SHODAN: The Judo Board Game 2026

SHODAN is a competitive board game inspired by the philosophy, progression, and tactical combat of judo. Players take on the role of novice judokas training to improve their skills, move across the map board, and challenge rivals in strategic matches as they advance through the belt ranks on their path toward mastery.

Using dice-driven movement, cards, and dynamic combat encounters, players must balance strategy, timing, and risk management to position themselves effectively, gain advantages, or overcome setbacks during the competition. The combat system is designed to recreate the flow and scoring of real judo matches in an accessible and engaging way.

The objective of the game is to become the first player to achieve the black belt rank. To do so, players must win matches in different dojos, progress through the colored belts, and ultimately travel to the Kodokan — the historic home of judo founded by Jigoro Kano — to complete the final challenge and earn the title of SHODAN.

—description from the designer