Different clubs have different belt grading criteria. At some competitive clubs, the basis for grading is how well you do in competition. If you win lots of medals, you get promoted. At other clubs, it could be based on attendance. You've been in the club for a certain length of time, and have trained for a certain number of sessions, so you get promoted.

At KL Judo, we believe that for an adult judoka to be promoted, there should be several objective and subjective components that are considered, namely:

a) Ability to demonstrate grading techniques as per the syllabus, perfectly. They should know the techniques well enough to guide a junior player on those techniques.
b) They must know the names of those techniques. It's not enough just to be able to do. It's important to know the terminology of judo as well.
c) Ability to fight. They don't have to take part in external competitions but must be ready, willing and able to do randori and mock shiai.
d) Good character, good teammate. A person who is able to throw well or win competitions but has a bad attitude (e.g. is selfish, rude, disrespectful, etc) will not be promoted. A good judoka is by definition a good person.

Our grading syllabus is considered by some to be quite tough. It's true we've set a high standard for grading. In the past, we have had some members say things like: "In other clubs, it's so much easier to get a yellow belt." My standard reply to that: "We are not other clubs."

Twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays), we have set aside time for players to come and practice grading techniques. There are always senior players around to guide them during that time. Players who want to get promoted should take the initiative to come for such trainings.

In general, players should not ask to be promoted. They will be asked to do grading when the sensei feels they are ready.

At 99.99% of judo clubs, grading comes with grading fees. Players have to pay to do their grading. It's part of the business model. At KL Judo we decided to not charge for grading as we do not want to be influenced by the financial incentive to grade people as fast as possible. Rather, we want to promote people when we feel they are ready.