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[...]
Important Message from Shufu Board of Examiners Chair Miki Takemori
August 11, 2018
In the process of changing Shufu Promotional guidelines to the USJF standards, it was discovered that the USJF standards contain inconsistencies, repetitions and/or forgotten techniques. The USJF Board of Examiner (Mac Takeda) and USJF Promotional Chair (Hayward Nishioka) were contacted to get some clarification.
The USJF promotional guidelines have apparently not been revised in over 30 years. It was decided that an Ad Hoc Committee would look at those guidelines and provide some feedback on making adjustments. I have been made Chair of this Ad Hoc Committee of 5 people. We are diligently going through the material and making adjustments.
At the request of the Shufu Executive Committee, the Shufu Board of Examiners was contacted. We have requested a delay in implementing the USJF Promotional standards until USJF has had a chance to revise their standards. Of the 31 members of the Board of Examiners, 21 have voted to delay. Two have expressed a concern about the delay and eight have not voted.
By the majority vote, Shufu is delaying the implementation of the USJF promotional standards and will be using the existing Shufu promotional guidelines for the Fall Shufu Promotional onNovember 4th.
Given that Senseis and individuals may have instructed and prepared based on the Spring decision to adopt the USJF guidelines, I will recommend to the Board of Examiners to exercise discretion and to be flexible when appropriate.
Miki Takemori
Chair
Shufu Board of Examiners
USJF ATHLETE-SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR AWARD RULES AND ELIGIBILITY FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026
The United States Judo Federation Board of Directors has established the “USJF Athlete-Scholar of the Year Award.” First prize is $1,000.00, second prize $750.00, and third prize $500.00.
Completed application, supporting documentation, portrait photograph, and SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS (NO report cards) must be received by no@usjf.com and asoy@usjf.com by July 15, 2026
Click HEREfor complete information and application.
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.
