What qualifications and checks do I need to coach juniors?
Rule- UK
- British Judo
- Junior judo
- Under 12
- Under 16
- Under 18
- BJA contest rules
- Mon grades
- 2026
- Coaches
| Award | Minimum age | Minimum grade | What it lets you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJA Level 1 | 16 | 2nd Kyu | Run sessions under the direction of a Level 2 coach. Grade juniors up to 6th Mon (and seniors to 5th Kyu) under that direction. Get matside accreditation. |
| BJA/UKCC Level 2 | 17 | 1st Kyu | Coach all levels. Grade up to 18th Mon and 1st Kyu. Open and run a club. |
To be licensed and insured you also need:
- a DBS check
- a first aid certificate
- a Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport certificate
Passing the course qualifies you, but you aren't licensed or insured until all three are in place.
Keeping your licence:
- Renew your BJA membership every year.
- Renew first aid, safeguarding and DBS every three years. First aid and safeguarding can be done online every other three-year cycle.
- Revalidate Level 1 and Level 2 every three years. This means attending three different types of revalidation event, or one British Judo National Technical Conference.
If any of these lapse, your licence to coach is suspended and your insurance cover is withdrawn.
To grade juniors, coaches who qualified from January 2013 must also complete the appropriate Technical Grading revalidation module.
Updated 21 Oct 2026