In partnership with British Judo, Welsh Judo allows competitive judo from the age of 8. There are various levels of competitions taking place throughout the UK most weekends.
The Pathway is designed to provide an incremental pathway of appropriate competitions for all levels of competitors. Each level of competition is designed to cater for players with a specific level of experience. Those with higher aspirations will choose to move through the system while others may reach a level and remain there indefinitely.
The International Judo Federation contest rules will also be applied throughout all five levels, however different sanctions for some prohibited acts will be enforced.
Pathway Levels:
The Five levels of event refer to the level of players who the event is aimed at and is important information for coaches and players to help them decide whether the event is appropriate for them. The level also strongly influences the way in which the event is run.
Level One: Beginner
Level One Events are for beginners as an introduction to contest judo. The emphasis is very much about fun and having a go, where winning and losing is not the main objective. Even the most competitive minded player will have at some point worked through this level of event. These events would be for mon grades up to yellow belt and kyu grades up to orange belt. Players should generally receive at least three contests and the emphasis should be on introducing them to contest judo, teaching them the etiquette. At under 16 level one events, all players should receive an award, whether it be a medal or commemorative certificate. There is a single exception: for a club only competition, when higher grades may be involved.
Level Two: Intermediate
Level Two Events are for intermediate players of limited experience or players who have had some success at Level One events. These events would be for mon grades up to green belt or kyu grades up to blue belt e.g. Minimon and restricted Kyu Grade events. Players should generally receive at least three contests. Not all players will receive medals but organisers should restrict categories to no more than ten players. Any category with more players than this should be subdivided into more categories.
Level Three: Experienced
Level Three Events are targetted at more experienced players. INTRODUCTION & PLANNING LEVELS They provide contest opportunities for recreational players but also allow for development of aspiring elite players. They are generally open events, although event organisers may choose to exclude high level (squad) players from entering. These events would be for club level higher grades. Some of these events would be age banded. Examples would be most club and county open events and the National Schools’ Championships. Players should generally receive a minimum of two contests.
Level Four: Aspiring
Level Four Events are for players aspiring to reach performance level. Club level players can enter these events but should be aware that they will be strong events. Most of these events would be age banded. There would be a minimum entry grade, which may vary according to age. Examples would be most National events, and national ranking events. Other open events would only be Level Four if they have attracted a high level of high-performance competitors for many years. Players should generally receive a minimum of two contests.
Level Five: Performance
Level Five Events are for performance players and would be organised under the auspices of the EJU or IJF. Entry to most of these events would be only by selection process e.g. the British Senior Open and the European Cadet Championships.
Each competition is focused on attracting, and providing a positive experience, for a defined group of players. The level of the event best describes the skill and competitive level of the players that the event is intending to cater for.
Hosting your own competition
Interested on holding your own judo tournament? You can find all the information you need in the British Judo Tournament Handbook, found below and on our resources page. The Handbook will tell you all you need to know about obtaining a tournament licence, mat area sizes and the number of referees needed. It’s very clear but if you’re unsure on anything please contact us via the contacts page.