The knowledge a judoka, or a person who practices judo has obtained from his time spent learning judo is reflected in his rank. Rank is displayed by the color of belt a practitioner wears. The ranking system for belts are: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black. A judoka who has reached the rank of nikyu, or blue belt, must know all the techniques leading up to and including that rank.
Description
Judo originated in Japan. It was developed by Jigaro Kano when, in 1882, he began the first judo dojo, or school, known as the Kodokan. The Kodokan still remains the international authority on Judo. Judo encompasses standing techniques, referred to as the gokyu, or five sets of eight throws, and various grappling techniques, which include chokes, armlocks and hold downs, or pins. These techniques are divided into levels of difficulty where lower ranks become familiar with the simpler techniques before progressing to the more complex techniques.
Language
You learn the techniques of judo in their original language of Japanese. This is consistent throughout every country in the world where judo is practiced. The reason for this is to be able to practice judo in any country, regardless of whether you understand the language or not. Judo is considered a sport and has been included in the Olympic games since 1964. The rules of Judo competitions are regulated by the International Judo Federation, and this global consistency with rules and language allow for a universal equality and understanding of judo.
Blue Belt Techniques
If you have advanced to the rank of blue belt, then you must already be familiar with the techniques associated with the lower levels. The standing techniques, or tachiwaza you must know when you have reached the rank of blue belt are: sumi otoshi, O garuma, yoko wakari, yoko gaki, yoko otoshi, yoko garuma, uchi mata sakashi, harai maki komi, osoto maki komi, soto maki komi and uchi maki komi.
Grappling
Reaching the rank of blue belt, or nikyu, in judo implies the understanding and application of certain grappling or newaza -- ground techniques. The chokes, armlocks and hold downs of the lower belt ranks would have already been mastered and as a result, there are only a couple of techniques needed to know for the level of blue belt. These include: koshi jime and hara gatami. It is important to understand the many variations of blocking your opponents techniques, counters and combinations regarding both tachiwaza and newaza, and this is in addition to the traditional techniques. The more knowledge of judo, you have the better your skill becomes.
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