Our competitions are looming later this month and all students should have had their entry form by now. There is an expectation that all students of orange belt and above should be entering, as it is an integral part of their training and a pre-requisite for taking a black belt.
The event will be held on the 29th April at Oakhill College, Whalley (BB7 9AF), starting at 9am. There are several elements that students can enter and I will go into a little more detail for you to understand... Kata is a set series of moves which are performed individually to allow the student display good technique, movement, blocks, stances and strikes. Students are scored in a number of categories including power, focus, etiquette, difficulty etc…… with the student with the highest combined total being declared the winner. Students are grouped into similar belt levels. Random Attacks involves two students competing against each other in each round by dealing with a number of random attacks by an uke or partner. Each student receives the same attack and students are positioned so as not to be able to see their opponent. The most street effective technique, takedown and finish wins and students must win from three attacks (five in the final) to progress. The ukes are given the attacks to perform by an official, and the range of attacks increases the higher the belt. Red & white belts only have 5 attacks to prepare for, whilst black belts have 40 different potential attacks. Students are again grouped taking into account belt level. Continuous Fighting is a combination of sparring, grappling/throwing and ground fighting. Students must score points by striking or kicking an opponent to the torso (or side of the head for adults). As the object is to score points and not hurt your opponent, strikes deemed too hard can be subject of the issue yellow or red cards. After a set period of time, the referee will call ‘grip’ after which the students must cease striking and take hold of each other an attempt to throw their opponent to the ground using their Ju Jitsu throws. If a student successfully throws their opponent, they are awarded points and the bout moves into the ground fighting phase. If no-one is able to take down their opponent after a set period, then the referee calls a halt and students are knelt down to continue to into ground fighting. The object of the ground fighting element is for students to use their skills to pin or hold down their opponent on the ground for a set period to gain points. For safety reasons, there are different rules for juniors and adults. After the award of points by the referee, students are readjusted to recommence the groundfight until the end of the specified period. Once time has been called, the student who has amassed the greatest number of points through the whole bout is declared the winner. Belt level, age, weight and height all determine how students are grouped to ensure fairness. Pairs Demonstration is where two students perform a set and practised routine of Ju Jitsu blocks, strikes and throws between them to impress the judges. There is a minimum and maximum timeframe and each pair is judged on their technical ability and entertainment value. Weapons Kata is where higher level students perform a set series of moves using traditional Japanese weapons such as tonfa, nunchaku or sword and are scored as in kata. Role of Officials - judges are there to score the competitors, whilst the referee is there for the safety of the competitors by ensuring correct mandatory safety equipment is worn and by enforcing the rules on the mat. Timekeepers ensure the event runs within the timescales and Dressers are used to ensure students are identifiable by the wearing of either a red or white belt. Parents can play a great role in supporting and encouraging junior students prior to the event, and by supporting all students at the event, irrespective of their win or loss. It’s the taking part that will enhance the students character and I’m sure all our competitors will demonstrate the humility, restraint & respect we teach in class every week. Keigu (Kind Regards) Sensei