USJA Chartered Club and have an appropriate examiner status to recommend promotions.
Below are links to specific USJA requirements, forms and procedures.
- USJA Membership Application
- USJA Rank Demonstration Guide
- USJA Written Exam for Senior Ranks
- USJA Background Screening Release Form
- USJA Senior Promotion Recommendation Form
- USJA Senior Rank Validation Form - (Optional)
Note: The Judo Information Site provides a historical perspective on ranks.
