US JU-JITSU RANK REQUIREMENTS

Copyright: United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, 1999, 2000, 2001, Reno, NV
This publication may not be reproduced either whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation

US Ju-Jitsu Rank Requirements PDF Version

FOREWORD

Bruce R. Bethers, 8^th Dan, Shihan
President and CEO
United States Ju-Jitsu Federation
Ju-Jitsu North American Union

NEW STUDENT, (WHITE BELT)
JUKYU (Yellow Belt -10^th CLASS)
KUKYU (Yellow Belt - 9^th CLASS)
HACHIKYU (Blue Belt - 8^th CLASS)
SHICHIKYU (Blue Belt - 7^th CLASS)
ROKYU (Green Belt - 6^th CLASS)
GOKYU (Green Belt - 5^th CLASS)
YONKYU (Purple Belt - 4th CLASS)
SANKYU (Purple Belt - 3rd CLASS)
NIKYU (Brown Belt - 2nd CLASS)
IKKYU (Brown Belt - 1st CLASS)
SHODAN (Black Belt, 1^st Degree)
NIDAN (Black Belt, 2^nd Degree)
SANDAN (Black Belt, 3^rd Degree)
YONDAN (Black Belt, 4^th Degree)
GODAN (Black Belt, 5^th Degree)
ROKUDAN (Black Belt, 6^th Degree)
SHICHIDAN (Black Belt, 7^th Degree)
HACHIDAN (Black Belt, 8^th Degree)
KUDAN (Black Belt, 9^th Degree)
JUDAN (Black Belt, 10^th Degree)

General Requirements:

1. This rank is assigned to individuals of good moral character who have been accepted as a student by an officially recognized US JU-JITSU instructor/Examiner of the USJJF

2. No age requirement.

3. Basic knowledge of dojo rules, procedures and hygiene.

4. Regular dojo attendance and training.

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JUKYU (Yellow Belt -10^th CLASS) Tenth Class:

General Requirements:

1. This rank is assigned to individuals of good moral character who have been accepted as a student by an officially recognized US JU-JITSU Instructor/Examiner of the USJJF.

2. No age requirement.

3. Basic knowledge of dojo rules, procedures and hygiene.

4. Regular dojo attendance and training.

5. Must be Member in good standing with the USJJF.

6. Minimum time in grade & training requirement as a White Belt, two months.

General Knowledge:

1. Origin of Ju-Jitsu (China)

2. Translation of "Ju-Jitsu" (The Gentle Art)

3. Known length of Ju-Jitsu’s history. (2,000 years)

4. Official National System of Ju-Jitsu as taught by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation. (US JU-JITSU)

Understand Fundamentals of:

General Terminology & Phases

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

TAISABAKI – Body Movements

ATE WAZA – Striking Techniques:

GERI WAZA – Kicking Techniques:

UKE WAZA – Blocking Techniques:

ATEMI WAZA – Vital Point Techniques

(Students will point out each of the below "Targets" & know the correct methods of striking the target areas.)

KANSETSU WAZA – Joint Locking Techniques:

SHIME WAZA – Choking Techniques:

(Not Applicable. Begins at Rokyu Level.)

OSAE WAZA – Holding Techniques:

UKEMI WAZA – Breakfalling Techniques:

NAGE WAZA – Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU – Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a "Basic" self defense technique for each type of attack, "first for form" & "second with speed & power". Each technique will include a block, escape or counter with take-down or throw, followed by a control hold or strike.)

1. Single Punch (upper & mid body)

2. Single Normal Wrist Grab (2ea)

3. Single Lapel Grab (2ea)

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General Requirements:

1. This rank is assigned to individuals of good moral character who have been accepted as a student by an officially recognized US JU-JITSU Instructor/Examiner of the USJJF.

2. No age requirement.

3. Basic knowledge of dojo rules, procedures and hygiene.

4. Regular dojo attendance and training.

5. Must be Member in good standing with the USJJF.

6. Minimum time in grade & training requirement as Jukyu, three months.

General Knowledge:

1. US JU-JITSU, "The Official USJJF National Ju-Jitsu System".

2. Brief overview of the development of US JU-JITSU and its historical origins. Refer to the USJJF Official Website: www.usjjf.org

3. Basic martial arts etiquette, (same as #2).

Understand Fundamentals of:

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

TAISABAKI (Body Movement)

ATE WAZA – Striking Techniques:

GERI WAZA – Kicking Techniques:

(Improved ability of the following techniques)

UKE WAZA – Blocking Techniques:

ATEMI WAZA – Vital Point Techniques

(Students will point out each of the below "Targets" & know the correct methods of striking the target areas.)

KANSETSU WAZA – Joint Locking Techniques:

SHIME WAZA – Choking Techniques:

(Not Applicable. Begins at Rokyu Level.)

OSAE WAZA – Holding Techniques:

UKEMI WAZA – Breakfalling Techniques:

NAGE WAZA – Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU – Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a "Basic" self defense technique for each type of attack, "first for form" & "second with speed & power". Each technique will include a block, escape or counter with take-down or throw, followed by a control hold or strike.)

Improved ability of the previous requirements.

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General Requirements:

1. This rank is assigned to individuals of good moral character who have been accepted as a student by an officially recognized US JU-JITSU Instructor/Examiner of the USJJF.

2. No age requirement.

3. Basic knowledge of dojo rules, procedures and hygiene.

4. Regular dojo attendance and training.

5. Must be Member in good standing with the USJJF.

6. Minimum time in grade requirement as Kukyu, three months.

General Knowledge:

Purpose of Warming Up (Jumbi Undo) and Cooling Off (Shumatsu Undo).

Understand Fundamentals of:

General Terminology & Japanese Phases

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

ATE WAZA - Striking Techniques:

GERI WAZA - Kicking Techniques:

UKE WAZA - Blocking Techniques:

ATEMI WAZA - Vital Point Techniques
(Student will point out each of the below "targets" & know the correct methods of striking the target areas.)

KANSETSU WAZA – Joint Locking Techniques:

SHIME WAZA – Choking Techniques:

(Not Applicable. Begins at Rokyu Level.)

OSAE WAZA - Holding Techniques:

UKEMI WAZA – Breakfalling Techniques:

Improved ability of the previous techniques

NAGE WAZA – Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU - Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a "Basic" self defense technique for each type of attack, "first for form" & "second with speed & power". Each technique will include block, escape or counter with take-down or throw & control hold or strike.

1. Front Choke (2ea)

2. Rear Choke (2ea)

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SHICHIKYU (Blue Belt - 7^th CLASS) Seventh Class:

 General Requirements:

1. Sound moral character.

2. No age requirement.

3. Regular dojo attendance and training.

4. Must be Member in good standing with the USJJF.

5. Trained & examined by a certified USJJF Instructor/Examiner.

6. Minimum time in grade requirement as Hachikyu, three months.

General Knowledge:

1. USJJF Belt Rank System by belt colors. (English & Japanese terminology for ranks through 10^th Dan).

2. Understanding of "Student – Teacher" relationship in the Martial Arts. (Refer to the USJJF Website, www.usjjf.org)

Understand Fundamentals of:

1. Understand the Philosophy of Ju-Jitsu. (Refer to USJJF Website, www.usjjf.org)

2. Understand the "Six-Step Process" of learning Martial Arts. (Same as #1)

General Terminology & Japanese Phases

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

KANSETSU WAZA – Joint Locking Techniques:

SHIME WAZA – Choking Techniques:

(Not Applicable. Begins at Rokyu Level.)

OSAE WAZA – Holding Techniques

UKEMI WAZA – Breakfalling Techniques

NAGE WAZA – Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU - Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a "Basic" self defense technique for each type of attack, "first for form" & "second with speed & power". Each technique will include block, escape or counter with take-down or throw & control hold or strike.

1. Front Bear Hug Attack (arms free)

2. Rear Bear Hug Attack (arms free)

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ROKYU (Green Belt - 6^th CLASS) Sixth Class:

 General Requirements:

1. Sound moral character.

2. No age requirement.

3. Regular dojo attendance and training.

4. Member in good standing with the USJJF.

5. Trained & examined by a certified USJJF Instructor/Examiner.

6. Minimum time in grade requirement as Shichikyu, three months.

General Knowledge:

1. Understanding the purpose of breakfalling. (Ukemi).

2. Understand the importance of "Center" (Hara).

3. Understanding of "Spirit" (Ki).

Understand Fundamentals of:

1. Understand the basic concept of breaking your opponent's balance & controlling his off-balance. (Happo-No-Kuzushi).

2. Understand the training concept of the "Attacker" (Uke) & the "Defender" (Tori).

3. Introductory Randori skills (recommended as supplemental training).

General Terminology & Japanese Phases

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

ATE WAZA - Striking Techniques:

GERI WAZA - Kicking Techniques:

UKE WAZA - Blocking Techniques:

ATEMI WAZA - Vital Point Techniques:

(Student will point out each of the below "targets" and know the correct methods of striking the target areas.)

KANSETSU WAZA - Joint Locking Techniques:

SHIME WAZA - Choking Techniques:

OSAE WAZA - Holding Techniques:

UKEMI WAZA - Breakfalling Techniques:

NAGE WAZA - Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU - Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a self defense technique for each type of attack, "first for form" & "second with speed & power". Each technique will include block, escape or counter with take-down or throw & control hold.)

1. Single Cross Wrist Grab

2. Double Grab on One Arm

3. Double Wrist Grab

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General Requirements:

1. Sound moral character.

2. No age requirement.

3. Regular dojo attendance and training.

4. Member in good standing with the USJJF.

5. Trained & examined by a certified USJJF Instructor/Examiner.

6. Minimum time in grade requirement as Rokyu, four months.

General Knowledge:

Understand the fundamentals of escapes (fusegi waza), counters (kaeshi waza) and combination (renroku waza) techniques.

Understand Fundamentals of:

1. Understand the fundamental concept of "Movement Strategy" (fumiri waza and taibasaki waza) in Ju-Jitsu. (Refer to the USJJF Website: www.usjjf.org)

2. Understand the fundamental "key" points of Ju-Jitsu techniques and how to perform with maximum efficiency. (same as #1)

3. Introductory Kumite skills (recommended as supplemental training).

General Terminology & Japanese Phases

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

ATE WAZA - Striking Techniques:

GERI WAZA - Kicking Techniques:

UKE WAZA - Blocking Techniques:

ATEMI WAZA - Vital Point Techniques:

(Student will point out each of the below "targets" and know the correct methods of striking the target areas.)

KANSETSU WAZA - Joint Locking Techniques:

SHIME WAZA - Choking Techniques:

OSAE WAZA - Holding Techniques:

UKEMI WAZA - Breakfalling Techniques:

NAGE WAZA - Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU - Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a self defense technique for each type of attack, "first for form" & "second with speed & power". Each technique will include block, escape or counter with take-down or throw & control hold.)

1. Improved ability on all previous Goshinjitsu requirements

2. Front Bear Hug Attack (arms locked)

3. Rear Bear Hug Attack (arms locked)

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General Requirements:

1. Sound moral character.

2. No age requirement.

3. Regular dojo attendance and training.

4. Member in good standing with the USJJF.

5. Trained & examined by a certified USJJF Instructor/Examiner.

6. Minimum time in grade requirement as Gokyu, four months.

General Knowledge:

1. Know the sixteen major divisions of techniques in US Ju-Jitsu training:

2. Know the Historical Development of Ju-Jitsu. (Provide a written essay w/bibliography on the history of Ju-Jitsu Development.)

Understand Fundamentals of:

1. Understand the fundamental "key" points of Ju-Jitsu techniques and how to perform with maximum efficiency. (same as #1)

2. Continued introductory Randori skills (recommended as supplemental training).

General Terminology & Japanese Phases

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

ATE WAZA - Striking Techniques:

GERI WAZA - Kicking Techniques:

UKE WAZA - Blocking Techniques:

ATEMI WAZA - Vital Point Techniques:

(Student will point out each of the below "targets" and know the correct methods of striking the target areas.)

KANSETSU WAZA - Joint Locking Techniques:

SHIME WAZA - Choking Techniques:

OSAE WAZA - Holding Techniques:

UKEMI WAZA - Breakfalling Techniques:

NAGE WAZA - Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU - Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a self defense technique for each type of attack, "first for form" & "second with speed & power". Each technique will include block, escape or counter with take-down or throw & control hold.)

1. Side Choke (2ea)

2. Double Lapel Grab

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General Requirements:

1. Sound moral character.

2. No age requirement.

3. Regular dojo attendance and training.

4. Member in good standing with the USJJF.

5. Trained & examined by a certified USJJF Instructor/Examiner.

6. Minimum time in grade requirement as Yonkyu, four months.

General Knowledge:

1. Improved ability in previous rank requirements.

2. Ability to teach the fundamental Ju-Jitsu skills.

3. Ability to explain the general concepts & foundations of US JU-JITSU.

4. Japanese terminology for all techniques required.

Understand Fundamentals of:

1. Understand the basic concept of Body Movements - Dodging Technique - Furimi Waza. (Refer to the USJJF Website, www.usjjf.org)

2. Continued introductory Kumite skills (recommended as supplemental training).

General Terminology & Japanese Phases

WAZA - Techniques

Students will demonstrate the following techniques:

ATE WAZA - Striking Techniques:

GERI WAZA - Kicking Techniques:

UKE WAZA - Blocking Techniques:

ATEMI WAZA - Vital Point Techniques:

(Student will point out each of the below "targets" and know the correct methods of striking the target areas.)

SHIME WAZA - Choking Techniques:

OSAE WAZA - Holding Techniques:

KANSETSU WAZA - Joint Locking Techniques:

UKEMI WAZA - Breakfalling Techniques:

NAGE WAZA - Throwing Techniques:

GOSHINJITSU - Self Defense Techniques:

(Students will demonstrate a self defense technique for each type of attack, &q