AJDM

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, in partnership with the National Governing Bodies, created the American Development Model in 2014 to help Americans realize their full athletic potential and utilize sport as a path toward an active and healthy lifestyle. The model utilizes long-term athlete development and quality coaching concepts to promote sustained physical activity, athlete safety and age-appropriate development with the aim of creating a positive experience for American athletes across all levels of sport.

The American Judo Alliance, consisting of USA Judo, US Judo Association and US Judo Federation, modified the ADM concept to create the American Judo Development Model (AJDM); a pathway to human and Judo excellence that is two-fold: age-based and skill-based. The skill-based advancement levels can accommodate entry to the sport at any age. However, the age-based Stage Model represents the core focus of the AJDM framework.

Click Image for AJDM Foundational Document

•  Outlines why the development and implementation of the model is important and conveys core principles of the model  

•  Developmental Pathways for Judo – Age-Based & Skill-Based  

•  Framework Overview of the stage model, including breakdown of recommendations for each age/skill stage including focus, judo-specific goals and training recommendations for both competitive and recreational players alike  

•  Stage 1 – Discover the FUNdamentals (Ages 5-8)  

•  Stage 2 – Learn & Challenge (Ages 9 – 12)  

•  Stage 3 – Develop & Train (Ages 13 – 16)  

•  Stage 4 (Part 1) – Participate & Succeed [Blackbelt Path] (Ages 16+)  

•  Stage 4 (Part 2) – Excel for Performance [Team USA Path] (Ages 16 – National Athlete)  

•  Stage 5 – Thrive & Mentor – How to Stay Involved Both On & Off the Mat (Adult Ages 18+)  

•  What You Need to Know About the AJDM – As a Dojo Owner/Competition Organizer & As A Parent  

•  What You Need to Know About the AJDM – As a Coach or Official & the Features & Benefits of Judo