Grading

The Mon Grades system is a distinctive feature of judo with promotion to different coloured belts based on technical ability, knowledge and understanding as well as supplementary knowledge of Japanese terminology.

Although there is no contest requirement in the Mon Grade system there is a progressively structured randori element at the higher grades.

Who are the Mon Grades for?

The Mon Grade system is aimed at 8 to 17 year olds and follows on from the Sho Awards.

With regular study and training, a judoka should be able to complete the Mon Grade syllabus by the age of 17. In some cases when the judoka is particularly dedicated they may complete it as early as 15 years of age.

How does the Mon Grade System work?

Judoka follow a progressive study of techniques detailed in the Mon Grade syllabus and attempt promotion to the next grade at regular intervals. These promotions are called gradings.

During a grading judoka are required to know the common English names and meaning of all Japanese terminology used for the grade they are being graded for. They are also required to practically demonstrate techniques required for that grading. Where appropriate they must also be able to discuss their reasons for their choice of technique, grip etc.

As judoka progress through the Mon Grade system the practical situation and examination process in which they demonstrate the required techniques becomes more stringent and greater in depth.

Gradings are usually carried out at the club the judoka is based at by a British Judo licensed Coach.

What are the belts in the Mon Grade system?

There are 18 different grades contained within the Mon system, with each grade requiring a different coloured belt and/or belt tag(s).

What happens when a Mon Grade becomes a senior (16)?

Judoka that reach the age of 16 have the option to transfer to the Kyu Grade system. All Mon Grades that reach the age of 18 must transfer to the Kyu Grade system.

These 16 years olds are then able to study and train up to the grade of 1st Kyu and then for the coveted black belt available in the British Judo’s Dan Grade system.

The Kyu Grade system is a distinctive feature of judo with promotion to different coloured belts based on technical ability, knowledge and understanding as well as supplementary knowledge of Japanese terminology.

Although there is no contest requirement in the Kyu Grade system there is a progressively structured randori element based on open skills.

WHO ARE THE KYU GRADES FOR?

The Kyu Grade system is aimed at judoka 14 years and older as well as those who are between 14 and 17 years of age who already hold a Mon Grade and are converting to the next grading scheme.

Judoka who are over the age of 18 will automatically start on the Kyu Grade system.

HOW DOES THE KYU GRADE SYSTEM WORK?

Judoka follow a progressive study of techniques detailed in the Kyu Grade syllabus and attempt promotion to the next grade at regular intervals. These promotions are called gradings.

During a grading judoka are required to know the common English names and meaning of all Japanese terminology used for the grade they are being graded for. They are also required to practically demonstrate techniques required for that grading. Where appropriate they must also be able to discuss their reasons for their choice of technique, grip etc.

As judoka progress through the Kyu Grade system the practical situation and examination process in which they demonstrate the required techniques becomes more stringent and greater in depth.

Gradings up to and including 4th Kyu are completed within the judoka’s own club by a British Judo licensed Coach. For judoka being graded to 3rd Kyu or higher, they have the option to be graded at their club or at an inter-club event, area promotion examination or at a Technical Training course.

With regular study and training, a judoka should be able to complete the Kyu Grade system in approximately 3 years. In some cases when the judoka is particularly dedicated they may complete the Kyu Grade system in 2 years.

The Dan Grades system is a distinctive feature of judo with promotion to different ranks based on a variety of different pathways and achievements.

Obtaining a Dan Grade is one of the highest qualifications available to individuals involved in the sport of judo.

WHO ARE THE DAN GRADES FOR?

The Dan Grade system is aimed judoka who are 15 years of age and older who have moved on from completing the Kyu Grades system.

HOW DOES THE DAN GRADE SYSTEM WORK?

Judoka test their ability, by entering for an examination within the Dan Grade system. For that examination players are required to demonstrate superiority over a cross-section of other players competing at the same level. This ensures that successive Dan Grades up to 5th Dan are populated by increasingly skilful players.

For grades higher than 5th Dan judoka wishing to move up a grade must apply to British Judo. A decision is then made on their application by the British Judo Board of Directors.

WHAT ARE THE BELTS IN THE DAN GRADE SYSTEM?

There are 10 different grades contained within the Grades system, which represented by 3 different coloured belts.