Requirements For Nidan

Candidates must:

Have a minimum of two consecutive years, prior to the exam, as an active and AJJF registered Shodan and hold current registration at the time of the Nidan exam. *
Submit a copy of current AJJF registration card.
Submit a copy of current Red Cross Standard or Community First Aid card.
Submit a copy of current CPR card. CPR requirement can be met only with hands-on training.
Submit an Application for Examination.
Submit an Concussion Awareness Form.
Submit a Letter of Recommendation from Sensei (in a sealed envelope) stating, in part, willingness to assume responsibility for applicant. [See Letter of Recommendation form]
Submit a notebook containing an organized list of all the arts being examined, with a short description of how to do each art.
Submit an AJJF Activity Sheet or copies of your Budo Pass with at least 6 AJJF sanctioned mat activities, 3 per each 12 month period during the 2 years immediately preceding the exam date:
1. Activities include, but are not limited to: mat clinics, blackbelt classes, mat seminars, conventions, jujitsu camps, competitions
  - All activities MUST be posted on the AJJF Online Calendar of Events
  - For Shodan and Nidan applicants only, at least one activity must be a AJJF sanctioned competition, occurring during the 12 months immediately preceding the exam date
  - (Effective only for mat activities and events listed AFTER 11/12/2018…activities and events listed prior to this date are exempt from the following rule) When an event includes multiple activities (i.e. National Convention includes convention classes, national freestyle contest, exams, healing arts classes), only one activity per the event qualifies for this exam requirement
  - Blackbelt classes MUST be open to participation by all registered AJJF students of appropriate rank.
  - Healing arts classes count as mat activities with the following caveats:
    - Attendance during a DZRSI Module 1 or 2 can count as one mat activity per year of time-in-grade (maximum of one of the three mat activities per year).
    - Massage Continuing Education and Healing Arts classes taught by Standards Committee Members (or instructor who is approved by the committee) also qualify.
    - Attendance at an approved Danzan Ryu Restorative Therapy class taught by an approved DZRSI instructor can count for one activity per year of Time-In-Grade. To verify that the instructor of the class is approved, contact the DZRSI Administrator before attending the class.
  - The director of each activity must sign the Activity Sheet or Budo Pass.
Request a Time-In-Grade Letter from the Examination Committee Chair.
Successfully complete the AJJF Ethics and Risk Management Course and Examination (does not need to be repeated if done before.)
Meet the standards of Ethics as set forth in the document Code of Conduct and Procedures for Conflict Resolution.
Find out from Examinations Committee Chair or Regional Examination Coordinator:
1. Should the candidate mail documents, or bring them to the exam?
2. Does the candidate need to pre-register for the exam date?
3. How much is the fee for examinations?
Be able to demonstrate effectively all Shodan requirements, any variations as requested by the examiners, and Shinnin No Maki 1 through 36.* A candidate who received a Dojo Shodan rank before 1976 may apply for an AJJF Nidan exam. Any candidate who received a Dojo Shodan rank after 1976 must also have passed an AJJF Shodan examination to apply for an AJJF Nidan examination.

Further Information

“Examination for Blackbelt”
“Regulations, Policies, Procedures For Blackbelt Exams”

Forms

Application for Examination
Sensei Recommendation Letter
Examination Activity Record Sheet

Publications

AJJF Kata Manual
Code of Conduct and Procedures for Conflict Resolution

Contacts

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.