Junior grades are known as Mon (translated as Gate in English).  There are two different groups within the 18 mons; 1st to 6th mon take part in the BJA Novice to 6th mon scheme where grades are awarded based on theory and technical ability only, there is no contest element within the first six mons and gradings are normally carried out at your club. 

7th to 18th mon carry two elements; a theory and contest.  Theory can be carried out by a qualified BJA Club Coach or Examiner.  Your theory examination is normally carried out at your club.

For promotion of 7th mon and above candidates up to and including 15th mon are given a minimum of two contests of two or three minutes each according to age.  This increases to three contests in the case of persons holding 16th and 17th mon.  Separation of players by weight does not happen in a regimental fashion at gradings but examiners will where ever possible try and match up players of the same size, weight and age though sometimes this is difficult.  Examiners consider the safety of the players as a priority.

It is most important for juniors to realise that one or two wins do not automatically justify promotion.  Everything depends on the examiner's final recommendations and they are charged with the responsibility for ensuring that the standard of the highest mon grades approximates with that of a senior 2nd or 1st kyu senior grade. 

Mon grades of 6th mon and above translate into provision kyu grades when the holder reaches sixteen years of age (or younger if the players transfers into the kyu grade system at fourteen or fifteen years of age).

Kyu grade entitlement is in every case subject to formal recognition at a senior promotion examination.  The examiner need not, having assessed a candidate's performance, award the full equivalent senior grade if they feel that a lower kyu grade is more appropriate.

It should be noted that the BJA does not allow armlocks or strangles to be used in either junior promotional examinations or competitions.  Care should be taken when entering competitions billed as "junior" to ensure that these competitions are not catering for "youth" aged players of 16 years plus where armlocks and strangles will be allowed in specified age/weight groups.