USJA JuJitsu Rank Structure
Introduction
As previously mentioned, the USJA JuJitsu system is unique in many ways. Like other martial arts, there are beginning levels (Kyu grades) and black belt levels (Dan grades). In the USJA JuJitsu rank system there are six beginning and ten black belt levels. USJA JuJitsu ranks and certificates will be awarded according to this system.
Kyu Ranks
Rank
Identification
Beginner White Belt 6th Class Rank (Rokyu) Yellow or White Belt + Rokyu Patch 5th Class Rank (Gokyu) Orange Belt + Gokyu Patch 4th Class Rank (Yonkyu) Green Belt + Yonkyu Patch 3rd Class Rank (Sankyu) Brown Belt + Sankyu Patch 2nd Class Rank (Nikyu) Brown Belt + Nikyu Patch 1st Class Rank (Ikkyu) Brown Belt + Ikkyu Patch Dan Ranks
Ranks
Identification
1st Degree Black (Shodan) Black Belt + Shodan Patch 2nd Degree Black (Nidan) Black Belt + Nidan Patch 3rd Degree Black (Sandan) Black Belt + Shodan Patch 4th Degree Black (Yodan) Red & Black Belt + Yodan Patch 5th Degree Black (Godan) Red & Black Belt + Godan Patch 6th Degree Black (Rokudan) Red & White Belt + Rokudan Patch 7th Degree Black (Shichidan) Red & White Belt + Shichidan Patch 8th Degree Black (Hachidan) Red & White Belt + Hachidan Patch 9th Degree Black (Kudan) Red Belt + Kudan Patch 10th Degree Black (Judan) Special White Belt + Judan Patch The similarity to other martial arts ranks however ceases at this point. The basis for the Kyu grades in USJA JuJitsu is the attainment of Shodan or First Degree Black Belt. To achieve Shodan the student must learn and become competent in 157 techniques and have knowledge of 6 mental training areas. The order in which the student learns the techniques for Shodan is not important. Therefore specific techniques for each rank level have not been identified. Instead, a specific number of various types of techniques for each rank have been establish. By designing the rank structure for Kyu grades this way, the student and the instructor both have input in how the student progresses through the ranks. Also, focus is placed on higher level achievement rather than on rank attainment.
Kyu Grades through Shodan
There are fourteen training categories from which the student must practice techniques for each rank. With exception of one category (Instructor Directed) the student may select the appropriate number of any technique in each category. For example, if the student is training for Rokkyu rank, two wrist grab escapes are required. The student may select any two of the wrist grab escapes demonstrated in the manual, or with permission of the instructor, the student may substitute other wrist grab escapes in lieu of those in the manual. This freedom of choice allows the student to select techniques that are more specific to the student's needs.
At the same time, the instructor may select any of the suggested techniques listed in the Instructor Directed category or may require other techniques as desired. This allows instructors, who study other martial arts, to incorporate techniques from that art into the student's training.
The following chart summarizes the required number of new techniques that must be learned at each rank level from Rokkyu through Shodan. When the student tests for rank, he/she must perform all technical requirements for the rank with skill and demonstrate the techniques learned for all previous ranks. The total number of required techniques to be examined at each rank are located in the Rank Examination Appendix at the end of this manual.
JuJitsu Rank Requirements
Rokkyu Through Shodan
6K
5K
4K
3K
2K
1K
1D
Total
1
Wrist Grab Escapes
4
4
2
2
0
0
0
12
2
Clothing Grab Escapes
0
2
2
2
0
0
0
6
3
Bear Hug Escapes
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
4
4
Choke Holds
0
1
2
2
1
0
2
8
5
Choke Hold Escapes
2
1
2
1
0
0
0
6
6
Throws
0
1
2
3
3
2
1
12
7
Strikes
2
2
2
4
2
2
1
15
8
Strike Defenses
1
2
2
2
4
4
0
15
9
Weapon Defenses
0
0
0
1
2
2
2
7
10
Headlock Escapes
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
3
11
Joint Locks
0
1
2
3
2
2
0
10
12
Ground Control Holds
0
2
1
2
2
2
1
10
13
Instructor Selected*
3
2
2
2
4
6
23
42
14
Mental Training
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
Total required per rank
15
21
22
26
21
21
31