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Welcome to another in this series on the BJA (British Judo Association) Mon grade syllabus. This series is designed to help you as a parent ensure that your child feels confident they know all they need to know before attending a grading. This helps ensure they have a positive experience. Under the official requirements are images, videos and text that will help you understand the requirements and ensure your shild knows the syllabus for this belt. Please note that a majority of the images etc come from the wonderful JudoInfo.com website. (For more information the official BJA guidance is available at http://britishjudo.org.uk/technical/gradings_home.php)

Official requirements for 8th Mon from BJA:

BRITISH JUDO ASSOCIATION
JUNIOR MON GRADE PROMOTION SYLLABUS

7TH MON — 8TH MON

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Tachi-waza:
• Ko-soto-gari
• Ko-soto-gake
• Morote-seoi-nage

PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Combination Techniques:
• Ko-uchi-gari into Morote-seoi-nage
Counter Techniques:
• Tai-otoshi countered by Ko-soto-gake
Ne-waza:
• escape into Yoko-shiho-gatame from between Uke’s legs
• turn over from underneath Uke into Tate-shiho-gatame

Randori:
• demonstration of attacking and defending in Randori with a co-operative partner

PERSONAL CHOICE
Candidates are required to:
demonstrate three of their favourite waza
TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE
Candidates are required to:
know the common English translations and meaning of all Japanese terminology used in this section
translate the following Japanese words into their common English names and where appropriate explain their meaning:
Shido Hansoku-make
demonstrate the Referee’s signals for Matte, Osae-komi, Toketa and adjusting the judogi
give two examples of actions (not grips) against the contest rules for negative and safety reasons
NOTES
1. During the Randori demonstration the judoka will be required to demonstrate knowledge of basic performance skills e.g.
Kumi-kata, Renzoku-waza, Renraku-waza and Kaeshi-waza. The duration of the Randori will be approximately three
minutes.
2. For the personal choice element, the judoka is required to demonstrate their favourite waza which may be demonstrated
either to the right or to the left with any suitable grip.

Ko Soto Gari:

Kosoto Gari - from JudoInfo.com

Kosoto Gake - From JudoInfo.com

Morote Seoinage - From JudoInfo.com

Ko-uchi-gari into Morote-seoi-nage – From YouTube

Tai-otoshi countered by Ko-soto-gake

escape into Yoko-shiho-gatame from between Uke’s legs - From BJA Pictorial Guide

turn over from underneath Uke into Tate-shiho-gatame - From BJA Pictorial Guide

Terminology and other knowledge:

Shido: “A minor penalty awarded against a judoka for an offence” (as per Beijing 2008 website). A Shido is a penalty given to a player if they break a (minor) rule of Judo. It earns the other player a score (although with the new rules in 2009, the first Shido does not give the opponent a koka (which have been removed from Judo) so it is a “warning”. The second Shido earns a Yuko for the opponent.

Hansoku-make: “A disqualification awarded against a judoka for an offence.” (as per Beijing 2008 website). Hansoku-Make is given when a player does something dangerous or against the spirit of Judo. It can also be earned through an accumulation of Shido penalties.

Referee’s Signals:

Matte Signal - From JudoInfo.com

Osae Komi signal - From JudoInfo.com

Toketa (hold broken) - From JudoInfo.com

Signal for you to adjust your Judo Suit - From JudoInfo.com

LanceW Judo bja, British Judo Association, grade, Judo, junior, moin, syllabus

Welcome to another in this series on the BJA (British Judo Association) Mon grade syllabus. This series is designed to help you as a parent ensure that your child feels confident they know all they need to know before attending a grading. This helps ensure they have a positive experience. For more information the official BJA guidance is available at http://britishjudo.org.uk/technical/gradings_home.php

Official requirements for 7th Mon from BJA:

6TH MON — 7TH MON
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Tachi-waza:
• Ko-uchi-gari
• Tsuri-komi-goshi
• O-goshi

PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Combination Techniques:
• O-uchi-gari into Ko-uchi-gari
• Ko-uchi-gari into O-soto-gari
Counter Techniques:
• O-uchi-gari countered by Tsuri-komi-goshi
Ne-waza:
• escape
- from Kesa-gatame using ‘bridge and roll’
- into Kesa-gatame from between Uke’s legs’

Randori:
• demonstration of light Randori with a co-operative partner
PERSONAL CHOICE
Candidates are required to:
select and demonstrate two tachi-waza and one osae-komi-waza from the BJA Technical Grading Syllabus
TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE
Candidates are required to:
know the common English translations and meaning of all Japanese terminology used in this section
give two examples of actions against the contest rules
translate the following Japanese words into their common English names and where appropriate explain their meaning:
Uke  Tori    Waza-ari-awasete-ippon
demonstrate the proper procedures for coming onto and leaving the mat during a contest
NOTES
1.  Randori is introduced for this grade. It is to be demonstrated in the form of light randori of approximately three minutes
duration. The examiner will expect to see a variety of waza and kumi-kata and, if possible, throws to both right and left
sides. Although there are no specified requirements the judoka should understand and observe the simple regulations
and terminology governing Randori, including the correct method for signalling submission.
2. For the personal choice element, the judoka may select any waza from the BJA Technical Grading Syllabus but it is
recommended that less advanced techniques are chosen at the stage.

Below are some images and words that may help you understand what is being described above so you can help your child learn the requirements for their next Judo belt.

Ko Uchi Gari from Judoinfo.com

Tsuri Komi Goshi from Judoinfo.com

O Goshi from JudoInfo.com

LanceW Judo bja, british, grade, Judo, ko uchi gari, mon, o goshi, o uchi gari

Welcome to another in this series on the BJA (British Judo Association) Mon grade syllabus. This series is designed to help you as a parent ensure that your child feels confident they know all they need to know before attending a grading. This helps ensure they have a positive experience. For more information the official BJA guidance is available at http://britishjudo.org.uk/technical/gradings_home.php

Official requirements for 6th Mon from BJA:

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Ukemi: Mae Ukemi
Tachi-waza: O-uchi-gari
Osae-komi-waza: Tate-shiho-gatame
PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Combination Techniques: O-uchi-gari into Tate-shiho-gatame
Ne-waza:
• escape from Tate-shiho-gatame using ‘clamp and roll’ action
• turnover into Mune-gatame (Uke “all fours” position)

Kumi-kata: demonstrate alternatives to standard grips e.g. right against left, double lapel and high collar
Randori: demonstration of Nage-komi in light Randori with a co-operative partner
PERSONAL CHOICE
Candidates are required to  demonstrate two of their favourite waza
TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE
Candidates are required to:

• know the common English translations and meaning of all Japanese terminology used in this section
• give two examples of actions against the contest rules

NOTES
1.  Nage-komi is introduced for this grade. It is to be demonstrated in the form of light randori which will be of approximately
two minutes duration with each judoka throwing alternately. Although throws may be repeated, the examiner will expect
to see a variety of techniques and, if possible, to both right and left sides.
2.  Kumi-kata is a requirement for this grade and the judoka is required to demonstrate the standard grips and alternatives.
3.  For the personal choice element, the judoka is required to demonstrate their favourite waza which may be demonstrated
either to the right or to the left with any suitable grip.

As in previous posts in this series, below are some images and words to help you understand what is being asked for.

Mae Ukemi - from JudoInfo.com

Ouchi Gari - From Judoinfo.com

Tate Shiho Gatame - From JudoInfo.com

Escape from Tate Shiho Gatame - From BJA Pictorial guide

Turnover into Mune Gatame - From BJA Pictorial Guide

lancew Judo bja, British Judo Association, Judo, Mae Ukemi, mon, mune gatame, ouchi gari, syllabus, tate shiho gatme, turnover

Welcome to fourth in this series on the BJA (British Judo Association) Mon grade syllabus. This series is designed to help you as a parent ensure that your child feels confident they know all they need to know before attending a grading. This helps ensure they have a positive experience. For more information the official BJA guidance is available at http://britishjudo.org.uk/technical/gradings_home.php

Official requirements for 5th Mon from BJA:

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Ukemi: Mae Mawari Ukemi III
Tachi-waza: Ippon-seoi-nage
Osae-komi-waza: Kami-shiho-gatame

PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Combination Techniques: Ippon-seoi-nage into Kami-shiho-gatame
Ne-waza:

• turnover into Kesa-gatame (Uke in “all fours” position)
• escape from Kami-shiho-gatame using ‘action and re-action’

Kumi-kata: demonstrate alternatives to the right and left standard grips

PERSONAL CHOICE
Candidates are required to demonstrate two of their favourite waza

TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE
Candidates are required to  know the common English translations and meaning of all Japanese terminology used in this section

NOTES
1.  For the personal choice element, the judoka is required to demonstrate their favourite waza which may be demonstrated
either to the right or to the left with any suitable grip.

As with prior weeks, below are some images and words to help you ensure that your child knows what is required of them when they are examined for the British Judo Association’s 5th Mon grading:

Mae Mawari Ukemi III - From Judoinfo.com

Ippon Seoi Nage - From JudoInfo.com

Kami Shiho Gatame - From Jonathan Beck

Turnover into Kesa Gatame: The BJA syllabus and even the BJA pictorial guide are not very clear on what sort of turnover should be done. The example in the pictorial guide shows the play kneeling next to there partner, who is on elbows and knees. They then, reach with the hand closest to the belt and grasp their partners lapel, going under the body and staying below the arm/armpit. The other hand (nearest the head), reaches across to the partners far arm, grabbing on the sleeve at forearm level. This arm is them pulled back towards you and the other arm used to lever the opponent onto their back and side; ending up holding them in Kesa gatame.

Escape from Kami Shiho Gatame: The version shown in the BJA pictorial guide shows the person being held down, twisting/rocking first to their left then turning over on to their stomachs to the right. It is a “pencil roll” type of movement.

Kumi Kata: Your child should be able to show an alternative grip to the standard “sleeve and lapel” Judo grip.For example, taking a double lapel grip or double sleeve grip “should” be okay. The Example in the pictorial guide appears to be a high grip on the collar and a sleeve grip held on top of the opponents arm rather than under it as in the normal grip.

Terminology:

• Ukemi = Breakfall
• Mae Mawari Ukemi = Forward Rolling Breakfall
• Tachi Waza = Standing/throwing techniques
• Ippon Seoi Nage = One arm shoulder throw
• Ne Waza = Ground techniques
• Osae Komi Waza = Hold Down techniques
• Kami Shiho Gatame = Upper four quarters hold down
• Kesa Gatame = “Scarf” hold
• Judoka = Someone who does Judo

As with all things pertaining to grading, it is wise to make sure that you speak with your child’s coach and an examiner for clarification on any of the above. I have included them here just to help, not as a definitive guide.

lancew Judo belt, bja, British Judo Association, grading, Grappling, Judo, mon, ne waza, syllabus, tachi waza, Throw

Welcome to third in this series on the BJA (British Judo Association) Mon grade syllabus. This series is designed to help you as a parent ensure that your child feels confident they know all they need to know before attending a grading. This helps ensure they have a positive experience. For more information the official BJA guidance is available at http://britishjudo.org.uk/technical/gradings_home.php

Official requirements for 3rd Mon from BJA:

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Ukemi: Mae Mawari Ukemi I
Tachi-waza: Uki-goshi
Osae-komi-waza: Kuzure-kesa-gatame
PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Combination Techniques: Uki-goshi into Kuzure-kesa-gatame
Ne-waza: Escape from Kuzure-kesa-gatame using ‘sit up and push’
PERSONAL CHOICE
Candidates are required to demonstrate two of their favourite waza

TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE
Candidates are required to  know the common English translations and meaning of all Japanese terminology used in this section.
Demonstrate the correct wearing of the judogi
Translate the following Japanese words into their common English names and where appropriate explain their meaning:

• Dojo
• Judogi
• Zori

NOTES
1.  For the personal choice element, the judoka is required to demonstrate their favourite waza which may be demonstrated
either to the right or to the left with any suitable grip.

Here are some images and words that will help you ensure that your child is doing the right thing:

Mae Ukemi - From JudoInfo.com

Uki Goshi - From JudoInfo.com

Kuzure Kesa Gatame - From JudoInfo.com

Words:

• Dojo = Training Hall
• Judogi = Judo Suit
• Zori = Sandals

lancew Judo bja, grade, mon, syllabus

This is a the second in a series aimed at providing some guidance on the British Judo Association grading syllabus. In this post we shall cover the 1st Mon – 2nd Mon requirements.

Again here is the requirements from the BJA website ( TK ):

1ST MON — 2ND MON

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS

Ukemi (BreakFalls): Yoko Ukemi
Tachi-waza (throws): De-ashi-barai
Osae-komi-waza (hold downs): Mune-gatame
PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Combination Techniques: De-ashi-barai into Mune-gatame
Ne-waza: Escape from Mune-gatame using a ‘bridge and roll’ action

PERSONAL CHOICE
Candidates are required to demonstrate two of their favourite waza (techniques).

TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE
Candidates are required to know the common English translations and meaning of all Japanese terminology used in this section and be able to  translate the following Japanese words into their common English names and where appropriate explain their meaning:

• Osae-komi
• Toketa

Demonstrate the correct bowing procedure for Tachi-rei and Za-rei

Answer the question
Who is the founder modern judo?

NOTES
1.  For the personal choice element, the judoka is required to demonstrate their favourite waza which may be demonstrated
either to the right or to the left with any suitable grip.

And here are some some images and explanations to help you teach your child the right things:

Yoko Ukemi - From JudoInfo.com

De Ashi Barai - From JudoInfo.com

Mune Gatame - From JudoInfo.com

Mune Gatame - Bridge and Roll Escape - From BJA Syllabus pictorial guide.

Terminology:

Osae Komi = Hold down. This is called when you are holding your partner down on their back.
Toketa = Hold down broken/escaped. This is called when your partner escapes from your hold.
Waza = Technique. This is a generic term used to describe a group of techniques too. So Tachi Waza is standing techniques (throws), Ne Waza is ground techniques (hold downs for example).

The founder of Judo is Jigoro Kano (Kano Jigoro as the Japanese would say. Kano is his surname).

lancew Judo bja, grade, grading, Judo, mon, syllabus

This is the first post in a series, where we shall be examining what your child needs to be able to do to progress through the grades/belts in Judo.

We shall start with the British Judo Association “Mon” system.
Mons are the first steps along the grading path, the Mon system is for younger children 5-7 years of age; you child can progress one Mon every 3 months. In this post we shall look at the very first grade 1st Mon, this is your child’s first experience of grading, so your knowing what is required and helping your child remember it will help ensure it is a positive experience for them.

According to the BJA syllabus ( available at the BJA website ) your child needs to know the following to grade to first Mon:

NOVICE – 1ST MON

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Ukemi (Breakfalls): Ushiro Ukemi
Tachi-waza (throw): Osoto-otoshi
Osae-komi-waza (hold down): Kesa-gatame

PERFORMANCE SKILLS

Osoto-otoshi into Kesa-gatame
Escape from Kesa-gatame by ‘trapping Uke’s leg

PERSONAL CHOICE
Candidates are required to demonstrate two of their favourite techniques.

TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE
Know the common English translations and meaning of all Japanese terminology used in this section  to translate the following Japanese words into their common English names and where appropriate explain their meaning:

• Rei
• Hajime
• Matte

Answer the question in which country was Judo devised?

Here are some images and explanations to help you:

Ushiro Ukemi - Backwards Breakfall from JudoInfo.com

O Soto Otoshi - Large Outer Drop from Judoinfo.com

Kesa Gatame from JudoInfo.com

Japanese words:

• Rei – Bow
• Hajime – Begin/Start
• Matte – End/Stop

And Judo originated in Japan.

lancew Judo bja, kesa gatame, mon, taio otoshi, ushiro ukemi

A question that is asked regularly (and rightly so) by parents is the question of is what the child is doing appropriate. In this post I shall outline the vision as per the British model in the BJA.

The appropriate training for your child is dependent on one thing and one thing only. Your child!

In other words, all your childs training should be appropriate for your childs level of development. This means development in terms of physical, mental and emotional aspects. Your child may be big and strong, but young in mind. They may be mentally tough and able to cope with long sessions, but physically they may not be able to cope. Both you and the coach need to assess your child on a day to day basis and ensure that the training is appropriate.

The British Judo association has prepared a guide, the “Long Term Athlete Development” athlete development plan which should give a guide to you and in the UK BJA clubs at least should show what training your child should be doing.

Rather than rephrase it, I’ll paste it from the web page:

FUNdamentals – (male 6-10, female 6-10 years) this stage should be structured and FUN with the emphasis on developing basic movement literacy and fundamental movement skills.

Learning to Train Phase I – (male 10-12, female 10-11/12 years) during this stage young judokas should learn how to train and develop the basic skills of judo. This stage coincides with peak motor co-ordination and so there should be emphasis on skill development.

Learning to Train Phase II – (male 12-14, female 11-13 years) this is a continuation of learning to train phase I so there should be a continuation of training and developing the basic skills of judo along with emphasis on aerobic conditioning and greater individualisation of fitness and tactical training.

Training to Train – (male 14-16, female 13-14 years) there should be a continued emphasis on physical conditioning with the focus on maintaining high volume workloads but with increasing intensity.

Training to Compete – (male 16-18, female 14-17 years) again there should be continued importance on physical conditioning with the focus on developing maximum strength gains through the use of free weights.

Training to Win – (male 18+, female 17+ years) this is the final stage of athlete preparation and the emphasis should be on specialisation and performance enhancement.

I hope that acts a very rough guide for you as a parent to use to assess the training your child is doing. As I stated earlier, you need to remember is that this is all about your child and their development. The stages shown above are in fact based on averaged ages for growth spurts. This means that if your child is a late maturer you need to adjust the training they are doing.

The above phases are also based on physical development; the emotional and mental development needs to be assessed also and training adjusted accordingly.

As always, any questions, do ask your club coach, email the national federation, or leave a comment here.

Lance.

lancew Judo bja, children, development, Judo, ltad training