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Learn how our grading system works.
The Judo Australia grading system is designed to recognize each student’s progress in skills, knowledge, and time commitment. We hold gradings four times per year (approximately every 3 months), inviting eligible members to demonstrate their skills and earn their next belt. Below, you’ll find the details on grading requirements and progression for juniors, seniors, and adaptive judo members.
Junior students progress through both full-color belts and half-belts, with the following minimum ages:
No Minimum Age
Min Age: 4 Years Old
Min Age: 5 Years Old
Min Age: 6 Years Old
Min Age: 7 Years Old
Min Age: 8 Years Old
Min Age: 9 Years Old
Min Age: 10 Years Old
Min Age: 11 Years Old
Min Age: 12 Years Old
Min Age: 13 Years Old
The minimum time-in-grade is 6 months for each belt, with exceptions for White to Yellow, where the progression may be faster for enthusiastic and skilled judokas.
The Club Junior Grading Evaluation Form outlines the required knowledge and techniques for each grade. After each grading, students will receive a copy of this evaluation form, which includes valuable feedback from their coach to help guide their continued progress and development.
When juniors reach 15, they move into the Senior grading system, keeping their full-color belts up to Green. Half-belt colors revert to the lower full-color belt. This transition ensures juniors have a strong foundation for senior-level skills, such as arm locks, strangles, and kata. For example:
Senior members follow the Judo Australia kyu grading system, starting with white belt and progressing through the colors as follows:
No Minimum Age
Min Age: 5 Years Old
Min Age: 7 Years Old
Min Age: 9 Years Old
Min Age: 11 Years Old
Min Age: 13 Years Old
The Club Senior Grading Evaluation Form outlines the required knowledge and techniques for each grade. After each grading, students will receive a copy of this evaluation form, which includes valuable feedback from their coach to help guide their continued progress and development.
Grading Pathways: Knowledge vs. Competition
Note: Competition points are earned through eligible events throughout WA and Australia, based on our contest points table (see the table below).
The dan grading system represents the advanced levels of achievement in judo, consisting of 10 ranks or levels known as “dans.” Each rank reflects a judoka’s dedication, skill, knowledge, and contributions to the sport. Dan grades are prestigious milestones that require extensive experience and preparation.
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
No Minimum Age
The dan grading system is not administered at the club level. Instead, it is overseen at state, national, and international levels. The Judo Australia Grading Policy (available here) outlines the processes, eligibility requirements, and expected knowledge for sitting dan grading examinations.
In Western Australia (WA), dan gradings are typically held twice a year and are managed by Judo WA and the Judo WA Grading Committee. Candidates must secure their club coach’s endorsement before applying for a dan grading examination.
There are nine recognized pathways to achieve dan grades, each catering to different skills, achievements, and contributions:
Each pathway has specific eligibility criteria and limitations. Members are encouraged to discuss their options with a club coach before submitting an application. For most members, the Knowledge and Service Pathway or the Contest Points and Knowledge Pathway are the most common routes.
To assist candidates, Judo WA provides a Dan Grading Information Pack that summarizes the dan grading requirements outlined in the comprehensive Judo Australia Grading Policy. This resource is highly recommended for candidates preparing for their dan grading.
Adaptive Judo provides a tailored grading system for our special needs members, ensuring an accessible and inclusive approach. Each member’s pathway is individually designed to focus on progress and personal achievements.
At each grading, students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate the skills required for their next belt level. The specific techniques to be demonstrated for each grade are outlined in the Grading System section above.
Gradings typically last around 1 hour, depending on the number of candidates participating. During the grading, students will be asked to perform the required techniques in an exam-like setting that is both structured and encouraging. This includes:
Our goal is to provide an environment that allows students to showcase their progress and achievements while fostering confidence and positive development.
Eligibility for grading is based on the following criteria:
Our coaches will typically invite members to sit for their grading when they believe the member is ready and deserving of their next grade. This ensures that all candidates are well-prepared and confident during their assessment.
The cost of attending a grading session is $25, which covers the facility and coach time. New belts are available for $15. Successful candidates will receive their new belt along with an official Judo Australia Grading Certificate.