How to Preserve Your Current Dan Grade Progress Ahead of 2026 Changes

British Judo has recently announced an updated dan grade syllabus, which is due to take effect from 1^st January 2026.

As part of that update, there will be a “grandfathering” provision introduced whereby members who are already partway through the current syllabus or have met certain requirements can opt to remain under the old rules (the “current Dan grade syllabus”) instead of being automatically switched to the modified syllabus.

By completing the application below, individuals opt in to retain the rights/privileges under the old (current) syllabus.

Why It Matters:

• Preservation of work already done: If you’ve already collected points, completed exams, theory, kata, or fulfilled elements under the old system, these can be honoured rather than having to re-do (or partially re-do) under the new modified system.
• Time in grade concerns: If you’re waiting for the “time in grade” period (a required wait before promotion), this application allows you to preserve your current time in grade period.
• Fairness & predictability: Offers a path so people who have been preparing under one set of requirements aren’t penalised by mid-stream changes.

Key Dates & Deadlines:

Application closes: 31^st December 2025
Modified syllabus launch: 1^st January 2026

If you don’t submit the form by the deadline, from 1st January 2026, you’ll automatically be moved to the modified dan grade syllabus.

What “Rights” You Can Opt To Preserve:

Here are the specific “rights” or benefits you may retain if you opt in:

1. Competitive Promotion – for 1st Kyu and 1st Dan
   If you have already started collecting points by 31st December 2025, your existing time in grade will be honoured.
2. Competitive Promotion – from 2nd, 3rd & 4th Dan aiming for 3rd, 4th & 5th Dan
   If you have started collecting points by 31st December 2025, you will have one year (until 31st December 2026) to complete the requirements. Existing points will be honoured.
3. Competitive Skills Exam (theory & kata)
   If you’ve already done this by 31st December 2025, that’s honoured under the existing rules, for your next promotion.
4. Waiting for Time in Grade
   If you’ve completed all elements (points, skills exam, etc.) and are only waiting for the time-in-grade, your existing time will count.
5. Technical Promotion
   Similar to competitive, but focusing on the technical route: if all theory elements are done by the deadline, and you’re only waiting for time in grade, that waiting period is preserved.

Dan Grade Grandfather Rights Application

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