USJF/KokaKids collaboration

The USJF Development Committee has aligned its Jr Rank Requirements with SHAPE America. SHAPE America is our national standards framework for K-12 Physical Education that defines what a student should know and be able to do at each stage of developing physically literate individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthy physical activity.

We are the ONLY Judo organization with professional educators comprised of University Professors, Secondary and Elementary Credential Teachers, and Academic School Principals with the expertise to develop such a program.

Keeping with Professor Kano’s goals, judo is meant to be not just a lifelong sport but to become a way of life.  Kano’s philosophy of morality, societal contribution, and physical judo techniques align with the SHAPE framework’s stages of development for safe and progressive instruction. 


Visit our USJF “Koka Kids” interactive pages.  Some of the kids will relish looking through these pages.

For new Junior members

Here is a video titled “Kodomo no Kata.” The video demonstrates how to wear your Judogi, perform bowing, and do some basic exercises & techniques. Kodokan published this video in Tokyo, Japan. The Kodokan is the birthplace of Judo, founded by Kano Jigoro Shihan. We expect our Little Kids to wear their Judogi properly and tie their own Judo belts before moving on to our Juniors’ class.

Minecraft for Judo

Exciting news from the IJF Judo for Children Commission!

We are thrilled to announce that the second edition of Minecraft, the Mystery of the Kodokan, is making waves in the gaming world, with an impressive number of downloads and only second to NASA, with over 535,000 unique players.

As a commission dedicated to promoting the benefits of judo for children, we are proud to be a part of this accomplishment.

A special mention to the leader and Director of IJF Judo for Children Commission, Mr. Ruben Houkes .

His tireless dedication, leadership, and vision have been instrumental in the success of our commission.  We are incredibly grateful for his guidance and expertise, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him to bring the benefits of judo to even more children around the world.

Join at https://schools.ijf.org/judocraft.