National Coaching Certification Program
The Judo NB coaching progression
Explore the requirements, course modules, coaching roles, and next steps at each stage.
Stage 1
Assistant Instructor
Learn to safely assist with judo practices and support lead coaches on the tatami while developing core teaching habits.
- Age: 16+
- Green belt minimum
- Make Ethical Decisions
- Respect in Sport
- Screening (18+)
○ In training →◐ Trained →✓ Certified
Practical evaluation is required for Certified status. A trained Assistant Instructor may progress to Dojo Instructor training before completing evaluation.
Explore : Assistant Instructor
What you’ll learn
- Mat safety and concussion awareness (Making Head Way)
- Fundamental breakfalls (ukemi) and basic judo skills
- Ethical decision-making
- Assisting with warmups and technical drills
Coaching roles
- Assist certified head coaches at club practices
- Support beginner and youth judoka under supervision
Stage 2
Dojo Instructor
Design and run club training sessions, teach judo fundamentals, and safely introduce athletes to local competition.
- Age: 18+
- Training: brown belt
- Evaluation: Shodan (1st dan)
- Assistant or Community Coach trained
○ In training →◐ Trained →✓ Certified
Certification requires Shodan and an approved club practice evaluation.
Explore : Dojo Instructor
What you’ll learn
- Planning a safe, age-appropriate judo practice
- Teaching and learning methods
- U8/U10 and U12/U14 skill progressions
- Preparing athletes for grading up to blue belt
Coaching roles
- Lead club practices
- Prepare athletes for provincial competition
- Support grading within your dan-rank authority
Stage 3
Competition – Development Coach
Prepare provincial and national-level athletes through annual training plans, advanced technical and tactical analysis, and tournament management.
- Age: 21+
- Training: Shodan (1st dan)
- Certification: Nidan (2nd dan)
- Dojo Instructor certified
Certification includes Nidan, Dojo Instructor certification, multi-sport NCCP modules, 200+ verified competitive coaching hours, and a National Championship portfolio evaluation.
Explore : Competition – Development Coach
What you’ll learn
- Developing Athletic Abilities
- Prevention and Recovery
- Managing Conflict and Leading Drug-free Sport
- Performance analysis and periodization
Coaching roles
- Provincial team and Canada Games coaching pathways
- National championship coaching
- Mentoring Assistant and Dojo Instructors
Stage 4
Advanced Coaching Diploma (ACD)
Advanced coach development delivered through Canadian Sport Institutes for coaches supporting athletes progressing toward high-performance national squads.
- Coaching leadership
- Coaching effectiveness
- Performance planning
- Training and competition
Prerequisites: Competition–Development certified and Judo NB nomination. Contact Judo NB about enrollment.
Inquire about ACD enrollment →Stage 5
High Performance Coach
The highest coaching designation in this pathway, supporting athletes at IJF Grand Slams, World Championships, and the Olympic Games.
- Sandan (3rd dan) minimum
- Age 25+ and national team experience
- ACD graduate / former Level 4
Endorsed by Judo Canada’s High Performance Commission. Connect with the provincial technical director to discuss this pathway.
Connect with the provincial technical director →