Black Belt D (1st Dan, 2nd Dan, 3rd Dan, 4th Dan, 5th Dan)

USA Judo Dan Promotion Procedures

Promotion to any dan rank in USA Judo is a structured process that recognizes technical ability, experience, character, leadership, and dedication to the development of judo. Promotion is never automatic, even after meeting the minimum Time in Grade requirements. Every application is individually reviewed before a promotion is approved.

Promotion Process

All dan promotion recommendations and applications must be submitted through the applicant's USA Judo State Organization Promotion Committee (Group B member in good standing). Candidates whose clubs are not affiliated with a State Organization may apply through the nearest State Organization or submit their application directly to the USA Judo National Promotion Board.

Promotions are normally awarded one rank at a time. Advancement by skipping one or more dan ranks is extremely rare and is only considered in exceptional circumstances. Skip promotions require extensive documentation demonstrating outstanding contributions to USA Judo and significant achievements in the sport. All applicable skip-promotion fees must also be paid.

For promotions earned through IJF-affiliated organizations outside the United States, USA Judo promotion requirements and criteria will apply before the rank is recognized.

Required Promotion Documents

Every promotion application must include the following:

• Official USA Judo Dan Promotion Recommendation Form with all required signatures.
• Complete judo history and résumé.
• Full competition record, including opponents' ranks, for candidates applying through the Competitor Path.
• Documentation demonstrating technical proficiency and kata performance.
• Promotion examination results, kata competition results, kata certification, Gokyo certification, or approved technical clinic and course certificates.
• Copies of all previous dan rank certificates issued by USA Judo, USJA, or USJF.
• Copies of awards, honors, and special recognitions, if applicable.
• Passport-size photograph with the applicant's name written on the back for Yodan (4th Dan) and above.
• Payment of the required promotion fee.
• Current USA Judo membership in good standing.
• Current SafeSport Certification.
• Current Background Screening.
• Current Concussion Awareness Certification.

Applicants for Rokudan (6th Dan) and higher must have maintained continuous USA Judo membership for at least the previous four years.

Promotion Review Process

Sandan (3rd Dan) and Below

Completed application packets for Shodan (1st Dan), Nidan (2nd Dan), and Sandan (3rd Dan) are reviewed and processed directly by USA Judo after all required documentation has been submitted.

Yodan (4th Dan) and Above

Applications for Yodan (4th Dan) and higher are reviewed by the USA Judo Promotion Committee.

Applications for Rokudan (6th Dan) and above are reviewed only during official in-person Promotion Committee meetings held in conjunction with the USA Judo Senior National Championships or the USA Judo National President's Cup Championships.

Important Information

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee promotion.

The Promotion Committee evaluates each candidate based on:

• Technical proficiency.
• Kata performance.
• Competition experience, when applicable.
• Time in Grade.
• Character and maturity.
• Teaching ability.
• Leadership.
• Service to the judo community.
• Overall contribution to the development of judo.

Promotion to a dan rank recognizes not only technical excellence but also continued dedication to the principles, values, and growth of judo.

Promotion Eligibility Guidelines

Promotion to a USA Judo dan rank is based on a combination of minimum age, time in grade, competition performance, and technical proficiency. Candidates may qualify through either the Competitor Path or the Non-Competitor Path.

Minimum Age & Time in Grade

Competitors who earn promotion points through approved USA Judo competitions may qualify for promotion in a shorter period than non-competitors.

Promotion Points (Contest Results)

Promotion points are earned based on victories over opponents of different ranks.

These promotion points may reduce the required Time in Grade according to the USA Judo promotion guidelines.

Current Promotion Fees

Important Notes

• If a promotion application is denied, the promotion fee will be refunded minus any applicable processing fees.
• Applications for Yodan (4th Dan) and above include a $50 non-refundable processing fee, which is included in the total promotion fee.
• If an application is denied and later resubmitted, a new application package and all supporting documents must be submitted again.

How to Submit Your Promotion Application

Applicants may submit their promotion application and payment through their athlete profile on the USA Judo membership portal.

Applications may also be mailed to:

USA Judo
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Applications may also be submitted electronically to the USA Judo Rank & Certification Office.

Obtaining an IJF or Pan American Judo Confederation (PJC) Rank Certificate

To receive an official IJF or PJC rank certificate, applicants must provide:

• A completed IJF/PJC Dan Rank Request Form.
• Payment of all applicable certification fees.
• A copy of their official USA Judo rank certificate.
• Active USA Judo membership in good standing.

Only USA Judo rank certificates are accepted when applying for IJF or PJC certification. Certificates issued by other organizations are not accepted for this process.

Recommended Minimum Requirements for Dan Promotion

The following guidelines describe the minimum technical and professional expectations for promotion to each dan rank. In addition to meeting the required age, Time in Grade, and promotion eligibility requirements, candidates must demonstrate continued technical development, strong character, and active involvement in judo.

Shodan (1st Dan)

Shodan recognizes the transition from student to black belt. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a solid technical foundation, proper understanding of judo principles, and continued dedication to training.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Unquestioned moral character and maturity.
• Continued practice and interest in judo.
• Fundamental knowledge and practical skills in Randori and Nagekomi.
• Proficiency in all techniques required for the kyu ranks.
• A positive competition record, when applicable.
• Proficiency in the first nine techniques of Nage-no-Kata for both men and women.
• Women may alternatively demonstrate the first ten techniques of Ju-no-Kata (Jushiki).

Required Nage-no-Kata Techniques

Te-waza (Hand Techniques)

• Uki-otoshi
• Seoi-nage
• Kata-guruma

Koshi-waza (Hip Techniques)

• Uki-goshi
• Harai-goshi
• Tsurikomi-goshi

Ashi-waza (Foot & Leg Techniques)

• Okuri-ashi-harai
• Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi
• Uchi-mata

Nidan (2nd Dan)

Nidan represents increased technical proficiency, consistency, and a deeper understanding of judo.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Unquestioned moral character and maturity.
• Continued practice and commitment to judo.
• Strong knowledge and practical skills in Randori and Nagekomi.
• Continued improvement in all lower-rank technical requirements.
• An improved competition record, when applicable.
• Proficiency in the complete Nage-no-Kata for both men and women.
• Women may alternatively demonstrate the complete Ju-no-Kata.

Sandan (3rd Dan)

Sandan recognizes advanced technical skill and increasing leadership within the judo community.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Unquestioned moral character and maturity.
• Continued practice and active involvement in judo.
• Advanced knowledge and practical skills in Randori and Nagekomi.
• Continued improvement in all lower-rank requirements.
• An established competition record, when applicable.
• Proficiency in Nage-no-Kata or Ju-no-Kata.
• Proficiency in Katame-no-Kata.

Yodan (4th Dan)

Yodan is the first senior black belt rank and recognizes advanced technical ability, leadership, and teaching experience.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Unquestioned moral character and maturity.
• Continued practice and involvement in judo.
• Advanced knowledge and practical skills in Randori and Nagekomi.
• Continued improvement in all previous technical requirements.
• A strong competition record, when applicable.
• For Non-Competitor candidates, a current USA Judo Regional Referee License or USA Judo Coach Certification.
• Proficiency in Nage-no-Kata or Ju-no-Kata.
• Proficiency in Katame-no-Kata.
• Proficiency in either Kime-no-Kata or Kodokan Goshin Jutsu.

Godan (5th Dan)

Godan recognizes outstanding technical proficiency, leadership, coaching ability, and long-term service to judo.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Unquestioned moral character and maturity.
• Continued practice and involvement in judo.
• Advanced knowledge and practical skills in Randori and Nagekomi.
• Continued improvement in all lower-rank requirements.
• Strong teaching ability and understanding of judo instruction.
• A current USA Judo Regional Referee License or USA Judo Coach Certification.
• Proficiency in Nage-no-Kata.
• Proficiency in Ju-no-Kata.
• Proficiency in Katame-no-Kata.
• Proficiency in either Kime-no-Kata or Kodokan Goshin Jutsu.