Cross-Ranking In Multiple Arts

Author: Bret Gordon

For those familiar with myself and my instructor, Steven Hatfield, it is no secret we have studied and hold rank in multiple arts. On one of my other blog sites, I wrote an article on the process of cross-ranking (click here to read), that is that the skills and information learned in one art can be transferred to another and used as credit to waive time-in-grade requirements when pursuing rank in another art. I definitely recommend reading that article for a more in-depth analysis of the process and justification for the practice of cross-ranking, as this is more of an update than a new article.

​Of course, the student seeking rank in another system must be able to demonstrate the required material according to the standards of the new art, but as long as they can pass the same exam as everyone else, not be held to starting at white belt and working their way up with normal time-in-grade. 

Yesterday, the US Judo Association released an update to their promotion policies saying exactly that. Section 3 of the President's update reads:

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It is refreshing to see an organization of this caliber openly share that yes, it is possible to acquire skills and information through one art that directly correlate to another and if you are able to meet the standards, you are eligible to be ranked in the other higher than a new beginner with no experience. Where the uneducated might feel this policy promotes giving away unearned rank, those that truly understand the martial arts know that this helps spread both arts and build a stronger community by removing unnecessary barriers to entry for those with the ability and desire to study multiple martial arts. Much like colleges and other institutions of higher learning award credits for past experience, so do the martial arts.

In my opinion, this is just another way the USJA is on the right track and adapting to the changing landscape of Judo in the United States. Along with their Kosen Judo competition format, changes and policies like this will help them remain a leader in the American Judo community.