IJF system (dan grades)

Grading systems by organisation

ČSJu system (kyu student grades)IJF system (dan grades)

Dan grades under the Grades and Dan Regulations of the International Judo Federation (IJF), January 2026 version. Since January 2026 the IJF must validate every dan awarded by a member national federation. The 1st to 5th dan have a fixed minimum age, a minimum interval since the previous grade and a prescribed kata; the examination also includes an oral test, nage-waza and ne-waza techniques and practical exercises. From the 6th dan upwards, merits as an athlete, coach, referee or official are decisive.

1st dan

Rank #1

Federation minimum: 12 months

Requirements & Focus

Sho-dan, from age 15, after at least one year at 1st kyu. Kata: the complete Nage-no-kata.

2nd dan

Rank #2

Federation minimum: 12 months

Requirements & Focus

Ni-dan, from age 16, at the earliest one year after the 1st dan. Kata: the complete Katame-no-kata.

3rd dan

Rank #3

Federation minimum: 24 months

Requirements & Focus

San-dan, from age 19, at the earliest two years after the 2nd dan. Kata: the complete Kime-no-kata.

4th dan

Rank #4

Federation minimum: 36 months

Requirements & Focus

Yon-dan, from age 22, at the earliest three years after the 3rd dan. Kata: five sets of Kodokan Goshin-jutsu.

5th dan

Rank #5

Federation minimum: 48 months

Requirements & Focus

Go-dan, from age 24, at the earliest four years after the 4th dan. Kata: the complete Ju-no-kata.