Technical expertise
Quality, control, effectiveness, and demonstrated command of judo technique.
USJA Committee
Promotion Board
Protecting promotion standards and recognizing earned achievement.
Information
Our mission
Standards worthy of the rank
The USJA Promotion Board ensures that every promotion reflects the candidate’s technical expertise, breadth of technique, character development, judo knowledge, and contribution to the art. The Board protects a fair process by recognizing deserving candidates and withholding rank when established standards have not been met.
What the Board considers
A complete record of achievement
Rank represents more than time served. Each review considers the candidate’s demonstrated ability, development, leadership, and contribution as a whole.
Breadth of technique
A well-rounded range of skills appropriate to the rank being considered.
Character and leadership
Conduct, judgment, service, and the ability to represent the values of the USJA.
Knowledge and contribution
Understanding of judo and meaningful contributions to students, clubs, and the wider community.
Board review
A fair and consistent process
The Board applies established requirements while considering the full record presented for each candidate.
Review
Confirm that required forms, qualifications, history, recommendations, and supporting materials are complete.
Evaluate
Consider technical ability, knowledge, character, leadership, and contribution at the level expected for the requested rank.
Decide
Reach a consistent determination that protects the meaning of USJA rank while recognizing earned achievement.
High dan promotions
Direct evaluation for senior rank
High dan promotions require especially careful review. The Promotion Board directly evaluates these candidates to ensure that technical accomplishment, leadership, character, and service support the distinction of senior rank.
Required safeguards
Maintain current safety requirements
Use the official USJA portals below to access anti-abuse education, concussion training, and background screening.
Promotion resources
Requirements, records, and examiners
Use these resources to prepare a complete request and review the standards that govern promotion decisions.
Members
| Name | Rank | Location | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Paccione | Shichidan | sijudo1@aol.com | Cape Coral FL | Chairman |
| Jovany Varela | Shichidan | jovanybjj@gmail.com | Gardena CA | Vice Chair |
| Rhadi Ferguson | Shichidan | tampafloridajudo@gmail.com | Tampa FL | Member |
| Jan D. Finkbeiner | Shichidan | janfinkbeiner54@gmail.com | Williamsport PA | Member |
| Cheryl Harai | Rokudan | cherylharai@gmail.com,cherylharai@coastalronin.com | West Chester PA | Member |
| Osmil Millan | Hachidan | oshachidan@tds.net | Maddison WI | Member |
Forms
| Category | Form | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Judo | Judo Rank Validation Form | View Download |
| Judo | 9th and 10th Dan Promotion Requirements | View Download |
| Judo | 9th and 10th Dan Recommendation For Promotion Form | View Download |
| Judo | * Promotion Point Approval 07/10/2023 | View Download |
| Judo | Black Belt 1st - 3rd Dan Promotion Form (2025) | View Download |
| Judo | * Rank Examination for all Senior Kyu Ranks Through Shodan | View Download |
| Judo | * Junior Rank Examination | View Download |
| Judo | Black Belt 4th -8th Dan Promotion Form (2025) | View Download |
| Judo | Rank Requirement Exception Request Form | View Download |
High Dan Promotions
| Member | Rank | Rank Date | Club |
|---|