Belt Progression Tracks
Belt Progression Tracks
Summary
For reference: syllabus
As we (all of Bulldog Judo and all of the Judo Community) welcome new students to this sport, we need to must continue to adapt our teachings, styles, and goals to the participates. As part of that, my goal will be to offer 2 Belt Progression Tracks.
These are not comprised of mutually exclusive lessons. A Fighter must understand the subtle differences between similar techniques and an Academic must be able to demonstrate hand and foot placements. Thus all lessons can be taught together and each participate can choose how they plan to be tested.
(1) - Fighter / Competitor
Designed for Judoka that want to win and progress competition and are focused on developing as a fighter. This track will specialize in developing martial skill and technique execution during Randori/Competition.
Training
Training will require vigorous physical practice, repetition of techniques, and demonstration of fighting techniques (grips, footwork, counters, setups, etc) during Randori and completion. Physical strength, athleticism, and muscle memory are key.
During any and every session, there will still be question around concepts like technique names in both Japanese and English, use cases for a given technique, and theory on the why/how of the given technique.
Grading
Belt grading will require the following criteria. For each level, the Judoka must demonstrate the current level's criteria and all previous levels as well.
Yellow Belt (6th Kyu / rokkyū)
All techniques in "Red Belt" and "Yellow Belt" sections
Proficiency is not required
Can recognize Japanese technique names
Only needs to execute with preferred/dominate side
Understand Judo etiquette and safety rules
Orange Belt (5th Kyu / gokyū)
All techniques in "Orange Belt" section and below
Noticeable proficiency is required
Can recognize Japanese technique names and provide translations
Green Belt (4th Kyu / yonkyū)
All techniques in "Green Belt" section and below
Proficiency is required
Execute on both sides (left handed and right handed grips)
Demonstrate resilience to finish test.
Test can take several hours.
Brown Belt (3rd Kyu / sankyū)
All techniques in "Blue Belt" section and below
Proficiency is required
Execute both sides and on the move
Brown Belt (2nd Kyu / nikyū)
All techniques in "Brown Belt" section and below
Proficiency is required
Must earn enough points by wining in competition
Execute in combination and in counters
Be able to explain techniques at a conceptional level
Brown Belt (1st Kyu / ikkyū)
All techniques in the Syllabus and previous requirements
Near mastery is required
Must teach several techniques to both Sensei and to a class of Judoka's peers
(2) - Academic
For the Judoka that want to focus on learning, personal development, and physical education. This track will specialize in the why and how of techniques rather than on execution. That is, techniques will need to be discussed at a deeper level, rather than just executed during a fight.
Training
Judoka will still participate in the drills, exercises, and fitness conditioning. It will be expected that the speed and intensity of the physical activity will be different then the Fighters. However, each Judoka should participate to the best of their abilities.
As part of drills the Judoka will given extra details and will be quizzed more in-depth on their understanding on what is going on.
Grading
Belt grading will require the following criteria. For each level, the Judoka must demonstrate the current level's criteria and all previous levels as well.
Yellow Belt (6th Kyu / rokkyū)
All techniques in "Red Belt" and "Yellow Belt" sections
Completing throw is not required
Must be able to do Ukemi (breakfalls)
Can recognize Japanese technique names
Can show correct grips and footwork
Understand Judo etiquette and safety rules -
Orange Belt (5th Kyu / gokyū)
All techniques in "Orange Belt" section and below
Completing throw is not required
Can recognize Japanese technique names and provide translations
Can discuss subtle differences between similar techniques
Can identify techniques from demonstration
Can discuss sufficiently the use cases of various throws
Green Belt (4th Kyu / yonkyū)
All techniques in "Green Belt" section and below
Completing throw is not required
Demonstrating grips and footwork on both sides (left handed and right handed grips)
Provide detailed descriptions of techniques, sport rules, and history of the art/sport
Write and present a short essay on an agreed upon (between Sensei and Judoka) concept, technique, philosophy, or similar
Brown Belt (3rd Kyu / sankyū)
All techniques in "Blue Belt" section and below
Completing throw is required
Execute both sides and on the move
Brown Belt (2nd Kyu / nikyū)
All techniques in "Brown Belt" section and below
Completing throw is required
Must win enough points through Kata competitions
Discuss valid combinations and counters
Be able to explain techniques at a conceptional level
Brown Belt (1st Kyu / ikkyū)
All techniques in the Syllabus
All previous requirements
Must teach several techniques to both Sensei and to a class of Judoka's peers
Conclusion
The purpose of these two tracks of education is provide the best opportunities for students that want to be a part of the Judo community and want to participate in the sport. Not every Judoka wants to be purely a fighter. Some Judoka do not want to fight for various reasons including physical limitations, age, injury risk, and many other personal reasons. Thus Bulldog Judo will provide such options.
