Date & Time: December 13, 2025 – Note: Time Correction

Location:

  • City College of San Francisco
  • Wellness Center:  Martial Arts Room
  • 50 Frida Kahlo Way
  • San Francisco, Ca. 94112

Application Deadline:

Saturday, December 6, 2025 by the end of the day for electronic +payment submission. Corrected Form 20s will be requested if needed however incomplete paperwork will not be accepted. This includes all supporting documents.

USJF Summary Requirements (details farther below):

  1. USJF Membership dues (paid directly to USJF at the address below or for current year online here):
    • Shodan: current USJF membership plus one year immediately prior.  
    • Nidan and above: current USJF membership plus three years immediately prior.
  2. USJF Life Membership
    • Benefit: USJF Rank Promotion Fee is Waived for current USJF Life Membership.
    • Recommended: Apply for USJF Life Membership before submitting for Cenco Rank Promotion Application
  3. CDC-approved Heads Up Certification
  4. USOC SafeSport Certification
  5. Online Background Check (notice well-hidden “Next” button on bottom right of web page)
  6. Recommendation for Promotion Form 20
  7. Nidan and above applicants must have First Aid/CPR 

All Shodan promotion applications are now required to meet new requirements:

  • Requirements are met by submitting copies of the certificates of completion for both Heads Up & SafeSport with the applicant’s completed USJF form 20. 
  • Certifications must have been completed NOT more than one (1) year prior to the submission of the Shodan applicant’s USJF form 20.

HeadsUp: Please complete one of the two USJF-approved HeadsUp certifications

SafeSport: Please complete the USJF-approved SafeSport certification

Background Check (for those over 18): Please complete the USJF-approved online background check

Referee Clinic Requirements:

CENCO requires Shodan candidates to have attended a Referee Clinic recognized by CENCO.  NOTE:  Candidates are not required to pass the written test and practical evaluation needed to be certified as a Referee by CENCO, but must at a minimum have evidence of having attended a recognized clinic. If you are unable to attend a clinic in person the USJF has resources to help. Visit https://learn.usjf.com/courses/contest-rules-referee-education-course-overview/ to find out more information and get started. Completion of this course or proof of having attended a referee clinic should be emailed by the paperwork deadline.   promotions.cenco@gmail.com 

Kata Requirements:

Shodan:
Nage No Kata (First 3 sets as tori)
Nidan:
a. Competitor – Complete set of Nage-No-Kata (Tori)
b. Non-competitor – Complete set of Nage-No-Kata (Tori and Uke); Katame-No-Kata (Tori)

Options for kata requirement:

(In person is not required this one time for Shodan.  The Board of Examiners will rely on the honor system for the candidates to eventually fulfill the requirement when possible.  Higher dan can submit prior kata experience, or videos.)

Checklist for All Yudansha

(Black Belt Candidates: Shodan and higher)

You will receive confirmation of receipt by CENCO, if you do not, please contact the secretary immediately promotions.cenco@gmail.com

  • USJF current registration dues and prior year or years as required (or back fees paid)
  • Evidence you REQUESTED a background check online.  NOTE we do not want to see your actual results or data submitted (not required for those under 18)
  • USJF-approved Waiver of liability:  For in-person promotion examinations a form will be provided on the day of the event.  The Waiver form(s) have to be signed by adults for themselves or by guardians/parents of any minors participating in the test, even if the adult or child is just participating as an Uke.
  • Digital copies of all documentation to CENCO board of examiners secretary promotions.cenco@gmail.com well before paperwork submission deadline so you can get feedback on any needed corrections.  Your Cenco Promotion Application will include:
    • Promotion Recommendation Form 20, scanned into PDF or with digital signature already on it. (Required)
    • Indication you submitted your Background check (unless you’re under  18)
    • Digital headshot photo (standard 2″x2″ photo dimensions as you can get at any Walgreens or done by yourself) (Required)
    • Kata certificate (Required)
    • Referee, Teacher, Coach Certificates (Recommended)
    • First aid and cpr certificate (Required)
  • After getting feedback (if any), email corrected digital copies to promotions.cenco@gmail.com
    CENCO’s BOE President:
    Davin Tillman
    1472 Serpilio Way
    Petaluma, CA 94954-6613
  • Form 20 – Please have your instructor review the completed form before submission
  • Need more help check out this video How to fill out a Form 20

Promotion Fees

December 13, 2025 CENCO Promotion Fee Schedule

  • Cenco Promotion Fee: $40.00
  • Shodan: $125.00
  • Nidan: $150.00
  • Sandan: $175.00
  • Yondan: $200.00
  • Godan: $225.00
  • Rokudan: $250.00
  • Shichidan: $300.00
  • Hachidan: $350.00

Promotion Day – December 13, 2025 –

  • 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm: Instructor/Sensei attend the Board of Examiners Promotion Meeting and speak on behalf of the candidate unless the BOE grants an exceptional exemption.
  • 2:30 pm, Non-competitor candidates: Complete skills testing at promotional examination demonstrating rank required skills.
  • Sandan and higher ranks: Demonstration of the candidate’s teaching techniques. This demonstration must presented in person at the exam and be brief and to the point. The demonstration should show the creativity of the candidate by integrating techniques required for their rank in either Tachiwaza, Osaekomi waza , Shimewaza, or Kansetsu Waza. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating combinations, transitions, defenses, or turnovers related to the selected technique for teaching. The Board of Examiners will evaluate the candidate’s ability to describe and explain these techniques, as well as their approach to teaching through drills and methods, ensuring it goes beyond mere variations of the techniques

Rank Requirements (PDF)

Obtaining Kodokan Rank

Use the following documents to apply for a Kodokan Rank Certificate