US Traditional Kodokan Judo (From the Website www.USTKJ.org)

2.1 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF JUDO
Candidates will be examined to assess theirknowledge and understanding of judo. This element of the examination usuallyincludes both written and oral tests. Topics that the examiners my askquestions on include judo origins, history, customs, etiquette, terminology,technical evolution, application of judo to everyday life, kata etc. Thepurpose for this part of the promotion requirements is to establish not onlywhat the candidate knows about judo - but also what the candidate is capable ofteaching others. The written material must be the candidate’s own work and notcopied from books or other sources.

2.2 ALL-ROUND ABILITY IN KODOKAN JUDO
Ability in Kodokan Judo will be assessed bypractical examination on the tatami. The technical element of the examinationusually includes demonstration of waza, demonstration of kata and randori (orshiai). All waza and kata demonstrations should be prepared properly over aperiod of time and should reflect Kodokan standards as described in the text Kodokan Judo (Kano, Kodansha International). Note that for higher Dan grades a teaching element isalso introduced.

2.3 WAZA
Comprehensive demonstration of the waza ofKodokan Judo is fundamental to the Dan rank promotion requirements of ITKJ.Knowledge of individual Nage Waza (Kodokan Gokyo no Waza and Shinmeisho noWaza), Katame Waza and Atemi Waza is required as well as Renzoku Waza, Renraku Waza and Kaeshi Waza. Note that judoka are expected to know the Gokyo no Wazaprior to achieving Shodan, and must have improved skill and knowledge (toinclude variations) at Dan Grade level.
Note also, that the individual Nage Waza, Katame Waza and Atemi Waza will be demonstrated to both the left and rightsides.
Note the following terminology:

The possible waza pairings for continuousattack and counterattack are almost unlimited. The candidate is again referredto the text Kodokan Judo (Kano, Kodansha International) for guidance.
All waza demonstrations must be performed at anappropriate tempo with the candidate and Uke moving as in light randori or inthe appropriate positions for the Katame waza. For all demonstrations it isessential that Uke provide the correct opportunity for execution of the waza.
Allowances will be made for differences inphysique between individuals e.g. a taller person may demonstrate tai-otoshidifferently from a shorter person etc. however no allowances will be made for alack of technical ability of either the candidate or Uke.

2.4 KATA
Kata is a method of studying the techniques andprinciples of Kodokan Judo via prearranged forms. Dr Jigoro Kano and other high-ranking judoka of past and present generations have developed the KodokanJudo kata as a result of long and detailed research and practice.
The ITKJ has followed Kodokan guidelines in its kata requirements for each grade and as such the following kata are specified in the ITKJ Dan rank promotion syllabus

• Nage no Kata
• Katame no Kata
• Kime no Kata
• Kodokan Goshin Jutsu
• Ju no Kata
• Itsutsu no Kata
• Koshiki no Kata

2.5 RANDORI AND/OR SHIAI
Randori and/or shiai will be used as means ofassessing the candidates’ skillful and effective application of Kodokan Judo. Each candidate will receive a maximum of five (5) randori or shiai matches. The higher the Dan aimed for, the higher the level of performance that will be expected.

Randori
Randori (free practice) is a method of studying Kodokan Judo via actual offence and defense applied during free movements withan opponent. Randori was considered by Jigoro Kano as an essential part of developing skill in Kodokan Judo.
The following elements will be form the basisof randori evaluation:

• The execution of thevarious Nage Waza and Katame Waza as individual techniques, in combinations orcounters
• Randori must beperformed in an uninhibited and free style - without fear of being countered, since there is no winner or loser
• The transition from Tachi Waza to Ne Waza must be clear, quick and logical
• The two judoka must demonstrate a certain ease in their movements, in the application of various techniques
• All ukemi must beperformed with good control
• The randori cannot bepre-arranged and must be fluid. It must not be mechanical or spectacular, butmust reflect sincerity

Shiai
Shiai (contest) is a test of an individual’s skill in Kodokan Judo through contest with an active opponent. Jigoro Kano considered shiai, kata and randori as equally important elements for the practice and study of Kodokan Judo.
It is essential for candidates to recognize that there is no minimum number of wins requirements for promotion as it is the demonstration ofskill and effective technique against a resisting opponent that is important. Wins obtained through strength alone will not usually support the case for promotion. A defeat, if something notable is found in it, may be considered positively in the overall assessment.