Grading

Future competitive stream grading candidates, for nidan or higher, will need to meet their kata clinic requirements (described in the National Grading Syllabus) by attending one of the designated scheduled kata clinics prior to the actual date of the grading. See the table below. Candidates will still be required to attend the waza clinic portion of the grading and to receive the Provincial Grading Board’s final decision on their promotion.

Future competitive stream candidates are to inform Gord Okamura at gyokamura@gmail.com if they are planning to register and attend a grading in the upcoming year in advance, in order to ensure a clinic is scheduled. The credit for attendance will be valid for one year from the date of the kata clinic (if before June, then good for June and November gradings). If candidates are unable to attend a clinic, then they will postpone their grading so that all requirements will be met. Attendance at a recognized clinic out of province may be considered (must be approved in advance).

The Provincial Kata Committee is responsible for the overall teaching of kata to the judo membership and the Provincial Grading Committee will continue to evaluate the kata at the formal yudansha grading for Technical Stream candidates and Competitive Stream shodan candidates. Club senseis and students are offered kata clinics so that they have a basic understanding of the current kata and can practice at their dojo before grading. It is also recommended that candidates have a competent kata partner to ensure a successful demonstration.

The kata clinics conducted by the Provincial Kata Committee are part of a number of kata events which are intended to elevate the level of kata, especially for technical candidates and their senseis. It will be important that the level of kata at any grading is high in order to recognize the importance of the black belt. If the kata demonstrated at a Yudansha Grading is lacking, the candidate will need to repeat before being promoted.

Gord Okamura,                                                                     Allan Sattin,

Provincial Kata Committee                                                Provincial Grading Committee

Upcoming Gradings

Grading Committee

• Allan Sattin (Grading Board Chair)
• Joe Meli
• Gord Okamura
• Brian Fujimoto
• Garry Yamashita

Judo uses a progression system to promote participants who have attained specific skill and knowledge proficiencies. This progression is tracked using different colours of belts. The progression system is divided in two:
•Kyu Grades (White to Brown)
•Dan Ranks (Black)

The Kyu grades are White, White-Yellow, Yellow, Yellow-Orange, Orange, Orange-Green, Green, Green-Blue, Blue, Blue-Brown & Brown. These levels are designed to progressively learn the judo techniques and culture. The Kyu grades are defined in the Kyu Grading Syllabus and are managed by the clubs throughout Canada.

The Dan ranks include the 10 degrees of the Black belt: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan, Rokudan, Shichidan, Hachidan, Kudan & Judan. These levels are designed to perfect judo techniques and to help develop the culture. The Dan ranks are defined in the Dan Grading Syllabus and are managed by the Provincial/Territorial Grading Committees as well as Judo Canada’s Grading Committee. Click here to view the National Grading Syllabus.

Please see Grading Process for an explanation of the steps involved in the grading process.

JUDO ALBERTA GRADING PROCESS GUIDELINES

More details on Yudansha Grading Process are available here.

FOREIGN RECOGNITION OF CANADIAN DAN GRADES

Canadian judoka graded to a Dan Grade by Judo Canada, may request recognition and a diploma from foreign organizations through Judo Canada

•Kodokan Certificate – to obtain this certificate please complete the following Excel form – Kodokan Grading Form (see Judo Canada Grading Forms) and return it to Judo Canada office at : info@judocanada.org

*Be aware that the Kodokan standards for Dan Grades are different that Judo Canada’s and not all grades granted by Judo Canada will be recognized by the Kodokan Institute. Your application for Kodokan recognition will be reviewed by the Kodokan designated representative in Canada and only once these are approved, they will be processed by Judo Canada office. Kodokan certification fees must be paid to Judo Canada at the time of application. Kodokan fees will be refunded to the candidates whose application are refused by the Kodokan. Judo Canada fees are non-refundable.
•IJF/PJC certificate – to obtain this certificate please download the IJF Dan Grade Syllabus, fill in the request form (last two pages) and return to Judo Canada:

• http://www.intjudo.eu/upload/2014_04/04/139660413680134853/grades_ijf__11.2011_gb.pdf
• National Grading Syllabus
• National Kyu Grading Syllabus
• Tournament Point Certification Form
• Judo Canada Dan Grading Forms  (2019)