It should be noted by all Zen Judo students and those interested in studying the Zen syllabus, that the syllabus shown on this website is as laid down by Shihan Dominick Mac McCarthy 8th Dan Zen Judo.

The British Zen Judo Family Association (BZJFA) uses the same syllabus up to 1st Dan Black belt, but now requires both the Nage-No-Kata and the Katame-No-Kata for the grading to 2nd Dan.

The American Zen Judo Family uses the same syllabus of throws but has added other requirements for each grade.

Anyone who has a BJA/BJC/competition judo background might find it odd that a number of throws which they learnt at an early stage in there judo, do not appear in the Zen syllabus until a student has been studying for a while. The main thing to remember is that the Zen syllabus has been structured in such a way as to lead the student slowly and safely into the higher and potently more dangerous throws after the necessary control and balance has been learnt. In Zen Clubs progression through the belts doesn't depend on the students ability to win competitions but on there understanding and application of each technique during a formal grading and in Randori (free practice). Having said that we still require Shiai (contest) in all gradings after yellow belt to allow the student to show spirit and a willingness to have a go.