Grading Policy

Introduction

This grading policy outlines the criteria and procedures for student progression at Judo Matsu. While we adhere to the official Judo Australia grading policy, we have implemented additional guidelines to ensure a clear and consistent grading process within our club.

Student attendance is tracked through AXIS and is a key component of eligibility. However, grading decisions are also based on individual progress, technical proficiency, and coach assessment.

This document aims to provide transparency and clarity for students and parents regarding the requirements and expectations for grading at Judo Matsu.

General Principles

All grading assessments are conducted in accordance with the Judo Australia national policy.
In addition to time and attendance requirements, students must demonstrate technical competency appropriate to their grade.
All training sessions must be signed off using AXIS. Only completed and logged sessions count toward grading eligibility.
Grading eligibility is ultimately at the discretion of the coaching team and based on readiness across all criteria: attendance, time in grade, technical knowledge, attitude, and progression.

Adults Grading Requirements

Yellow Belt (5th Kyu)

Awarded based on coach recommendation when the student is deemed ready.
No minimum time or session count required.

Orange Belt (4th Kyu)

Minimum of 6 months in grade
Minimum of 50 training sessions
Demonstrate Groups 1 and 2 of the Gokyo no Waza, including the Japanese names of each throw.
All technical requirements as outlined in the Judo Australia Grading Policy must be met.

Green (3rd Kyu) to Brown (1st Kyu)

Students progressing beyond orange belt must satisfy the following minimum requirements depending on their chosen grading pathway:

Knowledge Only: 12 months, 130 sessions
Knowledge with Service: 9 months, 90 sessions
Contest Pathway: 6 months, 60 sessions

For a breakdown of how competition points and service can be used to accelerate grading, please refer to the Judo Australia Grading Policy.

Technical Requirements

Formal Kata – Students must learn and demonstrate formal kata relevant to their grade. For example, Green Belt (3rd Kyu) requires the first set of Nage no Kata.
Know and demonstrate the Gokyo no Waza relevant to their grade, including the Japanese names of each throw.
All technical requirements as outlined in the Judo Australia Grading Policy must be met.

A full list of required techniques by grade is available in the Judo Australia grading syllabus.

Kids Grading

At Judo Matsu, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. While we follow the core principles of the Judo Australia Grading Policy, our approach to children’s gradings is designed to be supportive, developmentally appropriate, and focused on long-term progression.

All children are expected to log their classes using AXIS, just like adults. Attendance and consistency are key factors.
Grading decisions will be based not only on attendance but also on the individual child’s development, effort, technical knowledge, and attitude.
Children must be able to demonstrate the required techniques for their grade. These include throwing techniques, hold downs, and introductory submissions where appropriate.
Final grading decisions are made by the coaching team based on Judo Australia guidelines and their judgement of a child’s readiness.

Transition into Teens/Adult Grading

Children who start training in the teens class will automatically begin following the adult grading pathway.
Children progressing from the kids class into the teens class will transition in accordance with the Judo Australia grading policy, which determines whether their current grade is retained or adjusted.

Our goal is to support each child’s growth in judo while fostering confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for the sport.

If you have any questions regarding your progression or grading eligibility, please speak directly with your coach.