As in my last article regarding yonkyu (blue belt rank), this
isn’t a all inclusive list of what is required at Winter Haven Freestyle Judo
it is only meant to give a general idea and a brief over view of the level of
proficiency and time it takes to achieve black belt in judo.
The most critical factor is technical performance and effectiveness
in randori as it is in all ranks. The standards, needless to say, are high.
SHODAN
First and foremost, earning a black belt in judo is similar
to earning a bachelor’s degree from a university. The standards are high and
quite frankly second to none.
It normally takes approximately 6 years of hard work, literally thousands of hours on the mat to achieve the rank of Shodan.
The minimum age required for Shodan is 18 years old.
Must have met
and fulfilled ALL previous rank requirements.
As stated before, one should consider earning the Shodan as
the same as earning a bachelor’s degree from a university. In a judo sense,
advancing through the black belt ranks is equivalent to further advancing one’s
education in a college or university.
IT IS ESSENTIAL AND FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT THAT WHEN
DEMONSTRATING ALL TECHNICAL SKILLS IN A FUNCTIONAL, REALISTIC AND DYNAMIC
MANNER IN RANDORI. AS AN EXAMPLE, IF BASED ON A SCALE OF 1 (BEING THE LOWEST) TO
10 (BEING THE BEST), THE APPLICANT MUST DEMONSTRATE A SKILL LEVEL OF AT LEAST A
“7.” IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE APPLICANT TO DEMONSTRATE THIS LEVEL OF SKILL ON A
REGULAR BASIS.
NIDAN
The rank of Nidan is an extension of Shodan and the judoka
is expected to continue his progress and refine the skills he has learned for
Shodan. Time in grade is important as the judoka matures and continues in his
study of judo. This is also a time when the judoka assists a senior coach or
starts teaching on his own so that he has a better understanding of as many
aspects of judo as possible.
The student is required to attend as many JBBA clinics,
seminars, workshops and classes as possible to improve his skill level. The judoka
must progress in the quality of his technical skills and understanding of judo.
If the judoka’s technical skill was a “7” on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as the
best), then he should improve it to as close to “10” as possible to be a Nidan.
It takes a minimum of 3 years (3 years being the minimum not the standard) to 6
years to reach Nidan. Must have met and fulfilled ALL previous rank
requirements.
SANDAN
The rank of Sandan is considered an advanced rank, and as
such, the judoka must possess an excellent skill level as well as participate
fully in judo activities, clinics, scrimmages, tournaments and other events. Minimum
time in grade from Nidan to Sandan is 5 years and must have met and fulfilled
all previous rank requirements.
MUST DEMOSNTRATE AN ADVANCED LEVEL OF TECHNICAL, THEORETICAL
AND FUNCTIONAL SKILL IN ALL PHASES OF JUDO. THE APPLICANT MUST BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE
ALL TECHNICAL SKILLS IN A FUNCTIIONAL, DYNAMIC MANNER IN RANDORI.
Applicant must demonstrate all the skills required for
Shodan with excellent skill (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, the applicant
should demonstrate skill at the “10” level).
YONDAN
The rank of Yondan is considered a senior rank and the
person who applies for this level must possess excellent personal skill. Historically,
the rank of Yondan has been required to be a recognized teacher, and because of
this, a person ranked at Yondan, in addition to being able to demonstrate the
required technical skills, must be able to teach others these skills. At this
point in a judoka’s career, it is recommended that the applicant for this rank
choose an area of expertise, either in coaching, working as a mat official or
referee or in some other capacity. Approximately a 25 year journey from gokyu to Yondan candidate must
have met and fulfilled ALL previous rank requirements.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
IT IS FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE APPLICANT DEMONSTRATE ALL TECHNICAL SKILLS IN A FUNCTIONAL, REALISTIC AND DYNAMIC MANNER IN REALISTIC AND MOVING OR DYNAMIC SITUATIONS. THE RANK OF YONDAN IS A SENIOR TEACHING RANK AND THE APPLICANT MUST HAVE THE PRACTICAL TECHNICAL AND THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE BASED ON EFFECIVE MOVEMENT. MUST HAVE EXCELLENT TECHNICAL SKILL (ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 WITH 10 BEING THE BEST, THE APPLICANT SHOULD DEMOSNTRATE SKILL AT THE “10” LEVEL.).
