Grading information
Learn how our grading system works — junior, senior and adaptive pathways, dan grades, and what to expect on grading day.
Overview of the grading system
The Judo Australia grading system is designed to recognise each student’s progress in skills, knowledge and time commitment. We hold gradings four times per year (approximately every three months), inviting eligible members to demonstrate their skills and earn their next belt. Below you will find the details on grading requirements and progression for juniors, seniors and adaptive judo members.
Junior grading system (under 15 years)
Junior students progress through both full-colour belts and half-belts, with the following minimum ages:
White
No minimum age
White–Yellow belt
Min age: 4 years
Yellow belt
Min age: 5 years
Yellow–Orange belt
Min age: 6 years
Orange belt
Min age: 7 years
Orange–Green belt
Min age: 8 years
Green belt
Min age: 9 years
Green–Blue belt
Min age: 10 years
Blue belt
Min age: 11 years
Blue–Brown belt
Min age: 12 years
Brown belt
Min age: 13 years
The minimum time in grade is six months for each belt, with exceptions for white to yellow, where progression may be faster for enthusiastic and skilled judoka.
Expected knowledge
The Club Junior Grading Evaluation Form outlines the required knowledge and techniques for each grade. After each grading, students receive a copy of this evaluation form, including feedback from their coach to guide continued progress.
Transition to senior grades
When juniors reach 15, they move into the senior grading system, keeping their full-colour belts up to green. Half-belt colours revert to the lower full-colour belt. This transition ensures juniors have a strong foundation for senior-level skills such as arm locks, strangles and kata. For example:
- A yellow–orange belt becomes a yellow belt.
- A green–blue belt or higher becomes a green belt.
Senior kyu grading system (ages 15 and older)
Senior members follow the Judo Australia kyu grading system, starting with white belt and progressing through the colours as follows:
White
No minimum age
Yellow belt
Min age: 5 years
Orange belt
Min age: 7 years
Green belt
Min age: 9 years
Blue belt
Min age: 11 years
Brown belt
Min age: 13 years
Expected knowledge
The Club Senior Grading Evaluation Form outlines the required knowledge and techniques for each grade. After each grading, students receive a copy of this evaluation form, including feedback from their coach to guide continued progress.
Grading pathways: knowledge vs. competition
- Knowledge pathway: The minimum time-in-grade requirement is nine months for each belt, except between white and yellow, which is three months.
- Competition pathway: Available for green belt and higher. Minimum time in grade is six months, and competition points are required:
- Green belt: 30 points
- Blue belt: 50 points
- Brown belt: 100 points
Competition points are earned through eligible events throughout WA and Australia, based on the club contest points table. Ask your coach for the current table.
Senior dan grading system (ages 15 and older)
The dan grading system represents the advanced levels of achievement in judo, consisting of ten ranks 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.
Black (1st dan)
No minimum age
Black (2nd dan)
No minimum age
Black (3rd dan)
No minimum age
Black (4th dan)
No minimum age
Black (5th dan)
No minimum age
Red & white (6th dan)
No minimum age
Red & white (7th dan)
No minimum age
Red & white (8th dan)
No minimum age
Red (9th dan)
No minimum age
Red (10th dan)
No minimum age
Administration of dan gradings
The dan grading system is not administered at club level. It is overseen at state, national and international levels. The Judo Australia Grading Policy outlines the processes, eligibility requirements and expected knowledge for sitting dan grading examinations.
In Western Australia, 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.
Pathways to obtain dan grades
There are nine recognised pathways to achieve dan grades, each catering to different skills, achievements and contributions:
- Contest Points and Knowledge Pathway
- Knowledge and Service Pathway
- Kata Competition Pathway
- Veterans Competition Pathway
- Cadets Competition Pathway
- No Limits Pathway
- Batsugun Pathway
- Knowledge Only Pathway
- Dan Grade Ratification
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.
Supporting resources
To assist candidates, Judo WA provides a Dan Grading Information Pack that summarises 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 grading system (special needs)
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.
What to expect at gradings
At each grading, students are assessed on their ability to demonstrate the skills required for their next belt level. The specific techniques for each grade are outlined in the grading system sections above.
Gradings typically last around one hour, depending on the number of candidates. During the grading, students perform required techniques in a structured, encouraging exam-like setting, including:
- Throwing techniques
- Holding techniques
- Strangle techniques (seniors only)
- Armbar techniques (seniors only)
- Kata (where applicable)
Our goal is to provide an environment that allows students to showcase their progress while fostering confidence and positive development.
Grading eligibility and fees
Eligibility for grading is based on the following criteria:
- Membership: Members must be current financial members of Judo WA.
- Time in grade: Members must meet the minimum time-in-grade requirements.
- Skill proficiency: Members must demonstrate the required skills for their next grade.
Our coaches will typically invite members to sit for grading when they believe the member is ready and deserving of their next grade. This ensures 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 receive their new belt along with an official Judo Australia Grading Certificate.
Register for a club grading
When your coach invites you to grade and registration is open, sign up online with your name, email, date of birth and current grade. You can pay the grading fee at checkout and optionally add a new belt.
Between gradings, track syllabus progress in the SWJA Grading app. Questions? Ask at the front desk or email hello@southwestjudoacademy.com.au.
