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    Shodan (1st Dan)

    Black belt · 9 techniques required at grading · Dan grades (USJF), United States Judo Federation

    Rokudan to Hachidan wear a red and white belt, shown here as red with a white stripe.

    Plain text version

    0 of 9 learned

    Nage-waza · throws

    Shime-waza · strangles

    The official syllabus

    As printed in Rank Requirement Recommendations Handbook, Section VI. Skills that are not a single technique (breakfalls, escapes, turnovers, grips, randori) are listed in the document's own words.

    Minimum age and time in grade

    • Minimal Age: 14-16
    • Minimal Time in Grade: Time in grade as Ikkyu
    • Non-competitor - 2 years
    • Competitor, 5 points - 1 year
    • Competitor, 10 points - 9 months
    • Batsugun or 15 points - 6 months

    Minimum time in grade by competitor class

    • Class A: None
    • Class B: None
    • Class C: None
    • Class D: Points earned

    General requirements

    • Improved knowledge and increased proficiency in all lower rank requirements.
    • Terminology for all lower ranks.
    • Assistant Teacher (suggested), Teacher or Coaches Certification (suggested).
    • Good moral character and maturity.
    • CDC Heads Up and Safe Sport are required.
    • Safe Sport and Background Check are not required for those 17 years old and under.

    Nage waza

    Osaekomi waza

    • Expect knowledge and increased proficiency in all lower rank requirements and additional escapes from all

    Shime waza

    Kansetsu waza

    • All Kansetsu-waza with improved understanding and ability

    Kata

    Tournament experience

    • Continued contest experience with expanded interpretation of the sport phase.

    Additional experience for non-competitors

    • Recommend the following -Referee – club or local, Coach – club/local level, Teacher – assist with beginners, Tournament official – timekeeper/scorekeeper local/ regional certification

    USJF National Competition Shodan Batsu-gun rank criteria

    • USJF /USJA Summer National Championships shiai competition of brown belt rank or higher may be promoted by Batsu- gun to the rank of Shodan with no kata requirement needing to be met.
    • 1. Enter the USJF/USJA Summer National Championships in the shiai competition as a registered member of USJF; and
    • 2. Hold any current brown belt rank (proof of rank will be required for this purpose); and
    • 3. Be at least 14 years old as of the competition date; and
    • 4. In any one individual competitive division, achieve one of the following records: a. Defeat no less than three (3) opponents each holding a current brown belt rank or higher with at least one win by Ippon; or b. Defeat no less than five (5) opponents of any rank by Ippon; or c. In any two (2) or more individual divisions at the same event, defeat five (5) or more opponents by Ippon, at least three (3) of whom hold brown belt rank or higher; and
    • 5. Have the consent and approval of the youth’s Dojo Head Instructor and the youth’s Yudanshakai’s Board of Examiners Chairperson or the USJF Promotion Committee Chairperson approval must be obtained.
    • It is recommended that all Shodan candidates, except those promoted by Batsu-gun, take the USJF Teacher/Assistant Teachers or Coaching Certification.

    Dojo Shodan promotional procedure

    • A. Any USJF registered club can petition for a Shodan promotion in their club to their Yudanshakai. Must meet all Yudanshakai requirements for Shodan promotion.
    • B. Candidate must fill out a form 20, obtain the following certifications: SafeSport, CDC Heads Up, and a background check (if a candidate is a minor, SafeSport and background check are not required). If non- competitor, a USJF Coaching or Teachers Certification is needed. A written essay from the candidate covering the following: why the candidate thinks they should be promoted to Shodan: what service they can provide to Judo and qualities it takes to be a Shodan. The essay will be sent to the Yudanshakai Chair of the Board of Examiners
    • C. Examination will be conducted by three (3) USJF Sandans or higher.

    Promotion application

    • A Shodan applicant must show current membership plus one year prior membership.
    • All applicants for Shodan and above must undergo the USJF background/screening program per USJF documented procedure. (If candidate is a minor this is not needed.)

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