IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING DAN GRADE PROMOTIONS By Roy Inman

Promotion into the coveted ranks of the 'Judo Black Belt' is the long-term goal of nearly all Judoka. It is regarded as a milestone marking the transition from simply learning techniques to being able to actually apply them effectively in a competitive environment. In the not too distant past, holders of the grade of 1st Dan were expected to have a profound knowledge of judo skills that had been tried and tested in demanding competition as well as being the 'fountain of all judo knowledge'.

This ethos has been gradually eroded in recent years as the Black Belt has become accessible to more people and the expectations of what it takes to become and be a Black Belt have shifted. This has resulted in a change in perception, particularly from those within Judo circles, that the real 'Holy Grail' is no longer the Black Belt but in fact the 6th Dan or Red and White Belt. It is fair to say that this perception is now common in the majority of countries practicing Judo. The real danger is that unless something is done about this the grades will continue to be eroded to a point where they become meaningless. The British Judo Association has not been alone in reacting slowly to this problem. However, action is now necessary in order to build in an element of quality control to ensure that those attaining the Black Belt and beyond are of the required standard both technically and in terms of their judo knowledge.

Following consultation with Senior Examiners and other high graded judoka through out the country The Board of Directors of the British Judo Association have accepted a recommendation from the National Promotions Commission that a new 'Technical Dan grade' should be introduced to replace the current Non-Competitive Promotion scheme. This means that there will be two routes to gain BJA Dan Grade Promotion. It is strongly felt that Technical Dan Grade will help establish a fairer and more credible high-grade promotion system and improve the skill base of the Association.

Route 1 COMPETITIVE PROMOTION TO 1ST DAN THROUGH TO 5th DAN: The current competitive Dan grade scheme to 5th Dan will remain unchanged.

Route 2 TECHNICAL DAN GRADE SCHEME: There will be no contest requirements for this kind of promotion. However, candidates will be required to show a very high level of technical knowledge, more than is required under the current competitive and non-competitive promotions schemes. Assessment will be by formal examination. Promotion will be up to and including 5th Dan. The minimum entry grade for this route will normally be competitive 1st Kyu. (Exceptional extenuating circumstances will be considered)

PROMOTION TO 6TH DAN: This will be by recommendation to the Board of Directors by the Promotion Commission. An automatic annual high-grade review policy will be in place; self-nominations will no longer be accepted. For general information, the initial criteria for consideration for promotion to 6th Dan will normally be as follows.

•  Meet the time requirements of the EJU policy

•  Have attained a competitive 3rd Dan

•  Possess the technical competence to hold such a high grade

•  Have held continuous BJA membership for 25 years or more

•  Be of suitable character to hold such a high grade in the British Judo Association

PROMOTION TO 7TH DAN: As per EJU policy, awarded by EJU having been submitted by the BJA.

NB: An Outstanding performance promotion is also possible this only at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

NEW TECHNICAL DAN GRADE SCHEME

The new Technical Dan Grade Scheme includes 25 newly classified techniques known as 'Kokusai-shiai-waza', or Innovative competition techniques, examples of which are included here:

•  Mae-daki-uranage (front hug rear throw)

•  Kata-sode-ashi-tsurikomi-goshi (single sleeve and leg lifting drawing hip)

•  Kata-sode-seoi-otoshi (Single sleeve shoulder drop)

•  Kata-eri-sode-tsurikomi-goshi (single lapel sleeve lifting drawing hip)

•  Ryo-ashi-tomoenage (two feet circle throw)