I was awarded my 9th Dan...

Today I was awarded my 9th Dan by the World Judo Federation.
Full statement by the WJF:
We are pleased to announce that WJF Technical Director, Sampson Sampson has been promoted to 9th Dan following a review of his service to our federation, and most importantly, to the world of judo as a whole.
Since joining the World Judo Federation in 2011, Sampson has proven to be an invaluable asset to our federation. Alongside many other high grades, he has helped to establish the traditional judo competition rules which have become a staple in our organisation and one of the many reasons that federations from around the globe feel compelled to join us. Sampson has also inspired countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Gibraltar, South Africa and more to join the World Judo Federation through both his online presence as well as the events that he regularly runs in Europe underneath the WJF banner. Further to this, Sampson has also established a coaching curriculum that has been adopted by many countries, with the aim of assisting coaches, clubs and member federations to foster the development of judo in a constructive and effective way.
Going above and beyond to support the judo community, Sampson and his organisation, Judo For All UK (JFAUK) has regularly donated tatami to Greece in order to assist with the development of judo in their community. Thanks to his work, the community in Greece now have an abundance of tatami to use for the training, events and as well as for their outreach which supports disadvantaged members of society such as those suffering from substance addiction and those recently released from incarceration. He has continued to act selflessly in full adherence to Kano’s philosophy of Jita Kyoei - mutual prosperity.
Beyond the World Judo Federation, Sampson has become an influential figure in the wider judo community through both his regular seminars as well as his online platform which has amassed over 34,000 subscribers eager to learn from his experience. His continuous work to spread the word of judo via his platform is a true modern day expression of Kano’s own philosophies.
In addition to all of the above, one thing stands out above all else, which is Sampson’s skill on the tatami. His excellence in the technical understanding of judo is phenomenal, and all who have had the pleasure of sharing the mat with him can agree. We thank Sampson for his ongoing work in supporting and promoting traditional judo, and recognise his tireless work through this grade.
Jaime Casanova Martinez

[@m.cymcym7418]

Congrats Sensei Sampson! I am from Canada and started doing Judo about 2 years ago, and your videos are a gold mine for me. Your pedagogy of the way you explain concepts and drills are exceptional. Thank you for sharing your Judo on KZbin and inspiring people all around the world. Congratulation again!!!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words!

[@Johnwashere-dt2ov]

From a regular viewer of your channel Australia (jujutsu) congratulations!

[@AceInose]

Sampson Sensei, omedetou gozaimasu. Congratulations! And much appreciation for your dedication and love to the sport which inspired many around the world. Fan from Japan.

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@dku001]

Congratulations Sensei Sampson. As a student of Judo for 46 years, I have still learned so much from you and have been using your techniques and more importantly, your teaching philosophy to teach my students. Thank you so much, and again, congratulations on the well deserved 9th Dan. -- David Ku Peace Judo Institute, Taiwan

[@oossum]

Greetings. Just getting this channel now. Very good work and belated congratulations and all the best

[@ConqueringLionKappa]

wow what an achievement, i just started judo(a month ago) and you've been so helpful in providing supplementary info after each class, tragic that your channel hasn't got the traction it deserves. it might be interesting to see you together with Shintaro Higashi on a podcast, that must be so insightful seeing you two reasoning together! congratz again and thanks for your commitment!

[@miros1]

Congratulations Sensei Sampson! I've been following your videos to help me during the teaching of Judo and they're helping me a lot!

[@sabredogone]

Congratulations Sensei. So very much deserved. Myself and son have been following your videos for the last few years and they are invaluable to both our Judo and BJJ classes. My son has been doing judo since the age of 5 and qualified as a coach when he just turned 16 and says you are the best teacher on the net. Never stop doing what you are doing and hope to see you on here for the next 20 years..at least 😊

[@devriestown]

Congratulations mate well done. Im sure that there is many young people who you have helped and older people with their judo and grappling journey's. The time you have put in to others help is a great privilege. OSSS my friend.

[@Audhali]

Incredible. So infinitely impressed by this. Congratulations Sensei.

[@cyb3r031]

Congratulations, Sampson-sensei! I'm so happy to hear the news. I used to go Sobell Judo every week in the three months before the pandemic stuck. Sadly I moved out of London since then. I will always remember how Sampson and everyone else at Sobell Judo was so kind, welcoming, and keen to share their knowledge and passion for Judo. I will always be grateful for those lessons. Congratulations again!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you! A pleasure to have you train with us!

[@Maria1yay]

Congrats Sensei! I remember binging on your videos during the lockdowns.

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@hodgsoncatalin3243]

Congratulations sensei ! I love your judo - classes ... and you have a great inspiration to me! Greetings from Canada !

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@jasonblewis]

Amazing! Congratulations and well deserved Sensei

[@cvz8849]

Congratulations Sensei! Thank you for all your hard work.

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@JudoHubKenya]

Very incredible 🎉. Congratulations 🎊. Thank you for sharing your knowledge always.

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@Lordofthenight33]

Congratulations Grand Master 🏮🏮🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@ahmadsani9285]

Congratulations Sensei Sampson.

[@lame6315]

Congratulations Sensei Sampson , Thank you for your hard work video !

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@christophalcmeonides8537]

A true teacher/master ! Congratulations Well done Samson !!!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@christophermccarthy6889]

A true Gentleman,and Legend, Well done Samson !!! A very proud day for you , what an inspirational journey and still more come 👏

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@jongler9775]

Sir, you are an inspiration. Sincere congratulations. Thank you for all your work.

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@kyebaranger8444]

Congratulations, truly inspiring 👏 🥋

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@dad2702]

Congratulations from the deep of our hearts 🥰. Well deserved promotion Sensey

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@minorityofone1510]

Congratulations Hanshi 👏👏. A fantastic achievement

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you so much 😊

[@josephgakuo]

Congratulations Sensei.All the best

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you very much!

[@fdelr]

Congrats sensei!!

[@Turismo69]

Wow 🥋 such an honour!! Congratulations Sampson 💯

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@jamesgiordano6772]

Bravo, Shihan!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@predragsinko2513]

Thank you for your lessons. The best Sensei ever. Best wishes from Croatia.

[@daimlerblanco6218]

Good for you sensei thats dedication passion and love ❤️ for you do and love the most

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@christophalcmeonides8537]

Congratulations Sir.(Dear Sampson) for your promotion & all your achievements in the art! We are following you Please keep up the good work here online

[@fredrockall4619]

Congratulations, well deserved 👏

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you! 😃

[@ranjithkgreen1251]

Congratulations Sensei 🎉

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@zeljkopopovic2248]

Congratulations! Deserved absolutly 👏

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@ImStillLooking]

Amazing! Congrats!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@antonssonshihan3993]

Many Congratulations!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@ijustwannaleaveacommentony6511]

excellent. congratulations sampson sampson

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@Nuraghead]

Congratulations ! you are a living legend

[@btd1231ify]

Congratulations Sir🎉

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@Rized_]

Congratulations, I started with judo 2 month ago but you are a crack. I am from Spain.

[@fredlesteros7668]

Congratulations 🇸🇪

[@kerem7546]

Congrats Sampson! I was wondering how you maintain good health when injuries do arise? I am in my early 30s and have noticed that I am more likely to get injured these days then when I was younger. I have particulary gotten injuries many times on my intercostal muscles (ribs) when doing rondori and ground work, especially when I train with folks her are larger than me. Thanks, and congratulations again :)

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you! I try to exercise as much as possible outside of judo with functional strength exercises - press ups, sit ups etc. I also Train judo twice a week with my students (I don't just stand at the front). I also eat well, I don't smoke, don't drink etc. All this has helped me to stay fit and healthy.

[@irongrip]

Congratulations!

[@hosseingholamie2383]

Congratulations Sampson sensi ❤️🌹👏💐

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@HassanHassan-mn7sf]

Congratulations Sensei

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@zoa011]

Congratulations you truly deserve it

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@user-kl8xk3qt4y]

Great news! My Congratulations!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@benson41]

congrats, sir!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@redclothgag413]

Hi samson sensei. I love your channel. Question... i seem not to find an video on how to obtain the other blackbelts. I only see videos on...how to get your ,,first,, dan. How much work is it to get up to 5th dan? Do you have kata or competition for those? Can you be an normal practicioner and get an White red coral belt and also an red belt? Or is it at an certain degree only obtainable for teachers? If you can Answer this question that Will be great!!! Again, love your work. And keep posting!

[@SampsonJudo]

Hello, thanks for your comment! Getting the different dans depends on which federation you are part of. Your federation should have a grading syllabus which you can look at. Regarding above 5th dan, these belts are awarded as recognition for how much you have contributed to judo as a teacher/leader. So, it is awarded at the discretion of the federation.

[@redclothgag413]

@@SampsonJudo many thanks forn answer! Hope you get your 10th dan.

[@fahdfad5084]

Congratulations 🎉

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@mrt862]

inspiration👏

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@aqaljundi174]

Going to a judo class before your wedding is so cool hahahahaha

[@MrMark-hm9lk]

Bravo!

[@gardennovice7896]

Congratulations sir

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@miloszivny4390]

This is my son's dream take the red one :) he is 9 soo long way for him. Congratulation to you!!! Question how many people have 9th Dan?

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@brandonneff3432]

Congratulations

[@tarasshevchenko2657]

Mans was more eager to do judo than to actually get his 9th Dan 😂😂 you truly do deserve that beauty, congrats !

[@SampsonJudo]

Of course! Judo is always the priority!

[@jeff6133]

How many years have you been training?

[@SampsonJudo]

50 years!

[@nothe60]

You are the king

[@matbroomfield]

Congratulations.

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@ricardokerscher]

OMEDETÔ!

[@AceBoogie_]

Beautiful

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@LAPPTRASK]

congrats!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@olafgusten2671]

congratulation

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@scomeo]

Congrats

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@kavehg.7579]

Congratulation

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@paultaylor107]

Sensei-ni-Rei

[@rohanshah8182]

legend

[@someman7]

I thought the red belt was reserved for the exceptional and rare 10th grade?

[@SampsonJudo]

Red belt is for 9th and 10th Dan

[@sandsmine]

well done🧁

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@banmadabon]

Such a newbie...You'll never reach my phosphorescent pink with purple polka dots belt...

[@ryangordon2517]

9 th Dan ,is an IJF awarded grade what association has awarded this? I'm curious, I'd love to see his Judo CV , high grades in Judo are for performance excellence ie olympic champion, world champion, Judo commission member, there is only one 9th Dan in the UK that's Neil Adams a former olympic silver medalist, the IJF, EJU and kodakan are the only people who can award grades above 6th Dan So what makes you a 9th Dan ? In who's books? WJF are not the NGB in the GBR

[@SampsonJudo]

Hi Ryan, Thanks for the questions. I am not affiliated to the IJF. The WJF is a different governing body similar to the IJF but focuses on traditional judo i.e. leg grabs, lots of ne-waza. Like the IJF, it has a number of member countries all around the world. I would never be graded by the IJF as I am not a member of them, nor am I interested in being a member. Regarding your point “high grades in judo are for performance” that is incorrect. Anything above 5th dan is awarded at the discretion of the federation in reference to how an individual has contributed to judo as a martial art. It is not about having a competitive record, but of course that does contribute to the award. Just for your reference a quick bit of research reveals that many IJF 10th dans do not have a “competitive CV” readily available for example, Franco Capelletti, Massao Shinohara and Charles Palmer. Instead, these individuals have given their life to fostering and developing judo. It is this that is the foundation of the award. You can see a list of 10th dans here to start your own research - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_judoka Regarding my own career, I have competed extensively across Britain and also internationally via Cyprus, however, my career was during a time whereby the process of creating records was not that common. I have answered this question before, you can read my answer here - www.reddit.com/r/judo/comments/fpqv9i/comment/fln1z1t/?context=3 . As a coach, I have taught extensively in various seminars around the UK and Europe. I even helped to coach the Cypriot national team, namely Ioannis Kouyialis, who attended the 1984 Olympic Games. Further to that, I have current students who are competing internationally under the WJF, as well as others who are part of IJF national teams. I don’t like having to explain myself, however I hope that clarifies things for you. I also understand that many judoka who are well integrated into the IJF system feel offended when they see someone from “outside” their system being awarded a high grade. That’s okay, you’re entitled to your opinion. However for me, I am happy not being a member of the IJF as it allows me to practice and develop the style judo I personally prefer. p.s. I’ve checked with my team - aren’t you the person who showed up to my club a few years ago pretending to being a Kodokan 3rd dan, when you were actually a blue belt? 🤔

[@eurodiscoitalodisco]

@ryangordon2517, let's hope all the judo masters of all the federations (current and future) live long so they could train more people. This is not a zero-sum game. There is a place for all of us under the sun. In martial arts, it is about self-expression and personal interpretation. In other sports, there are more than one federation as well - different perspectives. Monopolies are not good for progress. One judoka is free to be part of more than one federation or to choose the federation that is more suitable to his ambition, personality, and expressivity. Let's try not to oppress anyone for dedicating his life to the noble purpose of teaching judo. Over the years, I have trained in both federations, depending on where I lived. At the end of the day, it is about how much - we, the students - dedicate our time to learning judo. There are beginner judokas who love to train, and they do not have access to world-class clubs and judo masters, but they live in very remote areas of the world, and to them, the only person available to teach them judo, might be a judoka who is a green belt, and they consider that guy - their grand master. And they are content. @ryangordon2517, you do not add value to this world by disrespecting others, just for the sake that they exist. My name is Andy, and I am wearing a yellow belt. I wish there were 1,000 9th DAN judo teachers worldwide, in both IJF and WJF. Unfortunately, there are just a few, and you are saying that these few are in fact too many. We should honour any sensei who has reached the 9th DAN in any martial art, whether we comprehend their value or may not understand it yet. There are no two equal 9th DAN masters in this world, as each of them is very special. This time it’s the turn of Sensei Sampson to be celebrated, so let’s wish him many more years to live and teach more and more people open to experiencing his judo method!

[@lordsneed9418]

he doesn't look so tough.

[@SampsonJudo]

www.sobelljudoclub.com

[@berengerrodnite6341]

Congratulations!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@sanjayayahathugoda7479]

Congratulations Sir

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@Ray-pc8lm]

Congratulations

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@MoMastafa]

Congratulations.

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@elchalo66]

congratulation

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@judotherapy9810]

Congratulations!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you!

[@judotherapy9810]

@@SampsonJudo Kyu-Dan is definitely a lifelong achievement only a handful of individuals can reach, one can not fathom how it must feel to reach the next level! Additionally, your instruction methods are inspiring, thank you for your life-time of service to the Judo communities near home and abroad.

[@ryanhurst3068]

Congratulations!

[@SampsonJudo]

Thank you! Big fan of your content Ryan!

[@ryanhurst3068]

@@SampsonJudo Thank you! That means a lot to hear.