Congratulations to the following June 2023 Dan promotions:
| Robert Anton | Godan | San Machi Budo Kai |
| Loren Bentley | Yodan | Yawara Judo & Jujitsu of New Mexico |
| Marian S. Kusz | Sandan | UM-Flint Judo Club |
| Wesley Burriesci | Sandan | SDBJJ Academy |
| Casey Ray Curray | Sandan | Space Coast Judo & Jujitsu |
| Maien Mi | Sandan | UM-Flint Judo Club |
USJA Judo Rank Promotion System – DO YOU KNOW?
Recognizing of Judo ranks from other countries
Black Belts from other countries. If a non-citizen of the United States now a legal resident wishes their rank recognized and placed on their card and records, they must present their official Rank certificate or other documentation of Judo rank. USJA is required to verify with that country if it was issued by the National Governing Body (NGB) for Judo recognized by the International Judo Federation (IJF). If approved, providing all other requirements are fulfilled, the rank will be placed on the card and records. They are not eligible for promotion by the United States Judo Associations unless the country of origin authorizes in writing waiving any objection to the promotion.
Validation of Judo Rank
If a member of USJA who is a citizen of the USA wishes to submit a Recommendation for Validation (RVP) and they lack any form of recognized Judo rank defined as one issued by IJF, USJA, USJF or USA Judo they may apply for Validation of Rank. This is meant to recognize many years of service without the ability to achieve recognized Judo rank. They will be required to complete all other requirements prior to submitting a request for validation. Their application and documentation will be reviewed by the promotion board. Their technical and general knowledge ability will be examined by their instructor at least two grades above the proposed. If that is not possible a CRE will be assigned by the PB to examine the applicant. The applicant must have time in grade (TIG) that is higher than the combined (TIG) on the standard RFP, Category “D” up to and including the rank to which they are being consider. No validation is possible more than once and anyone with prior official rank is not eligible. The highest rank obtainable is Yodan, 4th Dan.
Special Circumstances Promotions
Under extraordinary circumstance an individual who performs great service and sacrifice over many years might no longer be eligible for promotion. For example, a senior or assistant coach no longer competes but has constant attendance in their dojo assisting in each class. The number of allowed assistant, the cap on % of classes, or other limitations may exclude her/him from gaining the required number of points but they greatly exceed the required time in grade (TIG), Category “D”. The head of the club considers them a vital part of the club because of the time and service they devote. They may apply for a Special Circumstances Promotion but understand considerable documentation must be provided. The promotion board will guide you through the process. The applicant must complete all other requirements and have TIG exceeding the highest shown on the standard RFP, Category “D”. It is important to recognize those individuals that consistently offer great service to their club, USJA and Judo. They may apply for Special Circumstances Promotion only once and the highest rank will be Rokudan, 6th Dan.
Honorary Promotions
A person may be issued an Honorary Promotion when it is judged they perform extraordinary service to Judo and the USJA. The request may be made by anyone but the applicant and must be approved by the USJA BOD and processed through the USJA PB. Recipients of this award do not require membership in USJA but are not eligible for promotions by standard means. The highest rank available for this honorary promotion is Godan, 5th Dan and the certificate must display in large font the word Honorary.
Certified Rank Examiner Program
For ranks above Sandan, if you are not currently a Certified Rank Examiner, go to the USJA.net site, download and complete the CRE Application & a mock Promotion Packet, forward to the National Office and the CRE Committee will follow up with you on next steps. For additional information, logon to: USJA.net, Dashboard, Committees, CRE.
Promotion Review Calls
The 2023 Q4 USJA Judo Rank & Certification call will take place in October 2023. For Rokudan (6th dan) through Hachidan (8th dan), your promotion packet must be sent to the National Office by September 1, 2023, to be considered. The next Kudan (9th dan) Promotion Review call will take place in January, 2024. Your promotion packets are due to the National Office by November 15, 2023 to be considered.
Need help with Rank Promotions?
Reach out to your local CRE’s or the CRE Committee to assist with these situations and others. A list of CRE’s and their location are posted on USJA.net, Committees, CRE.