Nidan Promotion Requirements
  Minimum Age: 19 Years Minimum time at Shodan:  18 months  
  Typical time at Shodan: 2-4 Years  
     
  The formal part of the promotion consists of 1/2 written and 1/2 performance. The written is made up of General Information and Vocabulary while the performance is the actual demonstration of throws, hold-downs, arm-bars, chokes, and various other techniques.  Click on the hyperlinks below to hear the names in Japanese.  
     
 

General Information

  
 

Judo Ranks

  
 
Judan 10th Degree Red Obi
Kudan 9th Degree Red Obi
Hachidan 8th Degree Red & White Obi
Shichidan 7th Degree Red & White Obi
Rokudan 6th Degree Red & White Obi
Godan 5th Degree Black Obi
Yodan 4th Degree Black Obi
Sandan 3rd Degree Black Obi
Nidan 2nd Degree Black Obi
Shodan 1st Degree Black Obi
Ikkyu 1st Class Brown Obi
Nikyu 2nd Class Brown Obi
Sankyu 3rd Class Brown Obi
Yonkyu 4th Class Green Obi
Gokyu 5th Class Orange Obi
Rokkyu 6th Class Yellow Obi
 
     
     
 

Two Slogans Of Judo

  
  Seiryoku Zenyo - Maximum Efficient Use of Mind and Body
Jita Kyoei - Mutual Benefit and Welfare		  
     
  You must know these 2 slogans of Judo!!  
     
     
 

Name The 3 Elements Of A Successful Judo Throw

  
  Kuzushi - Balance                      Tsukuri - Entry                       Kake - Execution  
     
     
 

Judo History

  
  Judo was formalized as a sport in 1882 by Jigoro Kano who opened the Kodokan (School for the study of the way) in Tokyo, Japan.  Judo was first introduced as an Olympic sport in 1964 in Tokyo, Japan.  
     
  Unarmed combat in Japan was called Jujutsu, which means "The Gentle Art" and was practiced for about 600-1000 years before Judo was created.  
     
     
 

Count To 10 In Japanese

  
 
Ichi - One San - Three Go - Five Shichi - Seven Ku - Nine
Ni - Two Shi - Four Roku - Six Hachi - Eight Ju - Ten
 
     
     
 

Name The 3 Parts Of Unarmed Combat

  
 
Striking Techniques Atemi Waza
Throwing Techniques Nage Waza
Grappling Techniques Ne Waza
 
     
     
 

Name The 2 Divisions Of Throwing Techniques

  
 
Standing Techniques Tachi Waza
Sacrifice Techniques Sutemi Waza
 
     
     
 

Name The 3 Divisions Of Standing Throwing Techniques

  
 
Hand Techniques Te Waza
Hip/Waist Techniques Koshi Waza
Foot/Leg Techniques Ashi Waza
 
     
     
 

Happo No Kuzushi (Eight Directions of Off-Balancing)

  
 
Hidari Mae Sumi Ma Mae Migi Mae Sumi
     
Hidari Yoko (from Uke's perspective) Migi Yoko
     
Hidari Ushiro Sumi Ma Ushiro Migi Ushiro Sumi
 
     
     
 

Methods Of Walking In Judo

  
 
Normal Way of Walking Ayumi Ashi
Following Foot Way of Walking Tsugi Ashi
 
     
     
 

Postures Of Judo

  
 
Shizen Hontai - Basic Natural Posture Jigo Hontai - Basic Defensive Posture
Migi Shizentai - Right Natural Posture Migi Jigotai - Right Defensive Posture
Hidari Shizentai - Left Natural Posture Hidari Jigotai - Left Defensive Posture
 
     
     
 

Name The 2 Divisions Of Sacrifice Throwing Techniques

  
 
Straight Sacrifice Techniques Ma Sutemi Waza
Side Sacrifice Techniques Yoko Sutemi Waza
 
     
     
 

Name The 3 Divisions Of Mat Techniques

  
 
Strangulation Techniques Shime Waza
Joint Locking Techniques Kansetsu Waza
Immobilization Techniques Osaekomi Waza
 
     
     
 

Ultimate Goal of Judo as Defined by Jigoro Kano:

  
  The harmonious development and eventual perfection of human character.  
     
     
 

Tactical Variables for Randori/Shiai

  
 
  G - Grip   P - Posture
  E - Edge of the Mat   A - Angle of Attack
  T - Tempo   D - Defense
 
     
     
 

Men Who Attained 10th Degree (Judan) While They Were Still Living:

  
 
  Hidekazu Nagaoka - 1937 (1876 - 1952) Kunisaburo Iizuka - 1946 (1875 - 1958)
  Kyuzo Mifune - 1945 (1884 - 1965) Kaichiro Samura - 1948 (1880 - 1965)
  Shotaro Tobata - 1948 (1885 - 1950) Hajime Isogai - 1937 (1871 - 1947)
  Yoshiaki Yamashita - 1935 (1856 - 1935) Sumiyuki Kotani - 1984 (1903 - 1991)
  Toshiro Daigo - 2006 (1926 - ) Ichiro Abe - 2006 (1923 - )
  Yoshimi Osawa - 2006 (1927 - )  
 
     
  As an alternate, you may also list the only woman ever promoted to the rank of Kudan.
Fukuda Sensei was promoted to Kudan (9th Degree Black Belt) in 2006 when she was 90.		  
 
  Keiko Fukuda - 2006 (1915 - )  
 
     
     
 

Name the 9 Kata the Kodokan Formally Recognizes: 

  
 
  Nage No Kata Forms of Throwing
  Katame No Kata Forms of Grappling
  Ju No Kata Forms of Gentleness
  Goshin Jutsu No Kata Forms of Self-Defense
  Kime No Kata Forms of Decision
  Joshi Goshinho No Kata Forms of Self-Defense for Women
  Itsutsu No Kata Forms of Five Principles
  Koshiki No Kata Forms of Antiquity
  Seiryoku Zenyo Kokuimin Taiiku Maximum Efficiency Physical Exercises
 
     
     
  Additional Requirement:  Once you have earned the rank of Sankyu, you will need to earn the Level I coaching certification in order to test for Nikyu.  This study should take less than 30 days to complete.   Please see your instructor with any questions.  
     
     
 

Olympic and Championship History

  
  Judo was first introduced in the 1964 Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan.   Representing the US in those games were Ben Campbell, James Bregman, George Harris, and Paul Maruyama.   Jim Bregman won a
Bronze Medal at those games.		  
     
  The first America to win a Gold Medal at the World Judo Championships was Mike Swain who was the 1987 World Judo Champion in his weight division.  
     
     
 

What are the 4 sides of the dojo called?

  
 
1.   Upper Seat Kamiza (Head Instructor stands here)
2.   Upper Side Joseki (Assistant Instructors and Senior Students stand here)
3.   Lower Seat Shimoza (Junior Students stand here)
4.   Lower Side Shimoseki
 
     
     
 

Name 4 Americans who have earned Judo medals in the Olympics and what medal did they earn:

  
 
James Bregman 1964 Bronze Medal
Allen Coage 1976 Bronze Medal
Eddie Liddie 1984 Bronze Medal
Robert Berland 1984 Silver Medal
Kevin Asano 1988 Silver Medal
Mike Swain 1988 Bronze Medal
Lynn Roethke 1988 Silver Medal
Margaret Castro-Gomez 1988 Bronze Medal
Jason Morris 1992 Silver Medal
James Pedro 1996 Bronze Medal
James Pedro 2004 Bronze Medal
Rhonda Rousey 2008 Bronze Medal
 
     
     
  Additional Requirement:  

After earning your Shodan Rank, you will have to complete the Level II Coaching Certification before testing for Nidan.  

 
     
     
 

Vocabulary

  
 
Judo The Gentle Way   Kiotsuke Attention
Rei Bow   Judoka Judo Players
Ukemi Falls   Dojo Practice hall
Judogi Judo Uniform   Ashi Foot/leg
Soto Outside   Harai or Barai Sweep
Eri Collar/Lapel   O Major
Uchi Inside   Ko Minor
Gari Reap   Koshi or Goshi Hip
Sensei Teacher   Uchikomi Practice w/o throwing
Hiza Knee   Uke Receiver of a technique
Gyaku Reverse   Waza Technique
Tori Giver of a technique   Randori Free Practice
Nami Normal   Ude Arm
Juji Cross   Hidari Left
Yoko Side   Seoi Shoulder
Migi Right   Kake Execution of a technique
Ippon (tournament call) One Point!   Nage Throw
Hajime Begin   Obi Belt
Kumi Command to Grip Gi   Hai Yes
Kesa Scarf   Matte Stop
Iie No   Kata Shoulder
Gatame or Katame Lock/Hold   Shime or Jime Choke/Strangle
Uki Floating   Rokkyu 6th Class Rank
Seiza Sitting on Knees   Anza Sitting Cross-legged
 
     
     
 
Ju Gentle   Do Way
Kuzure Modified/Broken   De Advanced
Maitta I surrender Dan Black Belt Grade
Waza Ari 1/2 Point   Yuko Major Minor Point
Koka Minor Minor Point   Ushiro Rear
Osaekomi Hold Down   Yonkyu 4th Class Rank
Gokyu 5th Class Rank   Kyu Student Ranks
Kuzushi off-balancing   Okuri Sliding
Ayumi Ashi Normal Way of Walking   Guruma Wheel
Zempo Kaiten Ukemi Forward Rolling Fall   Tsugi Ashi Following Foot Way of Walking
Shiho 4 Corners   Kami Upper
Tai Body   Te Hand
Otoshi Drop   Tsurikomi Lift-pull
Sasae Propping   Tate Vertical or Upper
Shiai Contest   Domo Arigato Thank you!
Yoko Side   Morote Two Hands
 
     
     
 
Tai Sabaki Body Turning   Sumi Corner
Hon Fundamental/Basic   Toketa Hold Down Broken
Tatami Straw Mats   Yoshi Continue
Sore Made That's All!   Sono Mama Don't Move!
Waza-ari Awasete Ippon 2 half points equal 1 point   Happo No Kuzushi Eight Directions of Off-Balancing
Kumikata Forms of Gripping   Hansoku Make Disqualification
Keikoku 1/2 Point Penalty   Shido Minor-Minor Penalty
Chui Major-Minor Penalty   Jigotai Defensive Posture
Sankyu 3rd Class Rank   Nikyu 2nd Class Rank
Ikkyu 1st Class Rank   Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt
Nidan 2nd Degree Black Belt   Sandan 3rd Degree Black Belt
Yodan 4th Degree Black Belt   Godan 5th Degree Black Belt
Rokudan 6th Degree Black Belt   Shichidan 7th Degree Black Belt
Hachidan 8th Degree Black Belt   Kudan 9th Degree Black Belt
Judan 10th Degree Black Belt   Waki Arm-pit
Gonosen No Kata Forms of Counter Throwing   Itsutsu No Kata Forms of Five Principles
Nage No Kata Forms of Throwing   Katame No Kata Forms of Grappling
Kata Prearranged Forms   Tsukuri Entry Into A Technique
Jita Kyoei Mutual Benefit and Welfare   Seiryoku Zenyo Maximum Efficient Use Of
Mind and Body
Uwagi Jacket
         
 
     
     
 
Kime No Kata Forms of Decision   Renraku No Kata Forms of Combinations
Goshin Jutsu No Kata Forms of Self-Defense   Ju No Kata Forms of Gentleness
Koshiki No Kata Forms of Antiquity   Budo Martial Arts
Bushido The Way Of The Warrior   Makikomi Winding Pull
Mata Thigh   Koho Ukemi Rear Falls
Renraku Waza Combination Techniques   Gokyo No Waza 5 Stages of Techniques
Bogyo Defense To An Attack   Batsugun Instant Promotion
Hane Springing Actions   Jigo Hontai Basic Defensive Posture
Ki Inner Spirit of Energy   Kiai Shout of Spirit
Mudansha Holder of a Student Rank   Ne Waza Techniques from Supine Position
Sukashi Avoiding or Evading   Sukoshi A Little
Sukui Scooping   Ritsu Rei Standing Bow
Shizen Hontai Basic Natural Posture   Sutemi Sacrifice
Tani Valley   Tatsu Stand
Tachi Waza Standing Techniques   Sutemi Waza Sacrifice Throwing Techniques
Tomoe Circle   Tsubame Gaeshi Swallow-Flight Counter
Kaiten Rolling   Jujutsu Gentle Art/Science
 
     
     
 
Ma Straight In Any Direction   Make Loss of Any Type
Ma Sutemi Waza Straight Sacrifice Throws   Yoko Sutemi Waza Side Sacrifice Thows
Sotai Renshu Pairs Practice   Sode Sleeve
Yudansha Holder Of Black Belt Rank   Ryote Both Hands
Yusei Gachi Win by Decision   Zarei Kneeling Bow
Zubon Judo Gi Pants   Mune Chest
Onegai Shimasu Please   Gake or Kake Hook
Do Jime Illegally encircling with legs   Fusegi Escape From Hold Down
Hantei Decision! (ref's call)   Junbi Undo Warm-up Exercises
Kaeshi Waza Counter Technique   Kani Scissors (crab claw)
Hairi Kata Entry Methods Into Mat     
  Work		   Yudanshakai Organization of Black Belt
  Holders
Shimpan Referee   Shiaijo Contest Area
Ju Ni Dan 12th Degree Black Belt
  (awarded to Kano only)		   Shihan Honorary Title Used For
  Dr. Kano Only
 
     
     
 
Kime Decision   Shintai Body Movement
Shisei Posture In General   Atemi Waza Striking Techniques
Katsu or Kappo Forms of Resuscitation   Jikan Time!
Joseki Upper Side Of The Dojo   Shimmeisho No Waza Newly Certified Techniques
Kansetsu Waza Joint-Locking Techniques   Garami Entangling As In Arm-Bar
Kawazu Gake Illegal Entwining Of A Leg   Shumatsu Undo Cool Down Exercises
Tokui Waza Favorite Technique   Keiko Practice In General
Kinsa Slight Superiority   Taiso Exercise
Tandoku Renshu Solo Practice      
 
     
     
 
Fusen Gachi Win By Forfeit   Gachi or Kachi Win Of Any Type
Hiki Wake Draw! In A Match   Ai Yotsu Same-side Gripping
Kiken Gachi Win By Withdrawal Of Opponent   Sogo Gachi Win by 1/2 Point Score & 1/2 Point Opponent Penalty
Sute Geiko Alternate Throwing Practice   Hishigi To Crush - As In Arm-Bar
Kenka Yotsu Opposite Side Gripping   Hikite Pulling/Locking Hand
Tsurite Power Or Drawing Hand   Aka Red
Shiro White   Nidan Biki Two-Staged Pull
Kohaku Shiai "Winner Stays Up" Shiai   Tentori Shiai Elimination Tournament
 
     
     
 

Performance Requirements

  
 
 

Techniques

Quantity Required
  Throws 54
  Throwing Combinations 24
  Throwing Defenses 20
  Counter Throwing 16
  Kumi Kata 13
  Grip Breaking 7
  Hold Downs 12
  Hold Down Escapes 18
  Chokes 13
  Arm Bars 10
  Miscellaneous 20
     
  Kata (Choose 3)  
  Nage No Kata Full Kata
  Katame No Kata Full Kata
  Renraku No Kata Full Kata
  Itsutsu No Kata Full Kata
  Goshin Jutsu No Kata Full Kata
  Kime No Kata Full Kata
  Ju No Kata Full Kata
  Gonosen No Kata Full Kata
  Any Additional Kata All Techniques
 
     
  Ability to teach and perform any 3 Kata.   Certification is acceptable in place of performance at promotion time.   There is no requirement to have any Kata at a 'B' level certification but this does carry additional credit toward your promotion.   In place of 'B' level certification, candidates must be able to perform both Tori and Uke's roles.