Princeton Judo

Listed below are the Princeton Judo Club requirements for promotion. All requirements are cumulative. For example, for promotion to Yonkyu, judoka must be able to demonstrate all Gokyu, Orange Belt, and Yonkyu techniques. Promotional testing usually occurs at the end of each semester.

For promotion beyond Sankyu, consult the USJF Rank Requirements. Promotion beyond Sankyu is achieved through competition at Hudson Yudanshakai promotionals and the annual East Coast Judo Championship. All judoka must:

1. Know how to fall (Ukemi).
2. Demonstrate knowledge of club rules and etiquette.
3. Understand terminology, including the Japanese names of techniques.
4. (12 and over) Know one choking technique (Shime-waza) and one joint locking technique (Kansetsu-waza).
5. Assist in teaching those with lesser knowledge.
6. Show initiative in and outside class by learning about judo.
7. Treat all judoka and family members as Princeton Judo Club teammates.
8. Be respectful at all times.

Listed below are the venues that host the local tournaments that we attend.

APA Recreation Center

Hudson promotionals, the state tournament, and Tech Judo tournaments are generally held at APA Recreation Center in North Bergen, NJ.

APA Recreation Center
2100 85th Street
North Bergen, NJ 07047
201-869-6600
Map
Directions

Cranford Judo Karate Center

Cranford hosts the Cranford Invitational twice a year at Cranford JKC.

Cranford Judo Karate Center
107 South Ave West
Cranford, NJ 07016
908-276-3544
Map

John F. Kennedy High School

Camal Judo holds its Summer Slam tournament at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, NJ.

John F. Kennedy High School
61-127 Preakness Avenue
Paterson, NJ 07522
Map

NJIT

The large East Coast Judo Championship tournament is held at the NJIT Athletics Center every year.

New Jersey Institute of Technology
323 Martin Luther King Blvd
Newark, NJ 07102
973-596-3000
Map
Directions

The following article is reprinted from the USA Judo Media Guide and serves as a good introduction to the sport.

What is Judo?

Judo is a system of self defense, a physical and mental discipline, and an Olympic Sport. Judo was founded in 1882, in Japan, by Professor Jigoro Kano, who envisioned it as a way of becoming physically and mentally fit through disciplined training. It is designed so that it can be practiced by all ages, both male and female. Judo is safe and does not involve any kicking or striking techniques. It is an excellent activity to increase physical fitness, self-esteem and self-defense.

The Way of Judo

Judo is sometimes called “The Gentle Way.” This means that sometimes victory can be obtained by giving way, rather than by pitting force against force. An example is sometimes given that a small flexible tree will bend and survive in a hurricane, whereas a much stronger, stiffer tree will snap in two. Similarly, in Judo, a person who can’t possibly be as strong as his opponent because of a difference in size can still come out ahead by using quickness, cunning, and superior technique to get the opponent off balance and then immediately taking the advantage and applying a throwing technique. Of course, the smaller player must train diligently in order to be as quick, fast, strong and smart as possible for his or her size. In Judo, we learn that nobody can be perfect at everything, but through training, you can discover your weaknesses and overcome them, and also realize your limitations and devise ways of being successful, in spite of these. These kind of lessons can be applied in all aspects of life including school, work, and in personal relationships.

A Brief History of Judo Competition

In 1956, the first World Championships for men were held. Currently, World Championships for Men and Women are held in odd-numbered years; Junior World Championships for men and women under 20 years of age are held in even-numbered years. In 1964, Men’s Judo was included in the Olympic Games. In 1988 Women’s Judo was a demonstration event and in 1992 became a full medal event in the Olympics. Every year, USA Judo holds National Championships for Adults (Minimum of 15 years old), Youth (under 20 years old), and Masters (30 years old and above.)

Watching a Contest

So, you’re at a judo tournament. What is going on? Hopefully the following will be an easy introduction to the rules that will help you to understand the tournament.

What are they trying to do?

Quite simply they are trying to

1. Knock the opponent over so that s/he lands hard on the back (a throw); or
2. Hold the opponent on the back for 25 seconds; or
3. Make the opponent submit by a strangle (choke) or an arm lock.

If any of those three things are done successfully the score given is called “Ippon” and the match is over, like a knockout in boxing or a pin in wrestling.

How do they hope to do it?

There are hundreds of variations of throwing techniques. Some throws use mostly legs, some mostly arms, some a combination of arms, legs, and torso. Some throw their opponent over their own hips, shoulder, or back. They can also sweep the opponent’s feet out from under him, or they can drop down and throw the opponent over their own fallen body.

To pin the opponent, they press down from a face-down or side-down position on the opponent (generally controlling the head and an arm or leg) so that the opponent’s back or a shoulder is on the mat.

To obtain a submission, pressure can be applied directly on the elbow of a straight arm or the arm bent at a right angle can be twisted in either direction (arm lock). To strangle, or choke, pressure is applied to the sides of the opponent’s neck (not the windpipe) by one or both forearms or by using the opponent’s own collar. Strangle holds are only allowed on players 13 years old or older. Arm locks can only be used if the player is at least 17 years old.

Although strangles and arm locks may seem dangerous, the players are trained to know when they are in danger, and will submit by tapping either the mat, or the opponent, twice, before any damage is done. The referees are extremely alert when one player attempts to apply a choke or an arm lock. If the referee thinks the technique is about to cause serious injury, he can stop the match and declare a winner.

What aren’t they allowed to do?

There is a long list of things not allowed. Mainly, players are expected to play fair and continuously attack. They will be penalized for things like intentionally going out of bounds, refusing to attack (stalling), being too defensive, making rude comments or gestures, and performing dangerous acts (like not giving the opponent a chance to submit). The rules are rarely broken except in the tactical areas, such as stepping out or stalling. Penalties in judo are severe; a repeat of any transgression results always in the next higher penalty, the lower one being removed. The equivalent score is given to the opponent. Again, listen to the referee. The four possible signals, lowest to highest:

• Shido #1: Koka to opponent
• Shido #2: Yuko to the opponent
• Shido #3: Waza-ari to the opponent
• Hansoku-make: Ippon to the opponent

Because of the escalation of penalties only 4 minor transgressions will result in Hansoku-make (disqualification.)

Judo is very popular around the world. The following list is just a small sampling of websites that are dedicated to judo.

Organizations

• United States Judo Federation: Our national organization.
• Hudson Judo Yudanshakai: Our local association.
• International Judo Federation: The international governing body for judo.
• Kodokan: The original judo dojo.
• USA Judo: Home of the US Olympic judo team.

Local Dojos

• Cranford Judo & Karate Center: Sensei Yonezuka’s club.
• Tech Judo Club: North Bergen.
• Kokushi: Wyckoff.
• Camal Judo: West Paterson.
• Oishi: New York.

Shops

• Hatashita: Local online retailer.

Resources

• Rank Requirements: Requirements for USJF promotion.
• Judo Information Site: A comprehensive collection of judo photos, articles, pictures, and links.
• Olympic Judo: A good introduction to the sport of judo.
• Wikipedia Judo: Wikipedia’s entry on judo.
• Judovision: Online video clips.
• Nagayasu Ogasawara: Recommended book and video.

Mutual welfare and benefit, one of the key principles of judo, means always showing respect and practicing safely in the dojo.

Bowing

Respect Is Very Important

Know when a bow should be executed and perform it correctly.

1. Bow when entering or leaving the Dojo.
2. Bow when stepping on or off the mat.
3. Instructors and students bow to each other, in mutual respect, at the opening and closing of class.
4. Bow before and after working with a partner in class.
5. Bow to your opponent before and after a match in contest.
6. Bow when accepting an award, Take the award with both hands as you bow.
7. Bow to a SENSEI as he or she enters the Dojo.
8. Bow whenever you wish to give a demonstration of respect.
9. Bows should be performed with Respect and Humility. They should be slow and measured and never hurried.

Safety & Hygiene

Safety Is A Full Time Obligation

1. Never leave the Dojo without receiving permission from the instructor.
2. No food, drink or chewing of gum are allowed on the mat.
3. No non-judo activity is to take place during class time.
4. Report all injuries to the instructor immediately. When arriving at class with an injury, the instructor must be notified prior to the start of class.
5. Shoes are NEVER to be worn on the mat. However, you should have something on your feet [i.e. shoes, sandals] anytime you are off the mat.
6. Water bottles are permitted in designated area at mat-side. Water bottles are to have water or electrolyte beverages only.
7. Never come to class under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol.
8. Members are to keep their Gis clean and in good repair. No holes or tears.
9. Finger and toenails are to be kept clean and trimmed to a reasonable length.
10. No jewelry or metal ornaments shall be worn during class unless specifically approved by the instructor.
11. Members without uniforms should not have anything in their pockets. Please wear loose fitting clothing and long sleeve sweatshirt.
12. No practicing of judo skills and techniques is allowed without permission of the instructor.
13. Spills are to be cleaned immediately. Trash should be placed in the proper container.
14. Blood must be cleaned up immediately using proper procedures and materials.

Etiquette & Protocol

Always Show Respect

1. Always address Black Belts as SENSEI.
2. Show respect to instructors and higher belts at all times.
3. New students and guests should always have a partner to work with.
4. Students are expected to sit in proper fashion when resting or listening to an instructor. Sit in ANZA or SEIZA.
5. Seek to help each other. Be responsible for your safety and that of others.
6. Higher-ranking students are to help lower ranking students adhere to all matters of protocol and etiquette.
7. Never talk while the instruction is taking place.
8. Never talk while in line-up. Stand still.
9. Arrive at class on time and mentally prepared for class. Strive to never miss practice.
10. Never leave the mat or Dojo without the permission of the instructor.
11. Always be courteous. Hot tempers or offensive language are not permitted and will not be tolerated.
12. If you know you will be absent from, or late for, a class, your instructor should be notified as soon as possible.
13. Always support club activities.
14. Always try! Never use the word “can’t.”
15. If you are late to class, wait for a SENSEI to give you permission to join the class.
16. Always treat your fellow judo players with respect and dignity and avoid all horseplay, which disturbs or bothers fellow judo players.

Behavior Outside The Dojo

Respect and Honor are Very Important!!!

Behave in a matter that will bring Respect and Honor to the club.

1. Judo is to be only practiced in the DOJO under the guidance of a qualified Judo Instructor.Your Judo skills should never be used outside of the DOJO except in legitimate self-defense situations. Do not attempt to impress your friends with your judo skills. Do not demonstrate judo in public unless it is part of a club activity or unless you have received prior permission from your Judo Instructor.
2. Judo techniques should not be taught to anyone unless they are under the guidance of a qualified Judo Instructor.
3. Any club member who starts a fight will be dismissed from the Judo Program.
4. Any club member who encourages an altercation between others will be dismissed from the Judo Program.

Behavior When Visiting Another Club

You Represent The Princeton Y Judo Club

Behave in a matter that will bring Respect and Honor to the Princeton Y Judo Club

1. Remove your shoes before entering a Dojo.
2. Introduce yourself and ask permission from the instructor to participate in class before changing into your Gi.
3. Be attentive. Never argue or disagree with the way techniques are taught or presented.
4. Do not show off.
5. Make sure you follow the Princeton Y Judo Club Rules and Regulations on bowing. Some clubs do not require bowing. No one will take offense if you bow and they do not.
6. Follow the rules and regulations of the Dojo you are visiting.
7. Always thank the club members you worked with for sharing and working with you.
8. Thank the instructor[s] for allowing you to participate.

For general information or to contact the instructors, send e-mail to info@princetonjudo.org.

For issues with the website, send e-mail to webmaster@princetonjudo.org.

To subscribe to (or unsubscribe from) the club mailing list judo@princetonjudo.org, visit the club mailing list webpage, or enter your e-mail address below. Only list members may post to the mailing list.

The Princeton Judo Club is a member of the Hudson Judo Yudanshakai and the United States Judo Federation (USJF).

Schedule

We practice at the YWCA of Princeton. To join the club, visit Gym B at the Princeton YWCA during any of our scheduled classes, or contact the instructors.

Instructors

Our head instructors are Sensei Cory Cuomo (Shodan), Sensei Edwin Calvache (Nidan), Sensei Joshua Suh (Sandan), Sensei Jim Carty (Shodan), Sensei Jaswinder Singh (Shodan), Sensei Mike Lee (Shodan), Sensei Mike Tusay (Shodan), as well as assistant instructor Luis Arias (ikkyu). To contact the instructors, send e-mail to info@princetonjudo.org.

Fees

Judo classes are offered through the YWCA Programs Office. You must be a YWCA member in order to attend class. After becoming a member, you may either register for the class each semester or pay a $13 walk-on mat fee per class if you do not plan on attending regularly.

Equipment

The only equipment required is a gi (uniform). The club owns a limited number of gis that may be borrowed until you can obtain your own. Gis may be purchased at any well-stocked martial arts supply store, or online. We recommend Hatashita. Note that judo gis are generally sturdier than those used for karate, taekwondo, or other martial arts that do not involve grappling. Jiu-jitsu gis are appropriate and may be used for judo as well.

Directions

Driving directions are available from the YWCA website, or from Google Maps.

Welcome to the online home of the Princeton Judo Club! Our dojo is Gym B of the Princeton YWCA in Princeton, New Jersey. We welcome any member of the community, including children, and train for all levels of competition. Visitors are always welcome to the club. For more information, read on or send e-mail to info@princetonjudo.org.

Judo is an Olympic sport that can be played by judoka of any age, weight, gender, or strength. Judo (柔道) is literally translated as the “gentle way”, but is best understood through its fundamental tenet of “maximum efficiency, minimum effort”. Judo was founded by Dr. Jigoro Kano in 1882, who developed it from jiu-jitsu, the traditional Japanese art of hand-to-hand combat. Unlike most martial arts, judo does not involve striking (punching or kicking). Because it is a sport, it follows a body of rules intended to keep competitors safe, making it a suitable activity for almost anyone.