Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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.
1
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
2