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[...]
The purpose of this memo is to inform the Shufu Board of Directors of the upcoming 2022 Shufu Elections as well as some of the details of the process.
Article 5 of the Shufu Constitution specifies that all registered black belts with paid yearly membership dues are voting members of the Shufu Board of Directors. Voting members who have not paid the annual membership dues are not permitted to hold active membership in any committee or board, or to make recommendations for promotions. Please renew your Shufu/USJF membership if it has lapsed since individuals with a lapsed membership will be unable to vote in this year’s election.
The election committee is currently accepting nominations for the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Nominations can come from any member of the Shufu Board of Directors. You are also welcome to nominate yourself for office.
The Shufu Constitution and By-Laws contain the requirements and duties for each elected office. These documents are available for download from the Shufu websitehttps://shufujudo.org/ using the links listed below:
Nominations must be received prior to February 26, 2022 to be included on the ballot. Nominations may still be made after February 26, 2022 up to and including at the 2022 Spring Board of Directors Meeting. Nominations received after February 26, 2022 will be write-in candidates.
The election committee will be working with the nominees and the USJF office to verify eligibility to hold office. The election committee will also work with nominees to put together a short background and statement of purpose for distribution to the Shufu Board of Directors. Any contested office will be decided by secret ballot at the Spring Promotional Meeting.
Roy Englert has expressed his desire not to run for office this year.
Eric Spears has expressed his desire not to run for office this year.
Gaiv Tata has expressed his desire to continue to serve as Treasurer.
Diane Jackson has expressed her desire to continue to serve as Secretary.
Instructions:
Please submit nominations via email to Robert Hunt at bh_921@hotmail.com.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this year’s election process.
Thank you,
Robert Hunt
Shufu Election Committee Chair
443-995-3746
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.
