How do I become a certified Dojo Assistant, and what screening applies?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Dojo Assistant (DA, former NCCP Level 1) is the entry coaching certification. It prepares you to help deliver practices for judoka of all stages, with an emphasis on those under 14.

Prerequisites

Minimum age of 16.
Minimum rank of green belt, with a working knowledge of the Judo Canada kyu syllabus techniques for 6th through 3rd kyu.
A Sterling background check for all candidate coaches aged 18 and older (or an equivalent check if the province or territory requires one).
The "Respect in Sport for the activity leader" e-learning module.

Training: NCCP Make Ethical Decisions (delivered by the Coaching Association of Canada from April 1, 2026), Module 1 (Safety and Liability; Know Your Sport; Teaching & Learning theory, 6 hours in class) and Module 2 (Teaching & Learning Judo, 6 to 8 hours on the tatami).

Supervision: assistants under the age of majority must work under the direct supervision of a certified instructor.

Status: completing all modules gives Trained DA status. The practical evaluation (needed for Certified DA) is not obligatory, and Trained Assistants can go on to the Dojo Instructor courses. Certified status is valid for 5 years and is renewed with 10 professional development points per 5 years for an Assistant (20 for an Instructor).

All program leaders (dojo shu, technical directors, community coaches and similar) must also take the Respect in Sport online training.

Source: Judo Canada NCCP Policy, March 2026.