The International Judo Federation now validates the dan grades its member federations award. Under the Grades and Dan Regulations published in January 2026, from January 2026 every dan awarded by a national federation must be submitted to the IJF for official validation, and IJF grades become the only internationally recognised ones.

The change follows an Executive Committee decision on 1 December 2025, taken because the same grade could mean different levels of knowledge and ability from one country to another. The work was led by Jean-Luc Rougé, 10th dan.

What the regulations set out

From January 2026, new national awards go to the IJF for validation. The regulations set an implementation period until 1 September 2026 and a two-year transition through 2026 and 2027, with a simplified programme for holders of existing grades. From 1st to 5th dan, national federations make the dan recognition proposals, under the supervision of the continental unions as IJF delegates.

What the examination asks for

The accompanying rules set minimum ages, waiting periods and a kata requirement for each grade. The 1st dan requires the candidate to be at least 15 and to have held brown belt for at least a year at a club affiliated to an IJF member federation. The 3rd dan requires the candidate to be 19 and to have held 2nd dan for two years; the 4th dan 22 and three years at 3rd dan. Each examination includes a short presentation on the candidate's judo background, a mondo test, a kata test, and technical work in five nage-waza and five ne-waza chosen at random. The 4th dan programme includes Kodokan Goshin Jutsu.

From 6th dan the assessment widens beyond waiting time. Categories A to D take account of competition record, refereeing, administrative service and coaching, with the age and years required differing by category, and candidates submit research in writing or on video. The 10th dan is decided by the Executive Committee and needs a two-thirds majority.

What validation costs

The regulations set the international validation fee by grade: US$150 for 1st and 2nd dan, US$200 for 3rd to 5th, US$250 for 6th, US$300 for 7th and US$350 for 8th and 9th. The 10th dan carries no fee. The money is shared between the IJF, the continental union and the national federation. These are IJF validation fees, separate from whatever a federation charges for its own examination or certificate.

Who needs an IJF grade

An IJF dan is required for grades awarded by national federations from 1 January 2026, within six months of the national award; for athletes registering on Judobase for senior competitions; for IJF referees and judges; for IJF coaches and IJF Academy instructors and candidates; and for IJF technical instructors and experts.

An IJF grade is not needed to train in a club, take part in national competitions or teach at local level. The requirement applies to IJF competition and to IJF roles.

Sources

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