Basic Judo

This document is intended to give an introductory outline of Sports Judo. Although the information given is based on my understanding of the customs of the British Judo Council, all bona fide Judo organisations will in general follow similar practices.

Etiquette is the foundation upon which all Judo knowledge and practice must be built. Without formal structure and discipline the teaching of the martial techniques of Judo would be dangerous and not acceptable in contemporary society. Fortunately, the majority of participants are happy to conform to the necessary strictures and children in particular are comfortable in the structured environment presented by Judo. Standards of behaviour both of instructors and students away from the Judo mat are expected to reflect a positive image of Judo. It is also absolutely forbidden to use physical Judo techniques without supervision and, excepting in extreme circumstances, away from the mat.

Grade Designations (British Judo Council)

All grades awarded are on behalf of the British Judo Council and all that enter for a grade assessment must have current membership. Grades are not awarded solely on the basis of technical knowledge and ability; high standards of behaviour are an integral part of Judo. Grading should be three or four times each year and regular attendance at sessions should be rewarded by advancement at each grading.

Primary (to 10 years old)

The age at which a child may benefit from starting to learn Judo is dependent on their physical, mental and social development.

White belt plus graduation to a maximum of three tabs (ribbons) of each of the following colours as progress is made:

1. Red 2. Orange 3. Green 4. Blue 5. Brown

Junior (10 to 15 years old)

White belt then up to three Yellow Tabs

Yellow belt then up to three Orange Tabs

Orange Belt then up to three Green Tabs

Green Belt then up to three Blue Tabs

Green Belt with up to three Brown Tabs

Green Belt with up to three Black Tabs

Senior (16 to 120 years old)

In some clubs, beginners wear a Red Belt until they have been awarded 6th kyu.

Syllabus (British Judo Council).

The BJC technical committee issues a comprehensive syllabus booklet setting out the specific requirements for all Primary, Junior and Senior grades. All members of the BJC should obtain a current version of this.

To Green Belt (3rd Kyu) grade, the requirement is assimilation of technical knowledge and, as progress is made, the practical application of techniques. Although Shiai (contest) will be introduced at an early stage, the score will not be a negative factor in the award of grades up to and including 3rd Kyu. The examiner will be looking for improvement of basic skills such as Ukemi (Break-fall) Tai Sabaki (Body management) Kzushi (use of balance) as well as advancement in the application of throwing and grappling techniques.

The use of Japanese words in Judo may seem daunting to the beginner but it is useful to have a technical vocabulary that is understood wherever the sport of Judo is practised. Many technical expressions may well be mistranslated, but the Japanese term should have a specific unambiguous meaning wherever it is used.

Basic Glossary

THIS LIST IS A SMALL SELECTION OF THE BASIC TECHNIQUES OF JUDO

Ukemi Waza (Break-fall Techniques)

1. Ushiro (Rear)

2. Yoko (Side)

3. Mai (Front)

4. Jenpo Kaiten (Rolling)

Nage Waza (Throwing Techniques)

A. Koshi Waza (Hip Techniques)

1. Uki Goshi (Floating Hip)

2. Harai Goshi (Sweeping Hip)

3. O Goshi (Major Hip)

4. Hane Goshi (Spring Hip)

5. Tsuri Komi Goshi (Lift Pull Hip)

B. Te Waza (Hand Techniques)

1. Uki Otoshi (Floating Drop)

2. Tai Otoshi (Body Drop)

3. Seoi Nage (Back Carry/Shoulder Throw)

C. Ashi Waza (Foot Techniques)

1. O Soto Gari (Major Outer Reaping)

2. O Uchi Gari (Major Inner Reaping)

3. De Ashi Barai (Advancing Foot Sweep)

4. Okuri Ashi Barai (Sliding/Following Foot Sweep)

5. Ko Uchi Gari (Minor Inner Reaping)

6. Tsuri Komi Ashi (Lift Pull Foot)

7. Hiza Garuma (Knee Wheel)

8. Uchimata (Inner Thigh)

D. Ma Sutemi Waza (Rear Sacrifice Techniques)

1. Tomeonage (Stomach or Circle)

2. Uranage (Rear)

3. Sumi Gaeshi (Corner)

E. Yoko Sutemi Waza (Side Sacrifice Techniques)

1. Yoko Gake (Side Body Drop)

2. Yoko Garuma (Side Wheel)

3. Uki Waza (Floating)

There are also variations on these techniques such as Makikomi (Winding) and Gaeshi (Counter).

Katamena Waza (Grappling\Controlling Techniques)

A. Osaekomi Waza (Immobilisation Techniques)

1. Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold)

2. Kzure Kesa Gatame (Broken or Modified Scarf Hold)

3. Ushiro Kesa Gatame (Rear Scarf Hold)

4. Kata Gatame (Shoulder Hold)

5. Yoko Shiho Gatame (Side Fourquarters Hold)

6. Kami Shiho Gatame (Upper Fourquarters Hold)

7. Kzure Kami Shiho Gatame (Broken or Modified Upper Fourquarters Hold)

8. Tate Shiho Gatame (Vertical Fourquarters Hold)

B. Kansatsu Waza (Joint Lock Techniques)

1. Ude Garame (Arm Wrap/Figure four)

2. Ude Hishigi Juji Gatame (Arm Lock Cross Hold)

3. Ude Gatame (Arm Hold)

4. Ude Hishigi Ashi Gatame (Arm Lock with Leg Hold)

5. Ude Hishigi Hiza Gatame (Arm Lock with Knee Hold)

6. Waki Gatame (Armpit Hold)

C. Shime Waza (Strangle/Choke Techniques)

1. Hadaka Jime (Naked Strangle)

2. Okuri Eri Jime (Sliding Lapel Strangle)

3. Kata Ha Jime (Single Wing Strangle)

4. Kata Juji Jime (Single Cross Strangle)

5. Nami Juji Jime (Ordinary Cross Strangle)

6. Gyaku Juji Jime (Reverse Cross Strangle)

A Judo student will probably have some working knowledge of about 70 techniques by the time they have achieved 1^st Dan (black belt) grade.

The Aims of Judo.

1. Physical Development (Ren Shin Ho)

2. Mental Development (Shu Shin Ho)

3. Contest Proficiency (Shou Bu Ho)

Judo should be safe, Judo should be fun!

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