Zuihitsu-Remarks about Judo matters by Ronald

Desormeaux
JudoRon-86- About the Judo rank system
In the old days

The Kyudan
system___________________

Following the tradition of the ancient Budo system of recognition through the
process of Shu-Ha-RI, whereby, the teachers-masters accorded some
schooling licences to their student after successfully completing their
program, Jigoro Kano introduced the Kyudan classification at the Kodokan
after the 1895 Butokukai decision to standardize some rank structure and to
illustrate the progresses made by the students both skills mastering and
mental disposition. Progression towards the ranks of Shodan and above had
to reflect the general philosophy of the Kodokan judo that of: JU-N0-RI or the
general principle of flexibility: intelligent use of energy in order to secure
victory over obstacles.
The Shu-Ha-RI tradition was the traditional way where the student would first
learn from the master, acquire and master the mental and physical skills
propagated by the school, and then, at the proper time, leave both the
school and the master to teach others in a new venue. From Kohai
(beginners) the student would progress to be a Sempai or class senior
eligible to embark upon the mastery of fine points and then to become an
assistant instructor on his own or take charge as Sensei or full time teacher.
In the early days, there were two groups within the Kyudan system, The Kyu
or elementary grades gathered are known as Mudansha as the first sixth
degrees of learning of the prescribed schedule for judo progression. For the
more advanced students reaching the brown belt, detailed practices of the
Waza contributed to show some progressive degree of skills perfection and
comprehension of the principles needed to transfer into the Yudansha group.
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After years of practicing and mastering the techniques and the judo
philosophy, the Shodan long other grades were given at the Ni-San-Yon-Go
Dan levels. At this last level; the judoka entered the class of seasoned
practitioners or Kodansha also known as RENSHI referring to devoted
masters in the old Budo system.

Each grade was then and is still subject to an evaluation by the direct
teacher or by a group of teachers responsible for the Shodan-Shiken or
examination. If successfully demonstrating technical skills, comprehension of
the principles, understanding the meaning of formal kata and performing
well during Randori-Shai candidates were admitted to the new rank. Once
awarded or acknowledged into the new rank, the Shodan was expected to
lead others, help in the teaching, and assist the senior Sensei in supervision
and correcting students weaknesses without manipulating or taking
advantage of their junior status. At all times, they had to show proper
respect and compassion towards everyone.
Batsugun and honorary ranks
Sometimes, during major national competitions, if a candidate won over five
successive opponents of equal or senior ranking, they were awarded a
Batsugun promotion or advancement on merit. This is still in practice today.
Judo Canada and many other countries do elevate the most talented judo
that performs well at the National, International, World and Olympic
competitions.
There are rare occasions where some individuals are awarded the honorary
rank of Shodan. Kano did promote a few individuals who made substantial
contributions to the cause of advancing judo. In Canada, there are a few
personalities such as the Minister of Health and Sports and some special
sponsors who provided meritorious support. The award of honorary ranks is
within the purview of Judo Canada with some recommendation by the
Provincial Grading Boards.
International standards
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As a general rule Judo Canada follows the International Judo Federation
standards for promotion requirement. In accordance with time in rank, the
age group of the individual. The syllabus contains an evaluation of the moral
and intellectual values, an assessment of the technical skills, tactics and
strategies employed during the most intense physical period of the
candidate (competition-Shiai). It also evaluates the comprehension levels of
the mechanical principles associated with Tachi and Katame waza as well as
a demonstrated a regular behavior exposing the principle of Mutual Benefit
and Prosperity.

The senior grades

When reaching the senior rank of Rokudan (6th Dan) and above, the judokamaster can wear a red-white belt or shima-obi as signs of attainment of
higher skills mastery and comprehension of the judo as a way of life. At a 7th
and 8th Dan (Shichi and Hachi Dan), they are also wearing the red-white belt
and referred to Kyoshi in the ancient text. The Kudan and Judan holders or 9th10th Dan
do wear the full red belt or Aka-obi and are known as Hanshi or great
masters who have constantly perfected the art of judo and mastered its
principles and philosophy in several ways during their long career.

Kanos comments about the grading of individuals

In the book (Jigoro Kano and the Kodokan - An Innovative response to
modernization, by Kano Sensei Biographic Editorial Committee under Alex
Bennett, (Kodokan Judo Institute, 2009) there are some translations of
certificates dating May 20, 1894 written by Sensei Kano while the Kodokan
was still located in Shimotomizaka-cho. Certificates at lower levels of Shodan

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were on pre-printed forms while seniors candidates from 4th Dan and above
benefited from Sensei Kano personal and handwritten recommendations.
Interestingly, the written notes used different the words on the individual
certificates to encourage the recipients with the strong recommendations to
pursue the teaching of the tradition: will continue in training / study
will / must continue to study. It is an indication that Sensei Kano placed
much confidence in his choice of senior Dan candidates by seeking a further
commitment on their part towards the continuation and the deeper study of
his Kodokan Judo.
Annotation normally found on Shodan, 2-dan and 3-dan certificate;
"The bearer of this certificate has made great efforts in studying Nihon-den
Kodokan Judo and has demonstrated sufficient progress to be awarded the
grade of Shodan (2-dan, 3-dan). The holder of this certificate will continue
training to improve his skills".
Annotation inscribed on 4-dan and 5-dan certificate;
"Over the course of many years, the bearer of this certificate has made great
efforts studying Nihon-den Kodokan Judo, demonstrating high technical
ability, and is hereby awarded the grade of 4-dan (or 5-dan). The holder of
this certificate will study to become an instructor."
Recommendation inscribed on 6-dan certificate and above
"Over the course of many years the bearer of this certificate has made great
efforts studying Nihon-den Kodokan judo, demonstrating a mastery of
techniques, and is hereby awarded the grade of 6-dan. The holder of this
certificate must continue to study to become a true master (Shihan)."
Nowadays, similar notes and directions are etched on the current certificates
awarded by different IJF countries.

General Points Recognition for grading towards Shodan

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Desormeaux
Judoka must normally accumulate a minimum 1/3 of qualifying points from
Shiai, enter in Kata competition and obtain technical points for holding a
NCCP Certification level one or two. Having a proven record as an assistant
instructor in club development and recommended by the immediate teacher,
by participating in technical clinics and training camps. Other qualifications
points can be obtained for Referee Certification and participating in Kata
clinics and activities. It is imperative that the judoka must be active in Judo
and possess the above PREREQUISITES:
Notwithstanding the above, there are customary tests performed to evaluate
the increased proficiency in all lower rank requirements and the letter of
recommendation by the teacher is a must. Other criteria may also be used
such as: minimum of three (3) years active in judo with a valid membership,
minimum of one year as ikkyu or brown belt, a minimum of 120 points in
competition. Before a selection jury or panel, he or she must demonstrate:
selected Nage-Waza and Katame-Waza, as per the Grading Boards choice,
eight Nage waza and some Katame waza to include osae-shime and kansetsu
techniques. The candidate must also perform the first three sets of the Nage
no kata as Tori.

General Points recognition for grading in the Yudansha group

For the more senior grading examination, a similar table I used to calculate
required points towards promotion. They are: age groups in accordance with
the level being examine, minimum age from one to ninth Dan as follow: 1517-20- 24 29 -37- 47 -59, time in grade is spread over the required 1 year to
15 year in rank depending upon being classified as an outstanding
candidate, a superior, very good or good.
In Canada, we understand the meaning of a kodansha as a judoka who had
fought in tournaments in his or her pick Tai period. A judoka who participated
actively in the activities of his or her provincial or national association as a
coach, referee, or committee member, as well as with the club development
of his or her dojo as either a director or teacher-participant. A kodansha is
also judoka who teaches, and acts as a clinic conductor for events that
concern other yudansha (technical development, referee, or kata clinics or
methodological writings).
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Requirements for KODANSHA (Godan and above)
For ROKUDAN and Higher, the prerequisites are: candidates must present a
comprehensive activity profile demonstrating their substantial and
outstanding contribution to the sport of Judo in Canada since their last
promotion. The profile should include such items as: promotion and
development of judo; teaching; number of students promoted.
They must demonstrate and explain the following kata: Katame no kata,
Goshin-jutsu, Kime no kata and Ju- no- kata as well as being capable to
exhibit personal techniques. All the techniques must be demonstrated from
the point of view of their practical application. It is expected that the
candidate will show and explain one or two variations from a standard
approach.
At that level of demonstration, an increased proficiency in all techniques
should be completed with a detailed explanation of the principles and
reasons for the variations. As per other level of grading, the candidates are
expected to confirm their track records with coaching at different levels,
have a number of students in their care who are winning national
championships and international medals. Seniors masters are also expected
to be involved with refereeing activities at the national and international
events and volunteer some time and efforts towards the promotion and
expansion of judo.

The Jigoro Kano certificate from the Kito School in 1883

Conclusion
The requirements for judo grading seems somewhat lengthy and very
challenging as compare to other martial arts system where the technical
skills are the only prerequisites that matters. Its seriousness is compatible
with the pedagogical approach prescribed by Professor Jigoro Kano who saw
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and conceived judo as a total physical and mental system to bring forward all
the good qualities in the human-judoka, so that they can become better
citizen and be more helpful to the good of society. I wish you all a good
progression in the pursuit of your goals.
Ronald Desormeaux, Rokudan, Judo Teacher, University of Toronto,
Hart House Dojo, January 2015
Note: This article contains and is registered with the National Archives of Canada,
Electronic Data Bank. Commercial reproduction is not allowed without the written
permission of the author. For more information, please contact:
Ronalddesormeaux@gmail.com