Universal Judo - Judo and You

Judo . . . and you

Judo is an activity that will return as much to you - as you put into it.

Derived from ancient martial arts that were originally developed for the purpose of unarmed combat, Judo is a highly effective means of self defense.

Judo is also a challenging, stimulating sport that employs, and develops, mental, as well as physical skills.

Since all of the techniques and movements in Judo are based on the natural laws of physics, they HAVE to work. The challenge lies in learning to do the right thing, correctly, and at the right time. Any skill can be learned. How well it is learned is a function of the individual's effort to learn correctly, and the quality and frequency of practice.

Something for Everyone

New Members
As a new member you may want simply to get in shape and to participate in a vigorous activity on a regular basis - or you may want self defense - or even to enter sport competitions. You may enter with dreams of earning Nationally certified Judo rank - even of becoming a black belt yourself.

Children
Parents can expect that a child will have the opportunity to channel energies while learning a challenging, fun sport. Many families report that their children show a marked improvement in their school work and in inter-personal relationships. Kids learn how to learn, and they learn the benefits of working cooperatively with training partners and Coaches toward a common goal. They learn patience and tolerance with and for each other. The physical aspect of Judo provides immediate positive feedback when your son or daughter has worked hard to learn a move and is rewarded with success. Different people may progress at varying rates, but the individual nature of Judo, the ultimate martial art, lets each person improve at his or her own rate. There is no need for pressure to perform. We encourage the kids to try - and we teach them to try effectively! When they try well enough, performance occurs as a natural by-product.

Middle Age, Masters and Older Adults
Statistics will bear out that most mugging victims are not 20. Instead, they indicate that the danger of being accosted increases with age. This is true for a few primary reasons - if you are less young, you appear more vulnerable - and - robbers rob people who appear to have more to take. The middle-age person is in his or her prime intellectually, and there is no reason for that person to be less than he or she can be physically as well. You only need to look as far as a 75 year old Clint Eastwood to realize the possibilities. Our older group students will be accorded a special class and will be separated from the younger players. You may, upon the Coach's approval, work with the younger adult's group if you choose. In addition to self-defense, ground and form work are available, as is sparring and even Master's age-specific competition at some events up to National, Pan American and World levels.

Self Defense
Judo is largely a passive form of self defense (when self defense becomes active, it becomes self offense - which we do not do).We do not need to focus on the ability to attack others, we merely need to ensure that, should others attack us, they lose. Nearly all attack or fight situations end up in a clinch, or with the attacker grabbing the victim. This is true whether in an alley, a parking lot or even in the middle of the ring at the World Heavyweight Boxing Championships. The punchers and kickers eventually clinch. Judo is the system whereby the offender grabs, and the judoist finishes it.

There are no punches or kicks in Judo. Instead, we use throws, along with several ground maneuvers, to overcome opponents. Rather than trying to hit a moving target with a hand, foot or elbow, we do throws and make the ground the target - in short we hit the attacker with the ground - something much bigger, harder and more effective than a fist.

Conditioning/Physical Health
Learning, and then mastering, Judo requires regular, effective practice.

Judoists (or judoka in Japanese) perform warm-up exercises prior to each practice session. The warm-up includes a mix of strength, stamina, flexibility and agility work. Each of these elements lends itself to improving the physical condition of the practitioner and preparing him or her to maximize the benefit of the Judo practice to come. Each participant is expected to try within the limits of their current condition. Everyone progresses at his or her own rate and no one is pushed to exceed limits.

Judo training involves repetition, polishing and refinement of movement in order to perfect technique. Success depends on the ability of members to work cooperatively with one another toward a common goal. Since a large part of Judo involves throws, clearly each member needs to learn to "ukemi", or to land properly and safely, when thrown. All members participate in ukemi practice for a short period following each session's warm-ups. Foam crash pads are available for practicing the harder, higher magnitude throws, or for performing large numbers of repetitions.

As participants go through a series of practices, they are happily surprised to find that they are building stamina, getting stronger, growing in confidence and often losing weight - all while learning a new sport and self defense - Judo - the ultimate martial art

Competition
The availability of competition provides a medium to allow you to test your newly developed skills against those of others under controlled, sport conditions with special safety standards, referees and judges. Competition is among approximate peers, broken by gender, weight, age, and belt rank or experience. There is also an open level of competition where rank is not a consideration and separation is by gender and weight only. (NOTE: Males never compete against females.) The competition arena is a means to test and prove your level of expertise, and competition success is weighed in considering belt and rank promotions.

It is possible to progress through as many levels as one cares to challenge, from local and regional events, to National and International - even, for the very best, the World Championships and Olympics. High level competition provides the athlete the opportunity to qualify for fully funded National Teams that travel extensively throughout the World. Through the twenty years Coach Hrbek has been coaching, his athletes have competed or trained in Spain, England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Scotland, East Germany, West Germany, the new German Republic, Italy, Sardinia, Switzerland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, USSR, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, Japan, South Korea, Cuba and, soon, Egypt.

Judo Belts/Rank
Judo rank, designated by various colors of belts, originated in Japan many years ago. In the early days everyone started as a white belt, and that was the only rank. As practitioners continued to train and improve their skills, the belts began to gray and eventually became very dark, so it was easy to tell at a glance who the better practitioners were because they were the ones with the dirtiest belts. As Judo gained in popularity in the Orient and around the World, a promotion system using various colored belts was adopted to identify levels of expertise or accomplishment. Today there is a clearly defined ranking system for adults, and another for children, with specific requirements established for promotion to each level.

All participants start out with a white belt unless they have documentation of having attained a higher Judo rank during prior training elsewhere.

Following is a list detailing the rank levels for Juniors (up to age 16) and for Seniors (age 16 and up).

Junior
*NOTE: In case of tardiness for promotion examination participation credit will be

Belt Color: White
Minimum number classes* required: N/A-beginner level given for 1/2 of a class.

Belt Color: White/yellow stripe
Minimum number classes* required: 15

Belt Color: Yellow
Minimum number classes* required: 20

Belt Color: Yellow/orange stripe
Minimum number classes* required: 20

Belt Color: Orange
Minimum number classes* required: 20

Belt Color: Orange/green stripe
Minimum number classes* required: 20

Belt Color: Green
Minimum number classes* required: 25

Belt Color: Green/blue stripe
Minimum number classes* required: 25

Belt Color: Blue
Minimum number classes* required: 30

Belt Color: Blue/purple stripe
Minimum number classes* required: 30

Belt Color: Purple
Minimum number classes* required: 30

Belt Color: Purple/red stripe
Minimum number classes* required: 30

Note: These are minimum class attendance standards only. Each student must pass the appropriate rank examination. Demonstrated success in competition may be a plus in consideration of promotion applications. Special Note: Juniors who are of a size and an adequate proficiency level to enable competition against Seniors may attain Senior rank levels beginning with Brown Belt Third Class at age 14, and may attain First Degree Black Belt level at 15. All levels of Black Belt rank are Senior ranks only. Children are only awarded the adult Black Belt rank when they have attained the ability to practice effectively with adults and have demonstrated the personal maturity and development to fulfill the rank's adult standard.

Senior

Belt color: White (Sixth kyu, or class)
Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: N/A - Beginner level
Minimum Time in Grade: N/A - Beginner level

Belt color: Yellow (Fifth kyu, or class)
Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 30
Minimum Time in Grade: 3 mo.

Belt color: Green (Fourth kyu, or class)
Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 30
Minimum Time in Grade: 3 mo.

Belt color: Brown (Third kyu, or class)
Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 40
Minimum Time in Grade: 5 mo.

Belt color: Brown (Second kyu, or class)
Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 60
Minimum Time in Grade: 7 mo.

Belt color: Brown (First kyu, or class)
Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 75
Minimum Time in Grade: 9 mo.

Belt color: Black (First dan, or degree)
Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 100
Minimum Time in Grade: 1 year

Note: Practice participation is logged daily.
Any tardiness will result in only a 1/2 credit for the session.









	Judo . . . and you Judo is an activity that will return as much to you - as you put into it. Derived from ancient martial arts that were originally developed for the purpose of unarmed combat, Judo is a highly effective means of self defense. Judo is also a challenging, stimulating sport that employs, and develops, mental, as well as physical skills. Since all of the techniques and movements in Judo are based on the natural laws of physics, they HAVE to work. The challenge lies in learning to do the right thing, correctly, and at the right time. Any skill can be learned. How well it is learned is a function of the individual's effort to learn correctly, and the quality and frequency of practice. Something for Everyone New Members As a new member you may want simply to get in shape and to participate in a vigorous activity on a regular basis - or you may want self defense - or even to enter sport competitions. You may enter with dreams of earning Nationally certified Judo rank - even of becoming a black belt yourself. Children Parents can expect that a child will have the opportunity to channel energies while learning a challenging, fun sport. Many families report that their children show a marked improvement in their school work and in inter-personal relationships. Kids learn how to learn, and they learn the benefits of working cooperatively with training partners and Coaches toward a common goal. They learn patience and tolerance with and for each other. The physical aspect of Judo provides immediate positive feedback when your son or daughter has worked hard to learn a move and is rewarded with success. Different people may progress at varying rates, but the individual nature of Judo, the ultimate martial art, lets each person improve at his or her own rate. There is no need for pressure to perform. We encourage the kids to try - and we teach them to try effectively! When they try well enough, performance occurs as a natural by-product. Middle Age, Masters and Older Adults Statistics will bear out that most mugging victims are not 20. Instead, they indicate that the danger of being accosted increases with age. This is true for a few primary reasons - if you are less young, you appear more vulnerable - and - robbers rob people who appear to have more to take. The middle-age person is in his or her prime intellectually, and there is no reason for that person to be less than he or she can be physically as well. You only need to look as far as a 75 year old Clint Eastwood to realize the possibilities. Our older group students will be accorded a special class and will be separated from the younger players. You may, upon the Coach's approval, work with the younger adult's group if you choose. In addition to self-defense, ground and form work are available, as is sparring and even Master's age-specific competition at some events up to National, Pan American and World levels. Self Defense Judo is largely a passive form of self defense (when self defense becomes active, it becomes self offense - which we do not do).We do not need to focus on the ability to attack others, we merely need to ensure that, should others attack us, they lose. Nearly all attack or fight situations end up in a clinch, or with the attacker grabbing the victim. This is true whether in an alley, a parking lot or even in the middle of the ring at the World Heavyweight Boxing Championships. The punchers and kickers eventually clinch. Judo is the system whereby the offender grabs, and the judoist finishes it. There are no punches or kicks in Judo. Instead, we use throws, along with several ground maneuvers, to overcome opponents. Rather than trying to hit a moving target with a hand, foot or elbow, we do throws and make the ground the target - in short we hit the attacker with the ground - something much bigger, harder and more effective than a fist. Conditioning/Physical Health Learning, and then mastering, Judo requires regular, effective practice. Judoists (or judoka in Japanese) perform warm-up exercises prior to each practice session. The warm-up includes a mix of strength, stamina, flexibility and agility work. Each of these elements lends itself to improving the physical condition of the practitioner and preparing him or her to maximize the benefit of the Judo practice to come. Each participant is expected to try within the limits of their current condition. Everyone progresses at his or her own rate and no one is pushed to exceed limits. Judo training involves repetition, polishing and refinement of movement in order to perfect technique. Success depends on the ability of members to work cooperatively with one another toward a common goal. Since a large part of Judo involves throws, clearly each member needs to learn to "ukemi", or to land properly and safely, when thrown. All members participate in ukemi practice for a short period following each session's warm-ups. Foam crash pads are available for practicing the harder, higher magnitude throws, or for performing large numbers of repetitions. As participants go through a series of practices, they are happily surprised to find that they are building stamina, getting stronger, growing in confidence and often losing weight - all while learning a new sport and self defense - Judo - the ultimate martial art Competition The availability of competition provides a medium to allow you to test your newly developed skills against those of others under controlled, sport conditions with special safety standards, referees and judges. Competition is among approximate peers, broken by gender, weight, age, and belt rank or experience. There is also an open level of competition where rank is not a consideration and separation is by gender and weight only. (NOTE: Males never compete against females.) The competition arena is a means to test and prove your level of expertise, and competition success is weighed in considering belt and rank promotions. It is possible to progress through as many levels as one cares to challenge, from local and regional events, to National and International - even, for the very best, the World Championships and Olympics. High level competition provides the athlete the opportunity to qualify for fully funded National Teams that travel extensively throughout the World. Through the twenty years Coach Hrbek has been coaching, his athletes have competed or trained in Spain, England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Scotland, East Germany, West Germany, the new German Republic, Italy, Sardinia, Switzerland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, USSR, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, Japan, South Korea, Cuba and, soon, Egypt. Judo Belts/Rank Judo rank, designated by various colors of belts, originated in Japan many years ago. In the early days everyone started as a white belt, and that was the only rank. As practitioners continued to train and improve their skills, the belts began to gray and eventually became very dark, so it was easy to tell at a glance who the better practitioners were because they were the ones with the dirtiest belts. As Judo gained in popularity in the Orient and around the World, a promotion system using various colored belts was adopted to identify levels of expertise or accomplishment. Today there is a clearly defined ranking system for adults, and another for children, with specific requirements established for promotion to each level. All participants start out with a white belt unless they have documentation of having attained a higher Judo rank during prior training elsewhere. Following is a list detailing the rank levels for Juniors (up to age 16) and for Seniors (age 16 and up). Junior NOTE: In case of tardiness for promotion examination participation credit will be Belt Color: White Minimum number classes required: N/A-beginner level given for 1/2 of a class. Belt Color: White/yellow stripe Minimum number classes* required: 15 Belt Color: Yellow Minimum number classes* required: 20 Belt Color: Yellow/orange stripe Minimum number classes* required: 20 Belt Color: Orange Minimum number classes* required: 20 Belt Color: Orange/green stripe Minimum number classes* required: 20 Belt Color: Green Minimum number classes* required: 25 Belt Color: Green/blue stripe Minimum number classes* required: 25 Belt Color: Blue Minimum number classes* required: 30 Belt Color: Blue/purple stripe Minimum number classes* required: 30 Belt Color: Purple Minimum number classes* required: 30 Belt Color: Purple/red stripe Minimum number classes* required: 30 Note: These are minimum class attendance standards only. Each student must pass the appropriate rank examination. Demonstrated success in competition may be a plus in consideration of promotion applications. Special Note: Juniors who are of a size and an adequate proficiency level to enable competition against Seniors may attain Senior rank levels beginning with Brown Belt Third Class at age 14, and may attain First Degree Black Belt level at 15. All levels of Black Belt rank are Senior ranks only. Children are only awarded the adult Black Belt rank when they have attained the ability to practice effectively with adults and have demonstrated the personal maturity and development to fulfill the rank's adult standard. Senior Belt color: White (Sixth kyu, or class) Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: N/A - Beginner level Minimum Time in Grade: N/A - Beginner level Belt color: Yellow (Fifth kyu, or class) Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 30 Minimum Time in Grade: 3 mo. Belt color: Green (Fourth kyu, or class) Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 30 Minimum Time in Grade: 3 mo. Belt color: Brown (Third kyu, or class) Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 40 Minimum Time in Grade: 5 mo. Belt color: Brown (Second kyu, or class) Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 60 Minimum Time in Grade: 7 mo. Belt color: Brown (First kyu, or class) Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 75 Minimum Time in Grade: 9 mo. Belt color: Black (First dan, or degree) Minimum # of practices required for promotion examination: 100 Minimum Time in Grade: 1 year Note: Practice participation is logged daily. Any tardiness will result in only a 1/2 credit for the session.