Judo shodan test: Nage no kata

Black Belt Dan Ranks in Judo (USA Judo): Complete Requirements Guide

This guide explains how to earn Black Belt Dan ranks in Judo under the USA Judo system.

Each Dan level is described individually, including time requirements, exams, kata, competition, and contributions.

Overview of Dan Ranks in USA Judo

In the United States, Dan promotions follow Kodokan-based standards adapted by USA Judo.

Advancement depends on:

• Time in grade
• Technical skill
• Kata performance
• Knowledge of rules and theory
• Contribution to the Judo community

Dan ranks are not only about fighting ability — they represent technical mastery, teaching ability, and leadership.

1st Dan Black Belt — Shodan (初段)

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Rank: Ikkyu (Brown Belt)
• Time in grade: Approximately 1 year
• Active membership in USA Judo

Examination Requirements:

• Nage-no-Kata (first 3 sets or full kata, depending on region)
• Demonstration of core techniques:
• Nage-waza (throws)
• Katame-waza (pins, chokes, armlocks)
• Knowledge of:
• USA Judo / IJF rules
• Safety and etiquette
• Competition experience is recommended but not always mandatory

2nd Dan Black Belt — Nidan (二段)

Minimum Requirements:

• Time in grade after Shodan: 2 years
• Continued active practice
• Participation in competitions, coaching, or refereeing

Examination Requirements:

• Complete Nage-no-Kata
• Advanced technical execution:
• Combinations
• Counters
• Standing-to-ground transitions
• Tactical understanding of contest Judo
• Often requires local or regional referee certification

3rd Dan Black Belt — Sandan (三段)

Minimum Requirements:

• Time in grade after Nidan: 3 years
• Active contribution to the Judo community
• Coaching or referee certification is strongly recommended

Examination Requirements:

• Kata selection (commonly):
• Katame-no-Kata or
• Kime-no-Kata
• High-level technical execution and adaptability
• Knowledge of:
• Judo history
• Philosophy and ethics
• Written recommendations from Sandan or higher ranks

4th Dan Black Belt — Yondan (四段)

Minimum Requirements:

• Time in grade after Sandan: 4 years
• Documented leadership and service in Judo
• Proven coaching, refereeing, or organizational involvement

Promotion Process:

• Often reviewed by a promotion committee
• Kata at advanced level:
• Kime-no-Kata
• Kodokan Goshin-jutsu
• Evidence of:
• Athlete development
• Tournament organization
• Long-term service

5th Dan Black Belt — Godan (五段)

Minimum Requirements:

• Time in grade after Yondan: 5 years
• National-level contribution to Judo
• Outstanding reputation and leadership

Promotion Process:

• No standard examination
• Reviewed by national promotion boards
• Requirements include:
• Exceptional service
• Advanced kata mastery
• Recommendations from Godan or higher

Minimum Timeframe from Shodan to Godan

If progressing without delays:

• Approximately 14–15 years

Most practitioners take longer due to coaching, officiating, or professional commitments.

Nage No Kata Exam (Shodan)

4th Dan (Yondan) — Advanced Kata / Kime-no-Kata