As a general rule, martial arts rank is not governed by a centralized authority, and judo is no exception. Organizations set their own standards of training, competition and skills that determine when a student qualifies to test for rank. Because of this, the time it takes to reach shodan will vary from group to group.
Judo Rank History
Judo was the first martial arts system to use colored belts signifying rank, organized by Jigiro Kano during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At that time, shodan -- the black belt -- was set as the indicator of an expert level of proficiency. That convention has been adopted by nearly all martial arts from Japan, Korea and China, especially as practiced in the West.
Judo Rank Names
Shodan indicates an instructor's rank, and all other rank names are drawn from the convention of shodan. Ranks above shodan are names according to how many tiers of rank they indicate above shodan, such as "nidan" -- literally "two-dan" -- for second degree black belt. Ranks below black belt, called "kyu," are similarly named. "Nikyu" means two ranks below shodan rank, and "Gokyu" indicates three ranks below.
Requirements for Shodan
Shodan requirements vary widely from organization to organization, but they generally fall within the same categories. All judo shodan candidates must demonstrate dozens of judo throws, chokes and holds live on a training partner. Beyond this core show of technical proficiencies, many judo organizations require specific time in rank, expressed either as a number of years after starting training, or a number of hours in class. A few judo programs, especially those that focus on competition, will also set a minimum number of points won during matches as a requirement for shodan.
Time for Shodan
How long it takes to reach the rank of Shodan in judo depends on how often you train, your level of dedication, degree of talent and the specific requirements for the organization where you get your judo training. Assuming you attend class twice per week and practice on your own at home, a typical course of training ranges from two to six years. The industry average is four years.
Expert Insight
Patience and dedication to personal growth for its own sake are vitally important parts of martial arts training. Further, the rank of shodan doesn't represent the completion of your martial arts journey, but rather a significant benchmark on a lifelong road. According to 10th-degree black belt Phil Porter, focusing on how long it will take to reach a specific rank generally does nothing but interfere with your ability to attain it.
References
- Judo Info: History of Judo
- "US Judo Association Basic Judo Manual"; Philip Porter; 1994
- Phil Porter; Former US Olympic Judo Coach; US Martial Arts Association
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