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.
- Fill out an AJJF Activity Sheet or Budo Pass with at least 3 AJJF sanctioned mat activities during the 12 month period immediately preceding the exam date:
- 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
- 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.
- Activities include, but are not limited to: mat clinics, blackbelt classes, mat seminars, conventions, jujitsu camps, competitions
- 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:
- Should the candidate mail documents, or bring them to the exam?
- Does the candidate need to pre-register for the exam date?
- 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.