Senior Nikyu

Brown Belt Second Class

Study Guide

United States
Judo Federation

Senior Nikyu
Study Guide Issued Date: April 2008

United States Judo Federation Study Guide Assigned To:

PO Box 338
Ontario, OR 97914 • _________________________________________
• Date Assigned: _____________________________
• Initiated By: _______________________________
Phone: 541-889-8753
Fax: 541-889-5893
 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 36

Student Notes

CAVEAT

This booklet is specifically intended for use as a study guide and aide to
assist the student in preparing for promotions. It is expressly limited to
this purpose only. Nothing contained herein should be construed by
the user as constituting a rank standard for promotion different from
the published USJF standard.

USJF students and others are encouraged to use this booklet as a study
aid when preparing for promotion to the rank indicated on the cover.
The USJF Board of Examiners believes that individuals choosing to use
this study aid will benefit by increased knowledge of Kodokan Judo
and in their preparation for promotion.

The official promotion procedures and senior rank standards used by

the United States Judo Federation can be found online at http://
www.usjf.com/public/rank_requirement.pdf. These rank standards are
the definitive documents concerning criteria for rank and promotion
procedures for the United States Judo Federation. For further informa-
tion or clarification as to applicable minimum rank standards, please visit
the website or check with your dojo sensei or yudanshakai board of
examiner representative.

The photographs used in this study guide are the property of Mr. Bob Brink of
the Anchorage Dojo and are used by permission. The cover photo, of the belt,
is the property of Mr. Bill Beebe of Ozark Judo and is used by permission.

COPYRIGHT 2008 BILL BEEBE AND THE USJF.

This body of work was authorized and approved by the USJF Board of Examin-
ers on April 9, 2008. Credit for the final product goes to these four USJF sen-
sei‟s: Bob Harder, Ad Hoc committee chairman; Eiko Shepherd; Tom Sheehan
and to Bill Beebe the principle draftsman and concept originator. The work
product can not be modified or altered in any way without the prior written
permission of Sensei Bill Beebe and the United States Judo Federation, Inc.
 Page 35 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page i

Student Notes Table of Contents

Introduction
General Information 1
General Eligibility 2
Promotion Tasks
Suggested Knowledge 3
Suggested Reading 5
Suggested Ability to Demonstrate 5
Competition
Suggested Competitive Knowledge 14
Time In Grade
General Requirements 15
Nikyu Requirements 15
Time In Grade Reductions 16
Practice Time 17
Suggested Vocabulary
General Requirements 27
Suggested Vocabulary Words 28
Student Notes
General Student Notes 31
 Page 1 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 34

Introduction Student Notes

General Information

Nikyu is the second rank in Kodokan Judo where the judoka wears a
Brown Belt. When this rank is awarded, the judoka may add two black
or white stripes to one end of his/her brown belt. This practice is not
uncommon, but not required either. These stripes are called “mon”.
While still considered a “Beginner”, the judoka should have improved
basic skills and under-
standing of Kodokan
Judo practice and tech-
niques. At this rank,
the general public and
other judoka will con-
sider the holder of the
Nikyu rank to be profi-
cient in judo and will
expect him/her to be
able to explain
Kodokan Judo and to
execute techniques
with an increasing level of skill.

Since this is the second in the brown belt series in Kodokan Judo, it is
important that the Instructor counsel the judoka as he/she continues to
improve his/her skills. The judoka will be expected to be a leader in the
class, and because of this he/she must maintain a demeanor that will
instill respect and cause other beginners to imitate their practice tech-
niques and dedication. Therefore, the judoka must practice with sincer-
ity, dedication and regularity. In addition, other students will, with in-
creasing frequency, expect the Nikyu judoka to be able to provide in-
struction. Sometimes this may exceed the capabilities of judoka at this
stage of his/her training. It is important that they be instructed in humil-
ity, sincerity, and the ability to recognize the level of their own skills.
 Page 33 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 2

Student Notes Introduction

General Eligibility

To be considered eligible for promotion to the rank of Nikyu, the ju-

doka must demonstrate the following:
A. Be of good moral character, have a good attitude and out-
look on life in general and Kodokan Judo in particular, and
show a maturity that will ensure that the knowledge he/she
has gained, and will continue to gain, will not be abused.
B. Technical proficiency in the techniques taught for this rank
and at all lower ranks.
C. Adequate time in grade to both understand and be profi-
cient in the techniques required at this rank.
Candidates for promotion must be currently registered with the United
States Judo Federation. Required time in grade for any promotion will
be measured by the number of full years (or months) registered with
the USJF.
 Page 3 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 32

Promotion Tasks Student Notes

Suggested Knowledge Clinics, Classes, Special Training Activities Attended
Date Location Instructor/ Hours on Mat/
Task Date Completed
Clinician Hours in Class

Describe the purpose and methods

of “kata” and “randori” in Kodokan
Judo.

Name the rank and colors for the

“Dan” belt ranking system used in
Kodokan Judo.

Describe the basic history of

Kodokan Judo that includes the date
it was founded, where it was
founded, who the founder was, and
what it was developed from.

Vocabulary
(suggested words and phrases are
listed in the back of this Task Book).

Understanding of basic Kumi-Kata,

including grips used for forward and
rear throws and grips used in transi-
tion throws.
 Page 31 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 4

Student Notes Promotion Tasks

Clinics, Classes, Special Training Activities Attended
Date Location Instructor/ Hours on Mat/
“The word jujutsu and judo are each written with two Chinese
Clinician Hours in Class
characters. The „ju‟ in both is the same and means „gentleness‟ or
„giving way.‟ The meaning of „jutsu‟ is „art, practice,‟ and do means
„principle‟ or „way,‟ the Way being the concept of life itself. „Jujutsu‟
may be translated as „the gentle art,‟ judo as „the Way of gentle-
ness,‟ with the implication of first giving way to ultimately gain vic-
tory. The Kodokan is, literally, „the school for studying the Way.‟
As we shall see in the next chapter, judo is more than an art of
attack and defense. It is a way of life.”

“Jujitsu Becomes Judo” Jigoro Kano

 Page 5 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 30

Promotion Tasks Suggested Vocabulary

Suggested Reading Suggested Vocabulary Words
The candidate for promotion to Nikyu should consult with the head in- English Japanese English Japanese
structor to determine appropriate reading material to guide his/her
study in Kodokan Judo. It is suggested, but not required, that the stu- Teacher Sensei
dent read at least two books of the instructor’s choosing in addition to Belt Obi Black Belt Holder Yudansha
visiting several of the internet sites that contain in depth information on
Kodokan Judo. The books and websites listed here are provided as an Non Black Belt Mudansha Form Practice Uchi-
aid to the instructor and student in selecting appropriate material. Komi
“Judo—History and Philosophy” by David Matsumoto, Ph.D. Breaking Balance Kushushi Fitting Bodies in Kuzure
preparation for
“Judo Heart and Soul” by Hayward Nishioka throw
“Small Circle Jujitsu” by Wally Jay Execution of the Kake Major or Large O
throw

Outside Soto Inside Uchi

Reaping Gari Hand Te

Ability to Demonstrate
Body Tai Standing Techniques Tachi-
Ukemi-Waza Date Completed Waza
Ushiro-Ukemi Ground Tech- Ne-Waza Sweep Harai
Migi-Yoko Ukemi niques
Hidari-Yoko-Ukemi Minor or Small Ko Sacrifice Sutemi
Migi-Zenpo-Kaiten
Circle Tomoe Throw Nage
Hidari-Zenpo-Kaiten

Mae-Ukemi
 Page 29 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 6

Suggested Vocabulary Promotion Tasks

Suggested Vocabulary Words Ability to Demonstrate
English Japanese English Japanese
Osaekomi-Waza Date Completed
Black Belt Grade Dan Non-Black Belt Kyu
Calss Kesa-Gatame

1st Degree Black Shodan 2nd Degree Black Nidan Kata-Gatame

Belt Belt Yoko-Shiho-Gatame
3rd Degree Black Sandan 4th Degree Black Yodan Kami-Shiho-Gatame
Belt Belt
Tate-Shiho-Gatame
Kuzure-Kami-Shiho-Gatame
5th Degree Black Godan 6th Degree Black Rokudan
Belt Belt
7th Degree Black Shichidan 8th Degree Black Hachidan
Belt Belt
9th Degree Black Kudan 10th Degree Black Judan
Belt Belt

6th Class Beginner Rokukyu 5th Class Beginner Gokyu

4th Class Beginner Yonkyu 3rd Class Beginner Sankyu

2nd Class Beginner Nikyu 1st Class Beginner Ikkyu
Informal Sitting Anza Formal Sitting Seiza

Contest Shiai Minor Penality Shido

Major Penality Hansoke- Free Practice Randori

Make
Pre-Arranged Form Kata Judo Student Judoka
Practice
Gentleness Ju Way Do
 Page 7 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 28

Promotion Tasks Suggested Vocabulary

Ability to Demonstrate Suggested Vocabulary Words
Shimi-Waza Date Completed English Japanese English Japanese

Kata-Juji-Jime One Ichi Start Haijime

Okuri-Eri-Jime Two Ni Stop Matte

Name-Juji-Jime Three San That is all Sore-Maa-de
Gyaku-Juji-Jime Four See Hold Still- Sona-Mama
Pause
Five Go Continue Yoshi
Kansetsu-Waza Date Completed
Six Roku Hold Down Osae-Komi
Ude-Hishigi-Grami Hold Bro-
Seven Sichi Toketa
Ude-Hishigi-Gatami ken

Eight Hachi One Point Ippon

Nine Ku Half Point Wazari
Suggested Ne-Waza Attacks Date Compelted
Ten Ju Almost Yuko
Turtle turn over into triangle choke with op- Wazari
tional transitions to an arm lock or pin
Belt Obi Almost Koka
Juji-Gatame from the guard
Yuko
Turn into Kesa-Gatame from guard
Uniform Gi Decision Hantei
Passing guard into Kata-Gatame choke Settinhg
Jacket Uwagi Za-Rei
Basic sweep from open guard into kesa- Bow
gatame
Side Yoko Wheel Guruma
Passing guard into Yoko-Shiho-Gatame Drop Otoshi Choke Jime
Hold Gatame Technique Waza
Practice Dojo
Hall
Collar Eri Foot or leg Ashi
 Page 27 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 8

Suggested Vocabulary Promotion Tasks

General Requirements Ability to Demonstrate
Kodokan Judo is an Olympic Sport and self defense system that origi-
nated in Japan. Therefore the techniques and class commands are prop- Throwing Technique Date Completed
erly known by their Japanese names. Learning the proper names for the De-Ashi-Barai
techniques, the commands used in class and the way to address the in-
structors and HIza-Guruma
visitors is a re-
Uki-Goshi
quirement of all
USJF Judo stu- O-Soto-Gari
dents. This has
O-Goshi
the added benefit
of allowing you O-Uchi-Gari
to practice effec-
tively anywhere Seoi-Nage
in the world Ko-Soto-Gari
where Kodokan
Judo is taught. Ko-Uchi-Gari
Tomoe-Nage

In addition, all commands at Kodokan Judo tournaments up to and in- Tsuri-Komi-Goshi

cluding the Olympic Games are given in Japanese. Therefore, it is im- Okuri-Ashi-Barai
perative that the student understand these terms to be competitive in
tournament play. Tai-Otoshi
Harai-Goshi
Uchi-Mata
Hane-Goshi
 Page 9 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 26

Promotion Tasks Time In Grade

Suggested Ability to Demonstrate Practice Time
Date Club or Event Time
Combination Techniques Date Completed
on Mat
Seoi-Nage to Kesa-Gatame
O-Goshi to Yoko-Shiho-Gatame
O-Soto-Gari to Kesa-Gatame
Kata-Gatame to Okuri-Eri-Jime
Tai-Otoshj to Uchi-Mata
O-Uchi-Gari to Ko-Uchi-Gari
Kesa-Gatame to Kata-Gatame

Kata-Gatame to Yoko-Shiho-Gatame
Yoko-Shiho-Gatame to Kami-Shiho Gatame

Kami-Shiho-Gatame to Kesa-Gatame
Seoi-nage to Kata-Katame
O-Uchi-Gari to Yoko-Shiho-Gatame
Hane-Goshi to Kesa-Katame
 Page 25 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 10

Time In Grade Promotion Tasks

Practice Time Suggested Ability to Demonstrate
Date Club or Event Time
Combination Techniques Date Completed
on Mat
O-Soto-Gari to Tai-Otoshi
Ko-Uchi-Gari to Harai-Goshi
O-Soto-Gari to Harai-Goshi

O-Uchi-Gari to Harai-Goshi
Tate-Shiho-Gatame to Kuzure-Kesa-Gatame

Suppose we estimate the strength of a man is ten units, whereas my

strength, less than his, is seven units. Then if he pushes me with all his
force, I shall certainly be pushed back or thrown down, even if I use all
my strength against him. This would happen from opposing strength to
strength. But if, instead of opposing him, I leave him unresisted, with-
drawing my body just as much as he pushes, at the same time keeping
my balance, he will naturally lean forward and lose his balance. In this
new position he may become so weak (not in actual physical strength,
but because of his awkward position) as to reduce his strength for the
moment, say to three units only instead of ten. Meanwhile, by keeping
my balance, I retain my full strength available for any emergency. Had I
greater strength than my opponent, I could of course have pushed him
back; but even if I wished to push him back, I should first have left him
unresisted, as by so doing I should greatly economize my energy.

“Judo, The Japanese Art of Self Defense” Jigoro Kano

 Page 11 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 24

Promotion Tasks Time In Grade

Suggested Ability to Demonstrate Practice Time
Date Club or Event Time
Kaeshi-Waza Date Compelted
on Mat
(Counter Techniques)
O-soto-Gari to O-Soto-Gaeshi
Seoi-Nage to O-Soto-Gari
Kesa-Gatame to Kesa-Gatame
O-soto-Gari to Harai-Goshi
Harai-Goshi to Harai-Goshi-Gaeshi
Kami-Shiho-Gatame to Yoko-Shiho-Gatame

“Rules of the Dojo”, Kyuzo Mifune (Judan)

Have no falsehood in mind. Reluctance or deceit are not conducive

to the inner harmony required by Judo practice.

Do not lose self-confidence. Learn to act wholeheartedly, without

hesitation. Show reverence toward the practice of Judo, by keeping
your mind in it.

Keep your balance. The center of gravity follows the movement of

the body. The center of gravity is the most important element in main-
taining stability. If it is lost, the body is naturally unbalanced. Thus, fix
your mind so that your body is always in balance.

Utilize your strength efficiently. Minimize the use of strength with

the quickest movement of body. Acknowledge that what is called still-
ness and motion is nothing but an endlessly repeated process.
 Page 23 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 12

Time In Grade Promotion Tasks

Practice Time Don't discontinue training. Mastery of Judo cannot be accomplished
Time in a short time. Since skills depend on mental and physical application,
Date Club or Event
on Mat constant training is essential.

Keep yourself humble. If you become self-centered, you will build a

wall around yourself and lose your freedom. If you can humble yourself
in preparation for an event you will surely be better able to judge and
understand it. In a match, you will be able to detect the weak point of
your opponent and easily put him/her under control
 Page 13 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 22

Yoshitsugu (Yoshiaki) Yamashita

The First Tenth Degree Black Belt in Judo
Time In Grade
1. Study the correct way of applying the throws.
Throwing with brute force is not the correct way Practice Time
of winning in JUDO. The most important point is Date Club or Event Time
to win with technique. on Mat
2. First learn offensive. You will see that defense is
included in offensive. You will make no progress
learning defense first.
3. Do not dislike falling. Learn the timing of the
throw while you are being thrown.
4. Practice your throws by moving your body freely
as possible in all directions. Do not lean to one side or get stiff. A great
deal of repetition in a throw will be rewarded with a good throw.
5. Increase the number of practices and contests. You will never make any
progress without accumulating a number of practices.
6. Do not select your opponents (which means do not say that you do or
don't like to practice with a certain person). Everyone has his own spe-
cialty. You must try to learn all of them and make them your own.
7. Never neglect to improve the finer points. Practicing without any effort to
improve will result in slow progress. Always recall your habits, as well as
those of your opponent, while making improvement.
8. In practice put your heart and soul into it. It will interfere with your pro-
gress in practice if you keep on without this spirit.
9. Never forget what your instructor or higher ranking members teach you.
During practice you will make great progress if you keep in mind what
they have said to you.
10. Try to continue your practice as much as possible. Applying half-way will
result in a very grave situation in your progress.
11. Watch and study throws as much as possible when trying to improve and
advance. The technique and mind are just like the front and back of one‟s
hand, meaning they are very closely related.
12. Refrain from overeating and drinking. Remember that overeating and
drinking will bring an end to your practice and JUDO.
13. Always try to think of improvement, and don't think that you are too
good. The latter is very easy to do while learning JUDO.
14. There is no end in learning JUDO
 Page 21 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 14

Competition
Time In Grade
Suggested Competition Knowledge
Practice Time
Tasks Date Completed
Date Club or Event Time
on Mat Knowledge of Olympic Judo scoring proce-
dures and calls.
List and explain Kodokan Judo competition
penalties and give an example or when they
would be awarded
 Page 15 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 20

Time In Grade Time In Grade

General Requirements Practice Time
The time in grade requirements are based on a period of time that the Date Club or Event Time
student remained a registered member of the United States Judo Fed- on Mat
eration since his/her last promotion.

Time in Grade requirements are also based on the total time that the
student has spent actively practicing Kodokan Judo since his/her last
promotion. This is based
on a minimum of 1.5 hours
of mat time per session and
at least two sessions per
week.

Nikyu Requirements

NOTE: Although the mini-

mum requirements are
stated below, the head in-
structor, based entirely on
his/her determination, may require more or less time before awarding
the promotion. The student must never question the timing of promo-
tions.
Non-competitors are required to hold the rank of Sankyu for one year
prior to going up for promotion to Nikyu and have approximately 144
hours of practice time on the mat as a Sankyu.
 Page 19 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 16

Time In Grade Time In Grade

Practice Time Time In Grade
Date Club or Event Time
Student Classification Months
on Mat
Non-Competitor 1 year

Competitor, 5 points 9 Months

Competitor, 10 points 6 Months

Competitor, 15 points 0 Months

Time In Grade Reductions

Score Points by Grade of Opponent

2 Ranks 1 Rank Same 1 Rank 2 Ranks 3 Ranks

Lower Lower Rank Higher Higher Higher

Ippon 1/3 1/2 1 11/2 2.0 3.0

Waza-ari 1/6 1/4 1/2 3/4 1.0 11/2

 Page 17 United States Judo Federation Senior Nikyu Page 18

Time In Grade Time In Grade

Practice Time Practice Time
Date Club or Event Time Date Club or Event Time
on Mat on Mat