The following are the requirements for individuals seeking to become a USA Judo coach:
All USA Judo coach licenses are now processed through a member’s USA Judo account. Members will need to log into their account at usajudo.sport80.com and click the “Coach Certification” tab to add a new license or renew a past license. A video walkthrough of this process may be found below:
Coach and Club Job Postings
ViewCheck out listings for jobs at USA Judo clubs throughout the nation and learn how to post a job for your club.
IJF Coaching Conduct
View, opens in a new tabFull content of the IJF rules regarding matside coaching and coach conduct.
Coach Dress Code and Credentials
ViewCoaches must be current USA Judo Certified Coaches to receive coaching credentials at all USA Judo sanctioned events, including local, regional and national tournaments. Learn more about credentials and the dress code for national events.
Funded Coach Criteria
ViewInterested in becoming an international team coach? Learn more about the requirements to work with Team USA.
IJF Certified Coaches List
View, opens in a new tabView the complete list of U.S. coaches who have completed their IJF Coach Certification
Forms
ViewView USA Judo coach certification, concussion training, background screen and other key forms for coaches.
IJF Academy Requirements
ViewView updates from the IJF Academy and learn of upcoming courses.
All USA Judo certified coaches must maintain an active USA Judo membership throughout your Coach Certification period. Members may maintain their membership at usajudo.sport80.com.
NCSI screening is required for all coaches. Background Screens expire every two years, but must be renewed if screen will expire during your coach certification period. Coach Certification fees are non-refundable regardless of background screen results. USA Judo does not recognize any background check that is processed outside of usajudo.sport80.com.
SafeSport is valid for one year and can be taken through the member’s profile at usajudo.sport80.com.
Rank certificates may be accepted from USA Judo, the U.S. Judo Federation, the U.S. Judo Association or the American Traditional Jujitsu Association. Please Note: Only sandan and below from USJA, USJF, and ATJA are accepted. Any rank transfers may be reviewed for acceptance by USA Judo’s Rank & Certification Committee. Ranks may be verified through USA Judo’s National Office, please contact Connor.Jenkins@usajudo.us.
CPR / First Aid Certification is recommended for all USA Judo coaches, but not required.
State Level
Who it’s for: New coaches
Minimum Rank: Sr. Brown Belt (Ikkyu)
Requirements: All requirements completed
In-Person Clinic: Not required
Summary: Entry-level certification for new coaches.
State, Regional and National Level Clinics are hosted country wide by official USA Judo Coach Clinicians. Please see the USA Judo web site/events for upcoming clinics.
Regional Level
Who it’s for: New coaches progressing forward
Minimum Rank: Shodan (1st Dan)
Requirements: All requirements completed
In-Person Clinic: Not required
Summary: Builds on foundational coaching experience.
State, Regional and National Level Clinics are hosted country wide by official USA Judo Coach Clinicians. Please see the USA Judo web site/events for upcoming clinics.
National Level
Who it’s for: Advanced coaches
Minimum Rank: Shodan (1st Dan)
Requirements: All requirements completed
In-Person Clinic:- Required for new certifications
- Not required for renewals
Summary: Focused on higher-level coaching and competition.
Continental Level
Who it’s for: Advanced/high-performance coaches
Minimum Rank: Nidan (2nd Dan)
Requirements: All requirements completed
- In-Person Clinic:
- Required for new certifications
- Not required for renewals
Summary: Designed for experienced coaches at national/international levels.
A Continental and International Coach Clinic is held annually in conjunction with the USA Open in Florida. Please see the USA Judo web site for details.
International Level
Who it’s for: Advanced international-level coaches
Minimum Rank: Sandan (3rd Dan)
Requirements: All requirements completed
- In-Person Clinic: Required for new certifications
- Not required for renewals
Summary: For coaches working in global competition environments.
🏆 International Gold Level
Who it’s for: Elite-level coaches
Minimum Rank: Sandan (3rd Dan) or higher
Requirements:- Must have coached a USA Judo team at the Olympics or Senior World Championships
- In-Person Clinic: Not specified
- Summary: Highest-level certification for Olympic/World Championship coaches.
A Continental and International Coach Clinic is held annually in conjunction with the USA Open in Florida. Please see the USA Judo web site for details.
The In-Person Coach Clinic requirement for National level and below may be waived if extenuating circumstances warrant. For example, in-person clinics were suspended during Covid-19. Waivers may also be available if a clinic is not available in a reasonable time frame/distance or for other reasons that may present difficulty for the coach to travel. Ideally, coaches will attend as many in-person coach clinic as possible, regardless of coach level. Consistent, continual education helps America produce better coaches – thereby helping develop more advanced athletes.