I hope you’re having a brilliant summer. Whether you’re training or not, stay active and get ready for another exciting season. Even when I’m not on the mat, I’m always thinking about jitsu. Techniques, drills, set pieces, what would I do if... Some would say I’m obsessed!

The Leadership Board have been thinking about the Dan Gradings in February and decided that we will move them to December. The same day as the Brown Belt Grading so the schedule* will look something like this:

19th December. Aston University, Birmingham.

09:00 - 11:00 - Adaptive Grading (Promo Board)
11:00 - 14:00 - Brown Belt Grading (Technical Board)
14:00 - 17:00 - Dan Grading (Leadership Board)
17:30 - Late - Presentations and celebrations

There will be a course as well open to all grades from 13:00 - 17:00.

*The details to be finalised.

The February events have been difficult to organise, and we believe that moving the date offers several benefits:

• A more balanced six-month split between gradings.
• Increased availability of candidates, ukes, and examiners.
• A more realistic and professional grading atmosphere.
• Higher attendance to help celebrate achievements and make it a special occasion.

If you’re eligible to grade for shodan and above, please ensure that your nomination form reaches the Promotions Board by the 30th September. Once received and checked, the Promotions Board will send out the invitations by the 14th October. If successful, we will move to a more balanced nomination / grading cycle from next year.

With two weeks to go, I’m super excited and getting ready for Summer School (#jitsusworstkeptsecret). This is my indicator that summer is over and we will be getting into the universities recruitment drives for 2026/27. Good luck with Freshers Fairs and taster sessions.

If you need any support, let us know and we will see what we can do.

See you soon

Eric Law

TJJF Chair