About the Instructors.
Rank standards recognize that during the life cycle of an active judoka, the
player will normally experience three (3) different phases - Novice,
Intermediate, and Teacher.
During the novice phase (under the rank of shodan, called kyu grades), the judoka is engaged in learning judo customs and terms, techniques, competition, and physical conditioning. In the novice phase, the primary factors in obtaining grade (kyu) are the demonstration of techniques and success in competition.
In the intermediate phase (Shodan through Sandan), the judoka progresses into the lower black belt ranks whereby competitive skills are fine tuned, knowledge is expanded over a wider range of techniques, and the understanding of competition rules and the philosophy of Kodokan Judo is solidified. Rank in the intermediate phase is based on demonstrating techniques at a more mature level, success in competition, knowledge of the philosophy of Kodokan Judo, knowledge of competition rules, and an introduction to several kata.
For higher ranks (Yodan and above), the judoka enters the
teacher phase which requires considerable knowledge, ability, and experience
including a responsibility as a teacher or "Sensei". The responsibility of
a teacher include continuous study, teaching all aspects of judo to include
history and philosophy, and providing for the safety and welfare of judoka on or
off the mat. Higher rank judoka may also function in refereeing, coaching, and
administration of the judo organization where knowledge and experience in judo
are essential. *TJI
By and large, most Judo instructors are volunteers who have committed major
portions of their lives time, effort, energy, and money to bring the wonder of
judo into your community. While a few dojos in the country are run
professionally with instructors making a living out of it, the vast majority of
instructors have jobs elsewhere, and do judo because of their passion for it,
and love of youth and the communities in which they live. They want to work with
you and your families to ensure that you have a positive growth experience with
judo. Many of them are ex-champions in their own right, holders of black hell
ranks. In fact, instructors of the USJF are well considered to be the most
technically proficient judoists in the country.
While the instructors are clearly the experts when it comes to judo, they still rely on open and honest communication about you and your students so that they can be sure that you are benefiting the most from judo. Don’t be afraid to talk with them, and to discuss frankly your concerns, wishes, dreams, and desires. They are our most important agents for the spread and dissemination of judo, and they do it from the bottom of their hearts.
Advice to Students*:
It is not always possible to select our Judo instructor;
nevertheless, care taken in the initial selection is vital to our future
success. Ensure that the instructor is a nationally recognized judo Black Belt..
Be sure his/her credentials are legitimate. This may be done by contacting
the local Yudanshakai having administrative supervision over the area in which
you reside. It is also possible that your instructor will have some credentials
from the local Yudanshakai supporting him as a qualified instructor commensurate
with his rank. Additionally, the Dojo you join may have a certificate of
affiliation with a parent Yudanshakai, which serves to establish its reputation
and reliability. Credit for your judo study and subsequent gradings can only be
awarded by nationally recognized instructors and their organizations. If the
instructor is nationally recognized through the local Yudanshakai,~ your chances
of obtaining good instruction are higher than if you study under an instructor
of no national standing. By joining a nationally recognized Dojo with an
accredited instructor, your rank and future promotions will be officially
recorded both with the local Yudanshakai and the national Judo body. “Let the
buyer beware” applies here... Select your instructor carefully.
As soon as possible after admission to a Dojo or Judo Club,
learn the rules of that organization and adhere to them to the letter. A good
Judo exponent is always recognized by his demeanor as well as by his technique.
Various Dojo have “ground” rules in addition to the traditional patterns of
etiquette which must always be observed. Learn the rules of Kodokan Judo, as
they will aid you to become more proficient. Attend all classes promptly. Do the
required work with spirit and develop sincerity in your training. Regularity
will bring results. Excuses, insincerity, and general laziness will not bring
your Judo to a skillful level. You must do Judo to learn Judo! Remember that
careless practice is disrespectful to the spirit of Judo and is a loss of
valuable time. The technique you are attempting to learn is but a means to an
end. Learn it and forget it - that is, let the initially mechanical movements
become conditioned reflex action You must take an active part in Randori, Kata,
and Shiai (contest) sessions, Don’t “wallflower.” The demeanor of the Judo
exponent is of vital importance. Dojo etiquette is always to be observed. The
Judo student will note that conduct does not begin and end at the mat’s edge,
but continues throughout daily life. He will be expected to abide by the
standards of Kodokan Judo at all times. Judo in the idealistic sense, trains the
mind as well as the body, and all students should maintain a high level of
decorum. Juniors must always request practice of seniors. The Judogi (Judo
costume) should always be clean and in good repair . Judogi specifications must
adhere to the Kodokan regulation in the interests of safety and practicability.
The use of old, torn, or dirty Judogi is not only dangerous, but undignified and
improper. Stripping off the jacket while in the Dojo is never correct unless
specifically directed by the instructor for purposes of some training objective.
Laxity in wearing the Judogi is inexcusable. Close and adjust the obi prior to
all salutations for practice, contest, or meeting of other Judoka. It is well to
own more than two Judogi in order to allow rotation between use and the laundry.
The mark of a good Judo exponent is also seen in his Judogi—one that is clean
and in good repair. The use of indiscriminate markings, emblems, etc. on the
Judogi is to be avoided. One’s name can be embroidered or lettered on the Obi
(belt) at one end, and on the Judogi at the bottom end of the lapel on the
outside surface, so that the name may be seen by the instructor. Dojo emblems or
monograms may be used, but they should conform to the instructions and standards
of the particular organization they represent. (* Judo Training
Methods-Ishikawa&Draeger)
Parents and Friends of students:
It is considered rude, disrespectful and distracting for parents or friends to speak with students while they are training. The instructor must have the undivided attention of the student during class. Parents should respect the instructor and allow him to teach without interruption. After all, the dojo is also a school where the students (your children) have come to study Judo.
**Info from various sources.