Promotion System

Information

The USJA's National Promotion System is designed to ensure that ranks awarded reflect the technical expertise, character development, and overall contribution of the individual. This process requires the direct evaluation of all candidates.


  • Candidates must meet certain minimum requirements to become eligible for promotion. They must then pass an exam and be recommended for promotion by their instructor/Certified Rank Examiner.


  • All candidates for promotion must be Active Annual or Sustaining Life Members with the proper time in grade in the previous rank.


  • A $35.00 non-refundable processing fee must accompany all Dan (black belt) rank (RFPs & RVPs) recommendations. The remainder of the fees must be remitted upon notification of successfully being promoted or validated.


  • A current clear background check is required for all Dan (black belt) ranks by visiting the Background Screening Site.


  • A current Safe Sport online certification for all Dan (black belt) ranks.


  • A current Heads-Up online certification - for all Dan (black belt) ranks.


  • Promotions are done in accordance with USJA's National Promotion Board:
    • Ranks of 4th and 5th Dan are reviewed by a sub-committee of the Promotion Board.
    • Ranks of 6th Dan and above are decided on during the Promotion Board's quarterly conference calls held each new quarter. Correct paperwork must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the call to be considered.
    • Ranks above 8th Dan require the additional approval of the USJA's Board of Directors.
    • Ranks of 4th Dan and above must all include a brief biography with a passport photo or jpg

Junior Ranks

Junior Ranks

  • 00 white
  • 01 yellow
  • 02 yellow
  • 03 orange
  • 04 orange
  • 05 green
  • 06 green
  • 07 blue
  • 08 blue
  • 09 purple
  • 10 purple
  • 11 purple
  • 12 purple

Senior Ranks

Senior Ranks

Kyu Ranks - must be signed off by a Shodan or higher - <Click here for the exam>

Rank Minimum Age Belt Color TIG (Months) Number of Classes Notes
Novice N/A White N/A N/A N/A
6th Kyu / Rokkyu 14 Yellow 3 24 N/A
5th Kyu / Gokyu 14 Orange 5 40 N/A
4th Kyu / Yonkyu 14 Green 7 56 N/A
3rd Kyu / Sankyu 14 Brown 10 80 Requires the satisfactory passage (70%) of Part 1 of the USJA’s online nage-no-kata exam (Kata basics and set 1 of the nage-no-kata
2nd Kyu / Nikyu 14 Brown 11 88 Requires the satisfactory passage (70%) of Part 2 of the USJA’s online nage-no-kata exam (Set 2 and Set 3 of the nage-no-kata).
1st Kyu / Ikkyu 15 Brown 12 96 Requires the satisfactory passage (70% of Part 3 of the USJA’s online nage-no-kata exam (Set 4 and Set 5 of the nage-no-kata

Dan Ranks - must have passed a Background Screen report and have a current Concussion Training and Safe Sport certificate.


1st to 3rd Dan - <Click here for the exam>

Dan Rank/Belt Minimum Age TIG (Years) Number of Classes Required Signoffs Additional Requirements
1 Dan Black 15 1 96 (1) 2nd Dan N/A
2 Dan Black 19 3 288 (1) 3rd Dan
  • Nage-no-kata demonstration or certification <Kata Page>
  • Passing examination of each throw of the Shinmeisho no waza
  • Obtain Associate Referee Certification or higher (shall be waived until developed and published online) <Referee Page>
3 Dan Black 23 4 384 (1) 4th Dan
  • Katame-no-kata demonstration or certification. <Kata Page>
  • Passing examination of each throw of the Habukareta waza
  • Obtain Local Coaching Certification (can be waived until made available online) <Coach Page>


4th to 8th Dan - <Click here for the form >

Dan Rank/Belt TIG (Years)Sign-off: Required Rank or above
 Additional
4 Dan Black/Red 5 (1) 5th Dan By 4th Dan, applicants have demonstrated technical proficiency in the USJA curriculum. While kyu ranks through 3rd Dan focus on individual growth, promotion to 4th Dan and above is evaluated based on an applicant’s service to the development of Judo through the USJA.
5 Dan Black/Red 6 (1) 6th Dan 4th and 5th Dan ranks in the USJA are instructor grade ranks. For many local senseis, these will be terminal ranks.
6 Dan Red/White 7 (2) 7th Dan 6th, 7th, and 8th Dan ranks represent extraordinary ranks awarded for a mastery of the USJA curriculum and extraordinary service to the development of Judo through the USJA. Few will be honored with these ranks.
7 Dan Red/White 8 (2) 7th Dan See Above
8 Dan Red/White 9 (2) 7th Dan See Above

4th to 8th Dan Promotion form complete, make sure you have the correct form, and it must be typed

Candidate must have current & maintained USJA membership. (Annual or SLM with Chartered USJA Club)

Candidate must have current and clear Background check.

Candidate must have completed NFHS/Safe Sport Certification.

Candidate must have completed CDC Heads Up Certification.

Candidate meets or exceeds TIG. All claimed USJA Certifications are up to date and current.

After approval, the Promotion fee is due as listed.

Include an updated Photo (Passport type). Include an extensive Judo Biography.

Include comprehensive written recommendation from all high dan blackbells that signed your RFP

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9th and 10th Dan

Dan Rank/Belt A@60 pts/yr / TIG/points B@50 pts/yr / TIG/points C@40 pts/yr / TIG/points D@0 pts/yr / TIG/points Sign-off: Required Rank or above


9 and 10 Dan Red Promotion to these ranks is rare. The USJA Promotion Board and Board of Directors bestows these ranks based on a comprehensive review of the individual’s legacy of achievements as well as service to the USJA in terms of their effect nationally and internationally on the world judo community. -



Forms