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GRADING
QUIZ

Gradings

What is a grading?

Gradings are examinations organised by the Jitsu Foundation where jitsuka are given the opportunity to show a senior instructor what Jitsu they know in the hope that they are considered good enough to earn the right to wear the next higher belt.

When can I grade?

Gradings occur throughout the year and in the UK they are held in each region (North East, South West, etc.) For grading up to dark blue belt they occur approximately every three months (coinciding with the typical University term ending). Brown belt gradings are held two to three times a year and black belt gradings are held once a year on the same weekend as the Jitsu Summer Ball.

Before you grade however you need to satisfy several criteria.

PRE-GRADING CRITERIA

  • The jitsuka must train at least twice weekly for three months if they are up to 4th kyu, and for six months if between 3rd and 1st kyu (inclusive).
  • For 3rd and 2nd kyu, the student must have taught in their club at least twice a month under the supervision of the Sensei.
  • A 1st kyu student must have complete knowledge of how to run a club and teaching on a club scale.
  • A student must attend two courses between gradings.
  • A jitsuka must have the permission of his/her club instructor to grade.
  • A student must have a valid licence
  • Where viable, a jiitsuka must be able to demonstrate a technique both left & right sided.

The jitsuka should also be aware of some additional points for their grading.

GRADING RULES

  • The jitsuka must have a clean Jitsu Foundation gi - with a correctly tied belt.
  • The jitsuka must have trimmed finger & toe nails.
  • There is no chatting, whispering or joking during the grading.
  • A jitsuka must rei to the grading panel at the start of the jitsuka's first technique.
  • A jitsuka must not loose his/her temper.

Where can I grade?

Gradings very in location. The current grading format separates into three basic grading classes:
  • Category 1: White - Orange (8th kyu - 6th kyu).
  • Category 2: Green - Light Blue (5th kyu - 3rd kyu).
  • Category 3: Dark Blue (2nd kyu).
Each grading is held on a different day and in a different place. The gradings are predominantly held regionally (or even on occasion several gradings of the same level may be held in the same region over a few days). The grading for Dark Blue to Brown however is almost always a national grading. Of course the Jitsu Foundation constantly review the structure of holding gradings and frequently combine different grading categories of grading together.

What do I have to do to pass a grading?

There is a rough outline to follow for each grading. Sets of techniques must be demonstrated with control and competence. Additional knowledge of translations and the reasons underlying some of the movements in some techniques may also be required. At the more senior grade level, the grading itself is used to test the level of fitness of the jitsuka.

The outlines are fairly vague, and there is always the chance that the examiner can call for things not listed on an outline. The official line therefore is that there are no hard and fast lists of what each grade should know (though the Jitsu Foundation do produce a syllabus for each grade).

But for those of an inquisitive nature take a look at the rough syllabus outlines below for an idea of what to expect in your next grading. Remember there are no definitive lists - in your grading, you should expect the unexpected!

How can I prepare for a grading?

Well basically training "hard" and often should set you up nicely for your grading. Additional fitness training (running, going to the gym, swimming, etc.) will also help as gradings are physically very demanding. For additional help in preparation, this web site should provide you with most of the information you need to help keep your Jiu Jitsu knowledge up to scratch.

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