Shufu Judo Yudanshakai presents the Fall 2026 Shufu Judo Yudanshakai Junior and Senior Promotional Examination Saturday, October 31, 2026 Beltsville Community Center 3900 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705 United States Judo Federation Sanction # 26-10-xx This event is Preregistration Only. There is no onsite registration. Eligibility to register for promotion All judoka must be a current member of the USJF (USA Judo or USJA) For Shodan – current year plus one year prior membership in USJF For Nidan and above – current year plus three years prior membership in USJF Promotion Requirements The Shufu Board of Examiners has implemented the changeover to the USJF promotional requirements. The 2026 Shufu Fall Promotional will follow the “2021 USJF Senior Rank Requirements”, available on the Shufu website under Promotions. All ranks within Shufu’s promotion authority are required to do the physical testing, i.e. all ranks through and including Godan. Rokudan and above are not required to do physical testing; Kata requirements still apply as required for rank sought. Key Deadlines – These are HARD deadlines – no exceptions August 31 – First date to accept applications. September 30 – First deadline for Dan paperwork (initial submission of Form[...]
Shufu Judo Yudanshakai presents the Shufu North Junior and Senior Promotional Examination Sunday, November 8, 2026 Blue Dragon @ Tritac Training Center 14 Alcap Ridge, Cromwell, CT United States Judo Federation Sanction # 26-11-xx This event is Preregistration Only. There is no onsite registration. Eligibility to register for promotion All judoka must be a current member of the USJF (USA Judo or USJA) For Shodan – current year plus one year prior membership in USJF For Nidan and above – current year plus three years prior membership in USJF Promotion Requirements The Shufu Board of Examiners has implemented the changeover to the USJF promotional requirements. The 2026 Shufu Fall Promotional will follow the “2021 USJF Senior Rank Requirements”, available on the Shufu website under Promotions. USJF Junior Rank Recommendations are listed in Matrix form. All ranks within Shufu’s promotion authority are required to do the physical testing, i.e. all ranks through and including Godan. Rokudan and above are not required to do physical testing; Kata requirements still apply as required for rank sought. Important Note: “Registration” refers only to the process of completing the Registration (Application) Form and paying the fee for examination. “Paperwork” refers[...]
The Takemori Open is named in honor of the Takemori Family, which has been a key part ofShufu Judo Yudanshakai since it was founded in 1953. Senseis Jimmy and Edwin were both incredible competitive judoka in their early days and have been instrumental in the growth of judo in the US. As their competitive time came to end, they grew into international referees and have continued to lead their clubs and Shufu Judo Yudanshakai for over 60 years now.
Jimmy first began practicing judo in 1937 in Fresno, California, and has been an instructor in the D.C. area for over 60 years. He has coached both the men’s and women’s U.S. national teams. He is 87 years old and holds a ninth degree black belt.
The next generation of Takemoris were all skilled judoka on the junior and senior level. Sensei Miki and Sensei Terri continue the tradition of developing Junior and Senior elite judokas. We thank all the Takemori family members for their outstanding devotion and service to judo.
Shufu Shinbun is BACK !
This newsletter is presented in memory of Malcolm Hodges who was a dedicated Shufu and Washington Judo Club member for many years and wrote and was the editor of the monthly Shufu Shinbun newsletter.
Did you know that Shufu has an Athlete Funding Program?
Shufu’s Athlete Funding
Program provides reimbursement ($150 to $300) for athletes competing in National and
International level events. Juniors, Seniors, Masters/Veterans, and Kata competitors
can all apply to the Shufu Athlete Funding Program. If you have been a member of Shufu for at least 2 years and have participated in any of the events listed below, then you should consider applying for Shufu’s Athlete Funding Program!
2025 USA Judo Youth National Championships
2025 USA Junior Olympic National Championships
2025 USA Judo Senior National Championships
2025 USA Judo President’s Cup
2025 US Open
2025 USJF/USJA Nationals
2025 Pan American Cups or 2025 Pan American Championships
2025 IJF Point Events (Grand Prix, Grand Slams, or Championships)
Please note that these are not the only tournaments which will be considered for funding.
Please go to the Funding Support for Athletes link for the complete details.
