Notes on Testing Criteria

The following are the promotional requirements for students of Seijuku Dan Judo:

The intention is to provide a defined basis for the encouragement and appreciation of the techniques and etiquette aspects that make up modern day Judo and Jujutsu.

The syllabus is designed to widen the knowledge of students by gradually adding techniques that are appropriate for the prospective individual. Seijuku Dan Judo recognizes that every participant is different in their technique preferences, regardless of if that is based on physical limitations, general preference, or other rationale. With this in mind, this curriculum is unique in that the student gets to work with the instructor(s) on their individual progression in a natural frame of work.

For example, a student who has a pre-existing shoulder injury may not be able to throw in a standard prescribed manner. A technique may have to be modified for that specific student, or techniques involving shoulder dominant movements may need to be removed from that student's preferred repertoire. 

Students must not only demonstrate the physical techniques required, but also understand dojo etiquette, and the principles of their individual techniques (off balancing, execution, following through, opportunity for usage, etc.).

Seijuku Dan Judo encourages student participation in competition. Although not required, tournament participation is an important part of a developing martial artist’s training, and helps build confidence and maturity in students. For those students that do not choose to compete in tournaments, consideration is also given to demonstrating a “fighting spirit” inside the dojo. Sparring and rolling are routine, if not a daily, incorporation in training.

Promotions are not provided on a guaranteed timeline; more emphasis/credit is given to technical capability versus time in the dojo. However, consistent attendance will absolutely assist the student on their journey. It takes three to six years for the average adult student to attain the coveted rank of Shodan. A black belt does not mean someone is an expert in the martial arts; it simply means their base education has truly begun. 

The belt system can be thought of similarly to the American education system. Receiving a Shodan is the equivalent of graduating High School. Receiving your Yodan (4th degree black belt) is the equivalent of earning your Bachelor’s, and subsequent belts are graduate levels.

Philosophy Behind Belt Requirements

Instructors will do their best to counsel the students on the knowledge required for the successful promotion to the next rank. However, it is possible to be delayed in one’s promotion timeline. In this case, students will be informed of the areas that were not satisfactory and encouraged to continue practicing. 

Judo and Jujutsu are similar arts; however, Jujutsu is arguably a more complete fighting system. Jujutsu’s origins come from feudal Japan, where the Samurai developed hand to hand combat techniques to win and survive on the battlefield. 

Judo

To be promoted in Judo, the student is expected to progressively increase their learnings in submissions, pins/holds, and throws/takedowns per rank. There is not a guaranteed timeline; promotion will vary based on the individual. Proficiency in a technique is held in equal regard to the number of techniques learned. For example, if a student learns a leg sweep and can perform that leg sweep under duress with multiple different variations, that will be held in equal regard to a student who knows multiple different throws with a single variation. 

As Bruce Lee said: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

The standards for Judo promotion are based on the standards prescribed by USA Judo, the national governing body for the United States in Judo.

Jujutsu

To be promoted in Jujutsu, a student must have all the competencies of a Judoka but must also be able to incorporate striking into their fighting. Students of Jujutsu are expected to spar with other students, full contact. Additionally, small joint manipulation is taught and included in fighting. Wrist, ankle, and knee-based submissions should be included in randori (free practice, like sparring). 

A technical knowledge of modern day weapons defenses is required, specifically knife, handgun, long gun, and blunt object defenses. This may be formally demonstrated, such as in but not limited to Goshin Jutsu No Kata, or otherwise practically demonstrated, such as grappling with weapons.

Jujutsu is a full spectrum fighting art. Students will be knowledgeable on escalation and de-escalation of force regarding their techniques. Some techniques may be done as simple body control. Some techniques may be escalated to inflict pain, maim, or cause death. It is important for students to understand the severity of what they are learning, and to be taught the appropriate means of execution (and defense) for all variations of their techniques. Seijuku means maturity, and we stand by that.

The standards for Jujutsu promotion are based on the standards prescribed by Midori Yama Budokai, the lineage Sensei Austin learned from. USA Judo does not recognize Jujutsu ranks.

In all cases the Head Instructor retains the right to make the final decisions on requirements, examinations, promotions, sequencing, suitability, etc. of a student for promotion.

Time In Grade

There are 7 colored Kyu belt ranks, with 3 levels of Brown Belt. Adults have a separate system from Youth. There are 10 black belt ranks. Black belt ranks are called Dan. In total, there are 19 official ranks.

Time in grade for all ranks is to be considered as the minimum. Actual time in grade from one belt to the next may vary considerably. The overall time in grade should be followed closely. This means that a person may spend more than the allotted time in one rank, then be promoted relatively quickly as they catch up to the rank with which their total time in grade corresponds. At no time should an individual be promoted beyond the rank for total minimum time in grade.

YOUTH

White –  9th Kyu (Kukyu)

Yellow – 8th Kyu (Hachikyu)

• Minimum Age: 7
• Minimum Time in Grade: 2 months
• Total Time: 2 months

Orange – 7th Kyu (Nanakyu)

• Minimum Age: 8
• Minimum Time in Grade: 2 months
• Total Time: 4 months

Green – 6th Kyu (Rokkyu)

• Minimum Age: 9
• Minimum Time in Grade: 2 months
• Total Time: 6 months

Blue – 5th Kyu (Gokyu)

• Minimum Age: 10
• Minimum Time in Grade: 2 months
• Total Time: 8 months

Purple – 4th Kyu (Yonkyu)

• Minimum Age: 11
• Minimum Time in Grade: 2 months
• Total Time: 10 months

Brown - 3rd kyu (Sankyu)

• Minimum Age: 13
• Minimum Time in Grade: 6 months
• Total Time: 18 months

Brown - 1st kyu (Ikkyu)

• Minimum Age: 14
• Minimum Time in Grade: 6 months
• Total Time: 24 months

Shodan - 1st Dan (Black Belt)

• Minimum Age: 15
• Minimum Time in Grade: 12 months
• Total Time: 36 months

ADULTS

White –  7th Kyu (Shichikyu)

 

We recognize and welcome students of other martial arts schools and disciplines. Your belt rank will be honored by Seijuku Dan Judo!

You may wear your Judo, Jujutsu, or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt from whatever school you come from. If you have rank from a former Judo school, definitely wear it! 

Seijuku Dan Judo allows new students to wear their old belts, because we understand that students have a sense of pride in their previous martial arts education. The belts you earn mean something, and a practitioner should be able to wear it with pride. If you earned a bachelor’s degree in Kansas from an accredited institution, would it not be recognized in any other state?

Also, wearing the belt is a safety precaution. If someone comes in with a wrestling background, it may not be safe for them to practice with a beginner. It may be more appropriate for that wrestler to grapple with a higher Judo belt, or someone with a background in grappling. 

At Seijuku Dan Judo, we emphasize maturity. We are not so selfish as to believe our system is superior to all others. Most people have viewed the world of mixed martial arts, and quickly realized that not all systems are equal, the same, or are perfect. Bring what you know to our mats and be mature about the utilization of your techniques.

However, please remember you represent your upbringing. Please respect our dojo and martial arts family, and we shall respect you in return. The belt is a tool to hold one’s clothing in place; it does not imbue the wearer with neither omnipotence nor omniscience. If you wear a black belt but are not at the capability level of a black belt, it will show. 

Your rank will be accepted by our school, but that does not guarantee acceptance by other National Governing Bodies. 

Items Observed for Kyu Ranks

1. Testing is an important formality; however, it is held in lesser regard to physical capability in randori and/or competition.
2. This exam is written based on the average training time of 4 hours per week.
3. The hours are not a “hard” requirement. Students may progress faster in a shorter amount of time or may require more time to learn the techniques for their level.
4. The calendar time should be maintained for belt ranks. The calendar time is the “hard” requirement, versus the “soft” hour requirements. (Example:  a student may only practice twice a week for a month, but still exhibit the same skill as another who practices four times a week for a month. Credit is only given for the overall technical capability over the one month of training)
5. The only exception to calendar time for promotion is previous experience. (Example: a student has a certification in military related martial arts, law enforcement defensive tactics, previous martial arts background, etc. Students must have maintained a degree of proficiency to be considered promotable.)
6. No specific techniques are required per rank; it is individual preference, with instructor input.
7. Students must demonstrate, with quality, the four parts of a throw with each technique: 
• Gripping (Kumi Kata), off-balancing ( Kuzushi), fitting in (Tsukuri), and attack (Kake)
8. Consideration should be given for physical limitations and physical capability.
9. Students should be able to verbally announce the throw they are conducting in Japanese and English.
10. Students should conduct the throw on each side, statically.
11. Techniques conducted in Katas will count for static techniques, once per technique. (Example: if Seoi Nage is conducted four times in a kata, then it will only count as one technique.)
12. Students will be evaluated over time via randori. It is up to the instructor’s discretion to determine when they believe the student is ready to promote. Classroom randori, as well as competition, are the two best times for a student to display their knowledge in simulated reality.
13. Skills such as, but not limited to:
• Nage Waza – Moving Throwing Skills
• Renraku Waza – Combination Techniques
• Kaeshi Waza – Counter Throw Techniques
• Bogyo – Defense Against Throws
• Kumi Kata – Gripping Forms
• Fusegi – Escapes from Matwork Attacks
• Hairi Waza – Entry Techniques into Matwork
• Osaekomi Waza – Pinning Techniques

…Are to be evaluated during randori or competition. No static performance will be demonstrated. Multiple partners may be used for the student’s testing (it is encouraged for the student to select in advance who their training partners will be).

The yellow belt is a novice rank for adults and youth. We expect our yellow belts to be proficient at all break falls, and be able to take falls on demand. We do not expect yellow belts to be masters on the mat, but rather we expect our yellow belts to be calm, mature observers on the mat. Yellow belts should be studious, absorbing all information willfully, and staying humble as they learn Judo and Jujutsu.

2 Throws

2 Chokes

1 Joint Lock

1 Pin

Break falls (back, side, front, forward rolls, and backward rolling)

Randori: 1 opponent, 3 minutes

The orange belt is a novice rank for adults and youth. While technically superior to yellow belts, an orange belt should remember their humility as they notice that they are able to defeat brand new students with basic fundamentals. However, they will not be able to normally defeat upper belts as they have not mastered the fundamentals of Judo. They will continue to refine the art of falling, but they shall exhibit a willingness and reasonable capability to attack and defeat lower belts.

4 Throws

3 Chokes

2 Joint locks

2 Pins

Randori: 2 opponents, 3 minutes each (6 minutes)

The green belt is the first belt of leadership, for youth and adults. We expect green belts to be able to point out details to their lower ranked training partners that they may be missing. Green belts should be able to do things such as lead warm ups, be an uke for the instructor, and otherwise exemplify leadership on the mats. Technically, a green belt is beginning to understand how to attack with precision, and be able to defend against basic attacks from upper belts.

6 Throws

4 Chokes

3 Joint locks

3 Pins

Randori: 3 opponents, 3 minutes each (9 minutes)

The blue belt is a rank for youth only. We expect blue belts to continue to exemplify leadership on the mats, and build upon the skill sets and responsibilities expected of green belts. A blue belt should be technically superior to new green belts, and should be able to mentor juniors as needed on the mats. A blue belt is a mature youth that can be trusted to a greater degree than that of a green belt.

8 Throws

5 Chokes

4 Joint locks

4 Pins

Randori: 2 opponents, 5 minutes each (10 minutes)

The purple belt is a rank for youth only. As an emerging pre-teen or older, we expect these students to master their emerging strength. At 11 years old or greater, there will probably be a tendency to rely on size and strength as opposed to technique and timing. We expect our purple belts to slow down, exercise discipline, and begin their push into the mastery of the essence of Judo.

12 Throws

6 Chokes

5 Joint locks

5 Pins

Randori: 3 opponents, 5 minutes each (15 minutes)

The first brown belt in Judo is available to both youth and adults that meet the criteria. Entering the ranks of brown belt is no small feat. We expect our brown belts to be black belts in the making. By this time, the student has exhibited promise and dedication to not only Judo, but self mastery. A Sankyu should have a broad understanding and technical knowledge of Judo, but is not yet a master.

16 Throws

7 Chokes

6 Joint locks

6 Pins

Randori: 4 opponents, 5 minutes each (20 minutes)

The second brown belt in Judo is the first of the senior ranks. A Nikyu may compete against the Yudansha (black belts) at tournaments, situations allowing. We expect our Nikyus to define and refine their personal Judo game. They should define their favorite techniques, and create their own system of Judo to master.

18 Throws

8 Chokes

7 Joint locks

7 Pins

Randori: 5 opponents, 5 minutes each (25 minutes)

The final brown belt is a position of honor. We see this student as just short of black belt. We expect the Ikkyu to refine their personal Judo system, and to also develop a deeper general understanding of Judo. They should be able to teach classes at a novice level, in the event the head instructor is absent. They should have the technical proficiency to teach basic Judo techniques and fundamentals.

24 Throws

10 Chokes

8 Joint locks

8 Pins

Randori: 6 opponents, 5 minutes each (30 minutes)

Welcome to the Judo family!