Dan Grades
The Dan grades
The Dan grades are often seen as the ultimate achievement for a judoka. However, reaching the Dan grades is just the start of the next chapter of your Judo journey. With ten grades within the Dan grade syllabus, judoka are required to demonstrate excellence over a cross-section of other players competing at the same level.
Dan Grade Syllabus
Learn the techniques you need to progress through the Dan Grades.
National Gradings
Gradings are the backbone of the sport of Judo. Our National Gradings gives JudoScotland senior members the opportunity to progress through the Grading system by demonstrating their technical knowledge or through demonstrating their competitive ability.
What to Expect
The JudoScotland National Grading is a full-day event, designed to engage our senior members and provide a positive experience. The programme for each National Grading will be:
Opening Ceremony
Official Welcome
Warm-Up
Kyu Grade Contest
Dan Grade Contest
Theory Test
Line Ups
JudoScotland aims to host fair, safe and consistent gradings to all who attend. For more information about the next National Grading and how to get involved, visit the events calendar.
Useful Information
For further details or information about Dan grading visit the British Judo Association website here.
How to Preserve Your Current Dan Grade Progress Ahead of 2026 Changes
As you are aware, British Judo recently announced an updated Dan Grade Syllabus, which is due to take effect from 1st January 2026.
As part of that update, there will be a “grandfathering” provision introduced whereby members who are already partway through the current syllabus or have met certain requirements can opt to remain under the old rules (the “current Dan grade syllabus”) instead of being automatically switched to the modified syllabus.
By completing the an opt-in application form, individuals retain the rights/privileges under the old (current) syllabus.
Why It Matters:
- Preservation of work already done: If you’ve already collected points, completed exams, theory, kata, or fulfilled elements under the old system, these can be honoured rather than having to re-do (or partially re-do) under the new modified system.
- Time in grade concerns: If you’re waiting for the “time in grade” period (a required wait before promotion), this application allows you to preserve your current time in grade period.
- Fairness & predictability: Offers a path so people who have been preparing under one set of requirements aren’t penalised by mid-stream changes.
Key Dates & Deadlines:
- Applications open: 1st October 2025
- Application closes: 31st December 2025
- Modified syllabus launch: 1st January 2026
If you don’t submit the form by the deadline, from 1st January 2026, you’ll automatically be moved to the modified Dan grade syllabus. British Judo Association.
For more information please visit the British Judo Association website.
Clubs
JudoScotland values the hard work of our member clubs without whom we wouldn’t be able to develop Judo in Scotland.
Members
We want to make judo accessible to whoever wants to take part, as a JudoScotland member you will have access to a variety of benefits.
Coaches
Coaches are at the front line of judo and are an integral part of clubs. We provide continuous professional development for coaches already on the pathway.
"If there is effort, there is always accomplishment."
Jigoro Kano