The British Judo Competition Pathway is designed to provide an incremental pathway of appropriate competitions for all levels of competitors. The Competition Pathway consists of five different levels of competition which are divided between Development/Recreational and Performance/Elite.

Each level of competition is designed to cater for players with a specific level of experience. Those with higher aspirations will choose to move through the system while others may reach a level and remain there indefinitely.

Each competition must focus on attracting, and providing a positive experience, for a defined group of players. The level of the event best describes the skill and competitive level of the players that the event is intending to cater for. A competition may have different sections catering for different levels of player, if sections are different, the levels must be clearly displayed on the competition information/entry form.

Competition Pathway Levels

Level 1 - Beginner

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These events are for players at, or near beginner standard where the emphasis is very much about fun and having a go.

Whilst the competitive experience is far more relevant than the playerā€™s grade, these events would be for Mon grades up to yellow belt and Kyu grades up to orange belt.

At Under 16 Level 1 events, all players should receive an award, whether it be a medal or commemorative certificate.

Examples of Level 1 events are ā€œRed Belt Rumblesā€, ā€œInter-Clubā€ and ā€œMini-Meā€ events.

Level 2 - Intermediate

Events for players who are at an intermediate level where, in the long term the outcome of these events is not important, however results are recognised and only the top four competitors in each category are awarded medals.

These events would be for players who have already competed at Level 1 who are green belt below.

Examples of Level 2 events are ā€œMini-Monā€ and restricted ā€œKyu Gradeā€ events.

Level 3 - Experienced

These events are for more experienced players. These events would be for club level higher grades. Some of these events would be age banded.

These events provide contest opportunities for recreational players but also allow for development of aspiring elite players. They are generally open events, although event organisers may opt to incorporate specific entry requirements.

Examples would be most club and county open events and the British Schools Championships.

Level 4 - Aspiring

These events are for players aspiring to reach performance level. Club level players can enter these events but should be aware that they will be strong events. Most of these events would be age banded. There would be a minimum entry grade, which may vary according to age.

Examples would be most British National events, and national ranking events.

Level 5 - Performance

These events are performance events and would be organised under the auspices of the EJU or IJF. Entry to most of these events would be through selection by National Federations.

Examples would be the European Open, the European Cadet Championships and IJF events.

Competition Requirements

For more information on the requirements for British Judo competitions visit the Tournament Handbook.