Students will be Graded periodically depending on their personal progression and ensuring the minimum training sessions for each grade have been obtained. These are as follows:
White to Brown and White Belt - 18 sessions
Brown and White to Brown Belt - 20 sessions
Brown to Shodan - 75 sessions
Shodan to Nidan - 18 months to 2 years
Nidan to Sandan - 2 years to 2 1/2 years
Sandan to Yondan - 3 years
Yondan to Godan - 3 years
*Kobudo Levels 1 to 10 - 26 sessions
*Advanced Levels 1 to 4 - 26 sessions
* undertaken by Junior students only
A representative will invite a student to grade after Godan.
It is assumed that students will train a minimum of once a week for each grade. Students will only be invited to attend a grading once they meet the IJJO’s standard of expertise for that grade.
All private lessons undertaken by a student for the purpose of their training towards a grade will count as one session.
IJJO gradings (White to Brown belt inclusive) will be held at 4 monthly intervals and will be conducted by either a qualified club instructor or IJJO representative (if requested). Gradings will be held locally or collectively.
Any gradings after Brown belt (including Junior Kobudo gradings) will be held every 4 months at a venue specified to Clubs each year at the time of the Club’s renewal to the IJJO.
If a student is unable to attend a grading they must wait until the next official grading date (set either by the Club or the IJJO depending on the student’s grade).
If a student has extenuating circumstances, then they may be graded at the Club instructor’s or IJJO representative’s discretion depending on the grade being obtained.
Any grading after Brown Belt must be officiated by an IJJO representative.
A student must hold a valid registration (including insurance cover) and their Budo Pass must be handed to their instructor one week prior to grading. Failure to meet these requirements will lead to disqualification from the grading.
Successful candidates will receive an official IJJO certificate. Clubs affiliated with the IJJO are strictly prohibited from reproducing or photocopying certificates. Failure to abide by this rule will lead to immediate expulsion from the IJJO.
If a club instructor feels it necessary for a student to carry out a mock grading prior to an official grading, they are not permitted from charging more than the Club’s mat fee.