Judo for Parents . com

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

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Photo by themickeyd on Flickr

“Is my child ready for their next belt” is a question all Judo coaches hear all the time. It is also a great question to be asking the coach at your child’s Judo club. Why? Because if you ask then the coach can give you an indication of where they think your child’s progression is.

As a parent you are vital in keeping your child in the sport of Judo. Without parents Judo clubs would fade and disappear. One of the reasons for this is that you as the parent are able to help set expectations for your child. By this I mean that you can help ensure that your child is excitedly expecting their green belt at the right time, not the wrong time.

You can help encourage regular attendance and enthusiasm, by sharing with your child that the coach things they are almost ready for their next grade. Of course to do this, you need to speak with your club coach (when your child is not able to hear) and find out if your child is ready to grade to the next colour belt.

Please don’t ask your club coach to discuss when your child will get their next belt, right in front of the class and especially in front of your child. You need to be aware that gradings are a sensitive area and who gets graded when is a matter both of technical ability and of maturity in Judo as well.

Some children will be able to do all the throws but the coach may not want to grade them too quickly as in the long-term this is likely to lead the child to a position where age restrictions prevent them from grading for an excessive time. Which is really discouraging for the child. Equally, the child who is not as physically capable may benefit from being graded earlier to help their confidence and enthusiasm.

It is important to be aware also that there are many other children that the coach is considering, and they need to try and ensure that all those of roughly equal ability are wearing roughly the same Judo belt colour. There is also matters concerning social groups for the coach to consider. They may wish to slow your child’s progression through the belts slightly so they stay in a group of friends, or vice versa.

Mostly the deliberations highlighted above will not be visible to you the parent, so it is really important that you talk with your child’s Judo Coach regularly and when away from others. Then you will be able to gain an understanding for when your child is ready to progress to the next Judo belt.

You will also be able to learn in what areas the coach thinks your child’s Judo needs to be developed. For example, their groundwork may be weak or they might be a little too aggressive. You can help guide your child down the same path as your coach is. This is also a two way thing, if you know that your child needs to work on their spelling for example, the coach might be able to work spelling into games or exercises. If your child is shy, the coach may be able to help them socially through the club.

I have mentioned it several times, but I will say it one more time. The best way to find out if your child is ready for their next Judo belt is to speak with the club coach.

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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. 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

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Judo is taught primarily to children, often this is done in their primary and secondary schools. The education system is welcoming to Judo, and the benefits of Judo in schools are becoming better known and appreciated by head teachers and parents a like.

Last year, the European Judo Union (EJU) held a coaching seminar all around kids Judo, I facilitated a half-day workshop where the Judo coaches from across Europe sat and discussed the benefits of Judo for children.

Common themes in the discussion were, improvements in:

• fitness
• self-confidence
• self-esteem
• self-discipline
• social skills
• personal appearance and hygiene
• school attendance
• school grades

Also identified were decreases in:

• violent behaviour
• bad attitudes
• bullying
• bad language
• disruptive behaviour

Physical exercise has long been recognised as a way of improving health, treating depression and other mental illnesses etc. Activities that give a child fun and focus, develop their various skills, and give them a wider positive social circle are also good for kids.

Judo provides all these things and much more. Judo was developed as a way of improving the person, both physically, emotionally and in the wider context of society. The founder of Judo saw Judo as a way to improve society, by improving the members of that society.

Judo will help your child develop their fitness and decrease their excess weight  if they have it. Judo will also place them in a social situation where they have to interact closely with other children. This interaction involves very close physical contact and potential for hurting one another, it takes very little time to learn that hurting another child results in the same happening to you in Judo. Throw your partner too hard and they may throw you hard next time. Children learn the essential empathy that helps prevent violent behaviour and bullying.

Judo clubs have both formal and informal elements, discipline and free “play”. This is good for children as the formal helps them learn to behave appropriately in such situations, to control themselves, to have self-discipline. The more relaxed moments are of course fun and allow kids to do what kids should… play.

Judo grades and belts are a method of highlighting and rewarding children’s efforts and progression, this is valuable in reinforcing positive self image and helping kids associate effort and results. Judo grades are not given away, the belts are earned. The children in Judo learn that if they work (and play) hard, they will gain the next belt. This is a lesson that transfers well to general life too.

Judo suits are white and must remain so, those that do Judo must be clean and tidy. Children in Judo must be clean and tidy and that is something that most every parents desires in their children. The close physical interaction leaves no room for smelly unwashed Judo suits, so children learn about life skills like the need for laundry.

There is no violence or bad language permitted in Judo, ever! Again this restriction has helped children learn that some behaviours and language are not appropriate in some situations. What is okay in the playground is not ok in the Judo club. Judo coaches also emphasise that the throws and holds we learn in the club are only for the club.

To summarise, Judo enforced boundaries on children’s behaviour. It provides a unique environment that is unique and teaches children skills in a unique way. Schools are learning that Judo is good for the pupils, not just as exercise but also as part of other efforts, such as Anti-Bullying campaigns.

The quote below is from a school governor and nicely summarises how Judo is perceived in the area of bullying:

‘… the ethos of Judo fitted perfectly with any anti-bullying strategy and, could also be used as evidence during any Ofsted inspection…”

It is a great endorsement of Judo and it;’s use in schools with children.

As a parent, the benefits of Judo listed above, along with the many and various ones you will discover when your child is in Judo will have a big impact on your childs development over the years.

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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 4th Mon from BJA:

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Ukemi:  Mae Mawari Ukemi II
Tachi-waza:  Tai-otoshi
Osae-komi-waza:  Yoko-shiho-gatame
PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Combination Techniques: Tai-otoshi into Yoko-shiho-gatame
Ne-waza:
escape from Yoko-shiho-gatame using ‘trap, bridge and roll’
turnover into  Yoko-shiho-gatame (Uke in prone position)
Kumi-kata: demonstrate the right and left standard grip
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

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

Mae Mawari Ukemi II from the BJA Pictorial Guide

Tai Otoshi - From JudoInfo.com

Yoko Shiho Gatame - from JudoInfo.com

Escape from Yoko Shiho Gatame - From BJA Pictorial Guide.

Turnover into Yoko Shiho Gatame - From BJA Pictorial Guide.

Gripping (Kumi Kata), how to take a standard grip:

Terminology:

• Ukemi – breakfalls
• Tachi-waza – Throwing techniques
• Osae-komi-waza – Hold down techniques
• Ne-waza – Groundwork techniques
• Kumi-kata – Gripping

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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

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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).

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