Examination for Blackbelt

Description

This section outlines the information necessary to take an AJJF Blackbelt Examination.

For all references, below, to "forms" refer in this handbook to the Forms section.

Further Information

Timeline for Action:

1. Candidate's Responsibilities Before Exam

1. Successfully complete a First Aid and CPR class
   1. First Aid and CPR must be current.
   2. Take the class early enough to receive certification cards.
2. Fill out an Application for Examination form.
3. Request a Letter of Recommendation from Sensei.
4. Read and sign an AJJF Ethics Statement.
   
5. Complete notebook describing all the techniques required for the rank level.
6. Fill out an AJJF Activity Sheet or Budo Pass with at least 3 AJJF sanctioned mat activities per year of time-in-grade, as required for your specific level of rank examination.
   1. Must include at least one Kata, Freestyle, Sumo, or Demo Contest (Shodan and Nidan applicants only).
   1. Attach copies of score sheets for Kata or Freestyle contests, flow chart for Sumo contests, or a Certificate of Participation for the Demo contests.
   2. The director of each activity must sign the Activity Sheet or Budo Pass.
7. Request a "Time-In-Grade" letter from Examinations Committee Chair at least 2 to 4 weeks before the exam.
   1. Shodan - must have been a current AJJF registrant for 12 consecutive months prior to examining.
   2. Above Shodan ranks - must be a registrant during entire period of Time-In-Grade required to examine in the next rank.
   3. Policy Statement, from the Board of Professors, 3/9/79:
      "One year's Time-In-Grade will be lost if renewal dues are not paid within 90 days from expiration date."
   4. Examinations Committee Chair will send a copy to the candidate for his/her records.
   5. Sensei may submit a request to waive the time in grade requirement for candidates who do not have sufficient time-in-grade. The appropriate form is the Time In Grade Request for Waiver
8. Effective June 15, 2008 Request for Back Ground Screen at least 8 weeks before exam.
9. To pre-register, mail application for examination to the Examinations Committee Chair or Regional Examination Coordinator, by U.S. mail, to reserve an exam space.
   1. The number of examinees is limited for each exam.
   2. Insufficient pre-registrations may result in cancellation of that exam date.
10. Give the following to the Examinations Committee Chair, or the Regional Examination Coordinator.

    References in this handbook to "Examinations Committee Chair" may refer to a "Regional Examination Coordinator" in the event that there is a Regional Examination Coordinator.

    Candidate will be asked to either mail the documents, or to bring them to the exam.

    1. Application for Examination
    2. AJJF Activity Sheet (3 Activities, signed by Director of Activity)
       1. Include score sheets from AJJF Kata or Freestyle contests, flow charts for Sumo contests, or a Certificate of Participation for Demo contests (Shodan and Nidan applicants only)
    3. Copy of current First Aid card
    4. Copy of current CPR card. CPR requirement can be met only with hands-on training.
    5. Letter of Recommendation from candidate's Sensei (in a sealed envelope)
    6. Copy of current AJJF registration card
    7. A check made out to the AJJF - Examination fees are listed on Application for Examination, or check with Examinations Committee Chair for amount
11. Effective January 1, 2011 candidates are highly encouraged to complete their written and practical taping examinations prior to the date of the mat exam.
    1. Candidates may complete the taping exams at any time during the 12 month period preceding their mat exam either during an AJJF Authorized Taping Clinic, during an AJJF event at which taping exams are offered, or via individual appointment with an approved taping examiner.
    2. If the candidate is unable to complete the taping exams in advance, he/she MUST submit an Application for Examination at least 30 days in advance with a request to take the taping exam on the day of mat examination. Exam coordinators will assist the candidate in finding a pre-exam taping opportunity or to accommodate taping examination on the mat exam day.

2. The Day of the Exam

1. Candidate should arrive early to register with Examinations Committee Chair or the Regional Examination Coordinator.
2. Candidate should bring:
   1. Completed notebook
   2. Sufficient athletic tape for the taping examination (if taking taping exam on exam day)
      Or submit a copy of a successfully completed taping exam given by an authorized examiner or as part of an Taping Clinic within the past 12 months. Submitted taping examinations must include all pages of the examination including examiner signature and date.
   3. Tanto and Tanju
   4. All documents, if previously not asked to mail them.
3. Candidate should choose an uke of the appropriate rank, from the group of uke provided at the time of the exam.
4. Candidate will demonstrate his/her skill and knowledge to the examiners.

Examinees who complete the examination will receive a letter stating that they have completed the mat examination. Promotion to an AJJF Blackbelt will be determined after consideration by the AJJF Board of Professors.

3. After the Exam

1. Results of the mat examination are sent to the Examinations Committee Chair
2. Examinations Committee Chair notifies Board of Professors of results and asks for determination.
3. Board of Professors contacts Examinations Committee Chair with their determination.
4. If exam is successful, a letter of congratulations is sent to the candidate and the certificate is sent to Sensei.
   1. At the examinations administered at annual convention, certificates are presented to successful examinees at the banquet.
5. Examinations Committee Chair:
   1. Updates database records with new rank.
   2. Notifies Kiai Echo Chair for publication announcement.

Contacts

• Senior Professor
• Board of Professors
• Examinations Committee Chair - regarding exam procedures, Time-In-Grade letter, and forms
• Regional Manager or Regional Examination Coordinator - regarding dates, times, locations of exams.

Forms

Look in the "Forms" section of this handbook. The AJJF gives permission to copy any item found in the Forms section.

• Sensei Letter of Recommendation
• Application for Examinations
• Examination Activity Record Sheet
• Sample of the AJJF Athletic Taping Examination
• Study Guide for Anatomy Coloring Book (third edition) for Sandan Examination
• Time In Grade Request for Waiver
• Contact Central Office for additional copies of these forms, or use the forms as originals to make your own copies.

Documents

These documents are found within this School handbook:

• Regulations, Policies, and Procedures Regarding Blackbelt Examinations
• Time-In-Grade Letter
• AJJF Athletic Taping Examination
• Blackbelt Exam Caller
• Study Guide for Anatomy Coloring Book - Sandan Examination
• Examination Techniques and Descriptions
• Requirements for Shodan
• Requirements for Nidan
• Requirements for Sandan
• Requirements for Yodan
• Requirements for Godan
• Requirements for Professor
• Rules to the Exam Candidate
• Rules to the Examiners

Historical Documents, stating policy decisions:

• Board of Professors' 1982 meeting
• Dojo Rank Policy Restatement
• Suspension of Dan Examinations
• Policy Statement