ADULT JUDO GRADINGS

(BUDOKWAI)

Gradings are held at the Budokwai on the last Sunday of each month starting at 12 noon.  You will need to arrive there before that time to check in.  Check-in is from 11am.  To grade you need to be a current member of the British Judo Association (BJA). The membership application form for the BJA can be obtained from the reception. Allow a week to ten days to apply and receive your licence book. Whatever grade you are awarded will be recorded in your BJA licence book.  This is your official record of grade and it recognized anywhere in this country.  Beginners up to lower brown belt may only grade once every 56 days. Beginners are advised to take their first grading after about ten classes.

The gradings are in two parts – practical and theoretical.  The practical section consists of one or more 3min. contests against someone of equal grade, size or ability.(women will only be matched against other women). Who you are matched against depends largely on who turns up for the grading but the examiners will do their best to match you fairly. Only Waza-ari and Ippon scores are given in gradings. The smaller scores are not given. So basically you must win decisively.

It is not strictly necessary to win your contests to be promoted.  Whether you win or lose the examiner will assess you and award the appropriate grade.  However it helps to win and the more wins the better as this may help you jump a grade.

The theoretical part of the grading consists of knowledge of some Japanese judo terminology, refereeing commands (also in Japanese) and demonstrations of certain techniques.  These are set out in your BJA licence book. Also see below. The theoretical part cannot be done after the grading.  It has to be done at the grading or before.  Ask instructors Syd Hoare or Pete Blewett  to test you on this any time.  They are both Senior Examiners of the BJA.

First-timers are advised to read the contest rules and learn the refereeing words. The key words are Hajime (start), Matte (stop), Ippon (10pt. Win), Waza-ari (7pt. Score), Osaekomi (the hold-down is on), Toketa (the hold-down is broken). If the referee roars out some incomprehensible command do not stop and look at him as your opponent may seize the opportunity to score on you.  Keep going – the referee will pull you off if necessary. All scores must be within the red square so you will be stopped if you wander on to the red mats and your throw on or beyond  them may not count. Throws and groundwork are not separated in contest. You must take your groundwork opportunities (hold-downs, armlocks, strangles) as they come along.  Keep your eye on your opponent at all times.

The Grades/Belt colours

Ungraded – white belt.  9th Kyu – yellow.  8^th Kyu – (lower) orange. 7^th Kyu – (upper) orange.  6^th Kyu – (lower) green.  5^th Kyu (upper) green.  4^th Kyu – (lower) blue.  3^rd Kyu (upper) blue.  2^nd Kyu – (lower) brown.  1^st Kyu – (upper) brown.  1^st Dan – black belt. With regular training it takes about two years to reach black belt.

The Theory Section

From Novice to 9^th Kyu Yellow                -      

Demonstrate O-goshi, Kuzure-kesa-gatame & Ude-garami

Translate :- Hajime; Matte; Osaekomi; Toketa.

9^th Kyu to 8^th Kyu (Orange)

Demonstrate:- Tsurikomigoshi, O-uchigari, Escape from between opponent’s legs and into a hold-down.

Translate:- Sonomama, Yoshi, Ippon, Waza-ari

Quote two prohibited acts.

8^th Kyu to 7^th Kyu (Orange)

Demonstrate:- Ippon-seoinage, Ko-uchigari, Kuzure-kami-shihogatame, Hadaka-jime.

Translate:- Waza-ari-awasete Ippon, Sore-made, Yuko, Koka,

Quote 3 prohibited acts.

7^th Kyu to 6^th Kyu (Green)

Demonstrate:- Osotogari, Harai-goshi, Hon-kesagatame, Okuri-erijime, Jujigatame, 2 arm-rolls on the ground.

Translate:- Hiki-wake, Shido, Chui

Quote 4 prohibited acts.                                

 Check licence book for rest of theory.