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

So here are the two videos, the first is the childrens method and after that the more advanced method for parents. They are shown from the perspective of the person wearing the belt… sorry.

Childrens Judo Belt Knot:

Adults Judo belt knot:

To save energy I shall cut and paste from the flyer, here is what the day will consist of:

Training Session for Teenagers, June 21, 2009

I thoroughly recommend trying to get along to this if you can. The three sessions on the day are excellent for your teendage child (and parents) if they are competing. Spaces are limited to 20 players, so make sure you don’t miss out. The session session on Startegy I am looking forward to and the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) session is ideal for parents with children entering their teens and doing Judo. The final session is a High intensity training session designed to help player prepare for the Kent International Judo Tournament.

Bob, who is running this training is one of the few Level 5 coaches in the European Union and teaches Coaching Science for a living, so knows his stuff. The LTAD subject is something he has a high level of knowledge in and I think that session would be worth attending for all parents. It will help you understand the implications of your child’s development in a Judo context.

If you wish to attend, please email Bob at combertonjudoclub@yahoo.com

Let me start by stating that any pressure on children to lose weight should be actively avoided unless a medical doctor has been involved in that decision.

Your healthy child should not be encouraged by any coach (or club member) to starve themselves to lose weight. They should never be encouraged to lose weight by dehydrating themselves. They should never be encouraged to lose weight by “sweating it off”. They should never be encouraged to lose weight by using dieuretics.

There are a large number of “never”s in that last paragraph and I mean them all. The problem we have in Judo is that we compete in weight classes. There is scientific evidence that suggests that this puts our young Judo players at risk of eating disorders.

A study from 2007 entitled “Eating Attitudes, Body Esteem, Perfectionism and Anxiety of Judo Athletes and Nonathletes” in the International Journal of Sports Medicine sadly identified that the coach and club members are the primary sources of pressure on athletes to lose weight. This is a dreadful finding and something that you as a parent need to keep in mind.

If you ever detect pressures being placed on your healthy child to lose (or manage) their weight, then you should immediately address this with the club coach, or another official of the club (for example the child protection officer).

Eating disorders are a very scary illness, they have very serious health issues that you really don’t want your child to suffer from (check the references on my original post for more information). Even children who are not underweight can suffer from health issues if they lose weight rapidly, especially if they use dieting, dehydration, etc.

You, as the parent can help by ensuring that your child eats healthily. You can help also by ensuring that your child’s weight goes up steadily as would be appropriate based on normal developmental stages. Unless your child has been overweight, your child’s weight should NEVER decrease. This also means that your child should no be dropping weight classes, they should only ever go up, not down.

You might want to discuss your child’s involvement in Judo with your GP, there may be some value in discussing what your child’s expected final height and weight will be. Discuss perhaps what growth spurts are expected and when and what growth you might expect. It is worth looking at this with relation also to the developmental phases children go through (Long Term Player Development). This might help you and the club coach plan your child’s weight category progression.

Finally, I’d like to repeat once more, that your child should NEVER be encouraged to lose weight, diet, etc by the club coach. If your child is being encouraged to lose weight it should ONLY be from a medical doctor.

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.

Regular visitors to this site will have noticed that I have been quiet for a few weeks, this is in part because I recently attended the University of Bath BSc course on Judo coaching where I am completing my EJU level 5 coaching certification. I also took a week off and went away with my family on holiday.

Which brings me to the topic of this short blog post, on the Wednesday in the middle of my week long vacation I took my kids to the local Judo club near where I was staying on vacation (Torquay, Devon, UK). Many Judo clubs and Judo coaches run Holiday programmes and this is a great opportunity for you to incorporate Judo into your family holiday.

In my case, I took both my kids down to the Torquay Judo Kwai club for the morning. Simon Ward, the coach, ran a fun session that all the kids enjoyed. He allowed me to come on the mat and participate, which meant primarily holding hands with my daughter and being thrown by her. This could be you too, you do not need to be a black belt or have much Judo experience generally. You also don’t need to participate.

Incorporating Judo into a Holiday is a great way of including Judo in your family and life. It is a great break from the beach for  a start.

My recommendation would be to talk to your local club coach about your going on holiday. Tell them where you are going and ask them if they know a coach in that area, you might be suprised by at where your local coach has friends or colleagues they know in odd places. If they know someone then they will probably be able to tell you if they think that coach/club will be okay for your child to attend.

The second way is to contact the national Judo governing body and ask them for a recommendation for a club in the area you will be taking your vacation. They will have a database of clubs and potentially even have a database of events including holiday camps etc.

Finally, you could Google for Judo in the area and try and find information direct from club websites.

I really enjoyed being on the mat with my kids and it was a terrific and very unique and special addition to our family holiday, hopefully having some new people in the club from far away was fun for the Torquay Judo Club members too.

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

Running for kids is natural, much like wrestling on the ground is pretty natural for most kids too. And similarly, both are acceptable exercise for kids of all ages. If your child is 5 or 15 they can run, the question normally is how far and how fast. Both the American Council on Exercise and the British National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) support and encourage running as a form of exercise for children.

The issues with running for children relate primarily to children’s ability to disipate heat and with the state of their joints due to growth. These issues need to be considered and addressed for a safe running programme for children doing Judo.

Heat
Children’s thermal regulation is poor compared to adults, as running will cause the body temperature to rise, it is important that running not be done in extreme heat and that children are not pressed to hard. they also need access to water etc. to assist in cooling. Equally, it is not sensible to send children out running in extreme cold or during extreme rain etc.

Bones
Children are growing at different speeds and this leaves their joints in particular in weaker states than those of fully developed adults. As such children’s running needs to be limited to prevent excess pressures are applied to the joints (most typically the knee). This will mostly mean limiting the distances run and the terrain run across.

Running Distances for Children
It is quite difficult to find definitive guidance on distances that children should be running, the following is a rough guide that should give you as the parent an indication of what distances are appropriate for your child. The key factor in deciding how far your child can run is your child them self.  You child should (especially when first beginning) be able to run the distance you choose comfortable, whilst being able to speak comfortably with you (unless sprinting of course).

5 year old running distances:

• Gentle run/Jog: .25 to 1.0 mile.
• Full run: up to .5 mile.
• Sprint: 25 metres.
• Focus: Short bursts, games, games and more games.

6-7 year old running distances:

• Gentle run/Jog: .25 to 2.0 miles.
• Full run: up to 1.2 miles.
• Sprint: 50-100 metres.
• Focus: Short bursts, grass track games with coach, much cornering and change of direction

8-10 year old running distances:

• Gentle run/Jog: .5 to 3 miles.
• Full run: up to 1.2 miles.
• Sprint: 50-200 metres.
• Focus: Care prevention of injury (Osgood-Schlatter). Gentle running, build distances slowly.

11-12 year old running distances:

• Gentle run/Jog: .5 to 4.0 miles.
• Full run: up to 2 miles.
• Sprint: 100-400 metres.
• Focus: Cross country, prevention of stress fractures in not fully developed bones. Development of technique.

13+ year old running distances:

• Gentle run/Jog: .5 to 5 miles.
• Full run: up to 2 miles.
• Sprint: 100-800 metres.
• Focus: Introduction to more structured training and competition scheduling, periodisation, etc.

As you can see even very young children can become involved in running, the key factor is preventing injuries. This is mainly done by ensuring that the children are not training beyond their physical capacities. Limiting the distances run and the number of runs per week is how this is done. Also ensuring that kids enjoy the running. If they are not smiling, then the trainingmay be too much.

As a parent, you might want to take on the role as running coach, by taking runs with your child. This si often a great opportunity to engage in your childs life as well as getting much needed exercise yourself. It is vital that you run at your childs pace, walking or stopping is ok and to be encouraged. Spend the time talking with them, this helps ensure they are not working too hard.

It is also a good way of ensuring that your child is supervised and safe. If you are forced to run on the road, then ensure you run facing the traffic and that you are the one closest to cars, so you can easily ensure your child is off the road when cars come by. Cars passing is also a good opportunity to stop and rest. Ideally yu will run off road on grass, perferably on variable terrain, so up and down hills etc. As long as the running surface does not have too many dangerous holes, branches etc. Something that undulates but has a smooth grass track is ideal, here in the UK the footpaths across farms and through woods are often ideal.

You should also invest in some high visibility clothing, especially but not exclusively, if you are running in the evenings. Cars and other traffic as a VERY serious issue for runners of all ages and levels. There are some very dangerous and plain antisocial drivers out there, so avoid cars as much as possible and make sure they can see you and your child!

Adding more exercise to your child’s life means they will need more rest, more nutrition and more time to recover. be careful that you do not fit too much into each week. Be careful also that running is not impacting your child’s Judo (or vice versa). Watch out also for “niggling” aches and pains or excess tiredness. In any of these cases do not be afraid to stop your child running for a period of time to rest and recover. Then start again with less running in all the areas: distances, durations and intensity.

As always, discuss running with you Judo club coach, you may also want to contact a local running club for their advice or to enroll your child in a junior running programme if they have one.

References: http://www.kidsrunning.com, http://www.marathonkids.org, http://www.runnersworld.com, http://www.acefitness.org, http://www.halhigdon.com, http://www.nice.org.uk/ .

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.

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