Geof Gleeson 9th Dan
By Martin Clarke
I am now 58 years old (2008) and been involved with Judo since the age of 5 and the people with the most influence on my Judo career have been my mother and father Margret Clarke 4th Dan and John Nobby Clarke 6th Dan but there was also one other who would be come my mentor and that was Geof Gleeson. To read more about Geof clickhttp://www.budo-ibf.co.uk/geof_gleeson_9th_dan.htm
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Theory only Judo Grades NO
The British Judo Association has now decide that there is no need for contest for all Kyu Grades and although I understand their logic in the fact that British people are softer now then they were 10 years ago and they no longer wish to compete or contest in the Club but it is still wrong.
With our dismal performance at the Olympic Games I expect the BJA are under a lot of pressure to get their act together and start producing champions this can only be achieved by having a much wider base i.e. more members. Yet should we sacrifice the heart and soul of Judo for the Olympics, twenty years ago they brought in a grading system that required no theory what so ever, this was wrong and led to the drop in standard and popularity of Judo. The reintroduction on a Theory based syllabus is excellent but it needs to link to Shiai. You will never understand the mechanics of a technique until it is tested in contest, for in contest you learn to expect the unexpected, you become adaptable and respond to different actions and attacks this is what makes Judo great and is a great character builder.
It is a common for coaches to say that Judo Theory and judo Contest is two different things sorry but that is rubbish. Yes if you have a syllabus and it has been decided a certain throw is given a certain name and done in a certain way this must be done when being examined, it is the perfect way to do that technique. Judoka should be taught how to do the perfect technique and this perfect technique will work in contest if the right scenario happens in contest, all of us have clapped and cheered when we see the perfect throw in contest. Yet the joy of contest is that the right scenario is rare and you adapt to the current circumstances this improves the Judoka’s knowledge and understanding of the Art. I am in agreement that techniques in grading should be done as near perfect as possible but it should not be annexed from Contest, the two should work in harmony.
If we fore go contest for just a theory based teaching regime I am certain that it will weaken our International Success and is certainly will not be the Martial Art I started in way back in 1955, Judo used to be translated as the “Gentle Way” rather the “Supple Way” but it will soon be known as the “Softies Way”
Martin Clarke 8th Dan
With our dismal performance at the Olympic Games I expect the BJA are under a lot of pressure to get their act together and start producing champions this can only be achieved by having a much wider base i.e. more members. Yet should we sacrifice the heart and soul of Judo for the Olympics, twenty years ago they brought in a grading system that required no theory what so ever, this was wrong and led to the drop in standard and popularity of Judo. The reintroduction on a Theory based syllabus is excellent but it needs to link to Shiai. You will never understand the mechanics of a technique until it is tested in contest, for in contest you learn to expect the unexpected, you become adaptable and respond to different actions and attacks this is what makes Judo great and is a great character builder.
It is a common for coaches to say that Judo Theory and judo Contest is two different things sorry but that is rubbish. Yes if you have a syllabus and it has been decided a certain throw is given a certain name and done in a certain way this must be done when being examined, it is the perfect way to do that technique. Judoka should be taught how to do the perfect technique and this perfect technique will work in contest if the right scenario happens in contest, all of us have clapped and cheered when we see the perfect throw in contest. Yet the joy of contest is that the right scenario is rare and you adapt to the current circumstances this improves the Judoka’s knowledge and understanding of the Art. I am in agreement that techniques in grading should be done as near perfect as possible but it should not be annexed from Contest, the two should work in harmony.
If we fore go contest for just a theory based teaching regime I am certain that it will weaken our International Success and is certainly will not be the Martial Art I started in way back in 1955, Judo used to be translated as the “Gentle Way” rather the “Supple Way” but it will soon be known as the “Softies Way”
Martin Clarke 8th Dan
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
CombatSombo Revived
COMBATSOMBO REVIVED
As the Founder of the CombatSombo system I have always found it difficult trying to get my idea’s over to the public. My first idea 22 years ago was to Fast Track people from other styles, my logic was get them to 1st Degree Black Belt and they would form clubs, once this happened we could improve on standards. Sadly very few done this all they wanted to do is go home and brag they had a CombatSombo Black Belt, so back to the drawing board and this is when I came up with the idea of Camcorder Gradings in both CombatSombo and Jiu Jitsu. This has proved successful in as much I have had people from all over the World grading in this rather unique method, interestingly when I first started this some 15 years ago I came under a lot of criticism from the Martial Arts fraternity suggesting that the standard would be low. If any of you have tried creating a Video of yourself performing Martial Arts to a standard where you could sell it as an instructional DVD, you will know how difficult that is. To produce a 1hour tape can take as long as 20 hours to produce and that is just the practical. Many have tried the system but most have not achieved what they thought they were worth, some thought it was just a way to buy grade oh how wrong they were. As I said the Martial Arts Fraternity condemned me but look around now to see how many have copied me.
So I returned to my original way of teaching and raised the standards up to the level of my Judoka and Somboist, out of this I did create a result in as much Alan Cain from London started CombatSombo Club with The London Scottish a Territorial Army Regiment, they loved the style and they were just the type of people I wanted tough, hard and dedicated but this would not last long as International events would get in the way I refer to Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes even our Territorial army had to do there stints fighting for Queen and Country, after their last stint the lads never had the enthusiasm to get back to CombatSombo and who could blame them.
Again another restart and with myself still awaiting a replacement Knee and Hip I was becoming as useful as Chocolate Teapot so I invested the help of two top Grapplers my son John and Colin Carrott both very experienced in Sombo Wrestling, Judo, Kurash and Belt Wrestling, they could teach the throws, ground pins, arm locks, leg locks, strangles etc. I would continue teaching the more aggressive self defence techniques I would be helped by Miles Brown a Judo Black Belt who has had 15 years experience on the door but I also needed someone who could teach a bit of finesse. For this I went Greg Garside 4th Judo, Greg over the last few years has specialised in Judo Kata becoming a real expert. Several of the Judo Kata’s like Goshin Jutsu, Kime no Kata are really Jiu Jitsu Kata’s teaching defence against unarmed and armed attack, even the Ju No Kata if speeded up and taken to its logical conclusion can add to the repertoire of CombatSombo Players list of techniques. Has this worked well we will see but at a recent grading at Summer Camp two CombatSombo Players both passed their 6th Grade Brown Belt they were Russell Dodds and Leon Stewart, after they had graded many senior figures in the IBF commented how impressed they were.
So I return to high standard and hard work I will not worry about getting thousands of members all I want is quality and the big advantage I have over many other styles is that the name “COMBATSOMBO” is registered in my name and I am prepared to sue anyone who misuses it, so if you are CombatSombo member who wants to renew his or her vows why not contacted me at EastLeigh House, 118 East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4RX or email: Sombogb @ Blueyonder.co.uk
YET ANOTHER NEW STYLE or HOW I RE INVENTED THE WHEEL
For years now we have Martial Arts players telling us that they have invented the Ultimate Style of Martial Art? I have always been very dubious of these claims especially when the exponent goes from 1st Dan in a traditional style to an 8th Dan in there new style especially as some of their claims are rather spurious can I give you two examples:
1) Sombo Wrestling in GB has been continual active for 24 years now in that period we have had our ups and downs in the last 10 years we have had a very high standard at the British Open but this was not always the case pre 1998 some of the British Championships were very poorly attended. This led to somewhat inferior Champions who may have had just one fight to claim a title. Some years ago a Young Man in his very early twenties had an article printed in a magazine as tolling his art, the editor finished by saying how could body argue with him as he was a British Sombo Champion. What he forgot to mention that the gentleman only entered this one event and has never done Sombo since, he won the title by beating another novice and had WO against an experienced Sombo Wrestler who broke his toe and had to retire.
2) With so many styles being invented the whole fiasco caused some hilarity in our Judo/Sombo club, so after a training session we decided to invent our own which we called VORTIGAN. This was after a Saxon chief who lived in Kent claiming it was a true Martial Art from Kent where exponents would use sharpened trowels as throwing weapons and that the commando’s used it during WW11. I wrote an article on this fictionist Martial Art and sent it to various Martial Arts Magazines who printed the article (sorry to say I have lost the original) some months later I did tell them it was a spoof. Yet a few years later up pops another guy who has created his own style and would you believe it he trained in VORTIGAN for several years!!!
So the thing to do is always check out an Instructors History, before you get swallowed into becoming a money trap
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne
As the Founder of the CombatSombo system I have always found it difficult trying to get my idea’s over to the public. My first idea 22 years ago was to Fast Track people from other styles, my logic was get them to 1st Degree Black Belt and they would form clubs, once this happened we could improve on standards. Sadly very few done this all they wanted to do is go home and brag they had a CombatSombo Black Belt, so back to the drawing board and this is when I came up with the idea of Camcorder Gradings in both CombatSombo and Jiu Jitsu. This has proved successful in as much I have had people from all over the World grading in this rather unique method, interestingly when I first started this some 15 years ago I came under a lot of criticism from the Martial Arts fraternity suggesting that the standard would be low. If any of you have tried creating a Video of yourself performing Martial Arts to a standard where you could sell it as an instructional DVD, you will know how difficult that is. To produce a 1hour tape can take as long as 20 hours to produce and that is just the practical. Many have tried the system but most have not achieved what they thought they were worth, some thought it was just a way to buy grade oh how wrong they were. As I said the Martial Arts Fraternity condemned me but look around now to see how many have copied me.
So I returned to my original way of teaching and raised the standards up to the level of my Judoka and Somboist, out of this I did create a result in as much Alan Cain from London started CombatSombo Club with The London Scottish a Territorial Army Regiment, they loved the style and they were just the type of people I wanted tough, hard and dedicated but this would not last long as International events would get in the way I refer to Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes even our Territorial army had to do there stints fighting for Queen and Country, after their last stint the lads never had the enthusiasm to get back to CombatSombo and who could blame them.
Again another restart and with myself still awaiting a replacement Knee and Hip I was becoming as useful as Chocolate Teapot so I invested the help of two top Grapplers my son John and Colin Carrott both very experienced in Sombo Wrestling, Judo, Kurash and Belt Wrestling, they could teach the throws, ground pins, arm locks, leg locks, strangles etc. I would continue teaching the more aggressive self defence techniques I would be helped by Miles Brown a Judo Black Belt who has had 15 years experience on the door but I also needed someone who could teach a bit of finesse. For this I went Greg Garside 4th Judo, Greg over the last few years has specialised in Judo Kata becoming a real expert. Several of the Judo Kata’s like Goshin Jutsu, Kime no Kata are really Jiu Jitsu Kata’s teaching defence against unarmed and armed attack, even the Ju No Kata if speeded up and taken to its logical conclusion can add to the repertoire of CombatSombo Players list of techniques. Has this worked well we will see but at a recent grading at Summer Camp two CombatSombo Players both passed their 6th Grade Brown Belt they were Russell Dodds and Leon Stewart, after they had graded many senior figures in the IBF commented how impressed they were.
So I return to high standard and hard work I will not worry about getting thousands of members all I want is quality and the big advantage I have over many other styles is that the name “COMBATSOMBO” is registered in my name and I am prepared to sue anyone who misuses it, so if you are CombatSombo member who wants to renew his or her vows why not contacted me at EastLeigh House, 118 East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4RX or email: Sombogb @ Blueyonder.co.uk
YET ANOTHER NEW STYLE or HOW I RE INVENTED THE WHEEL
For years now we have Martial Arts players telling us that they have invented the Ultimate Style of Martial Art? I have always been very dubious of these claims especially when the exponent goes from 1st Dan in a traditional style to an 8th Dan in there new style especially as some of their claims are rather spurious can I give you two examples:
1) Sombo Wrestling in GB has been continual active for 24 years now in that period we have had our ups and downs in the last 10 years we have had a very high standard at the British Open but this was not always the case pre 1998 some of the British Championships were very poorly attended. This led to somewhat inferior Champions who may have had just one fight to claim a title. Some years ago a Young Man in his very early twenties had an article printed in a magazine as tolling his art, the editor finished by saying how could body argue with him as he was a British Sombo Champion. What he forgot to mention that the gentleman only entered this one event and has never done Sombo since, he won the title by beating another novice and had WO against an experienced Sombo Wrestler who broke his toe and had to retire.
2) With so many styles being invented the whole fiasco caused some hilarity in our Judo/Sombo club, so after a training session we decided to invent our own which we called VORTIGAN. This was after a Saxon chief who lived in Kent claiming it was a true Martial Art from Kent where exponents would use sharpened trowels as throwing weapons and that the commando’s used it during WW11. I wrote an article on this fictionist Martial Art and sent it to various Martial Arts Magazines who printed the article (sorry to say I have lost the original) some months later I did tell them it was a spoof. Yet a few years later up pops another guy who has created his own style and would you believe it he trained in VORTIGAN for several years!!!
So the thing to do is always check out an Instructors History, before you get swallowed into becoming a money trap
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne
Friday, August 29, 2008
Judo Olympics
JUDO
Four Year budget: £6.947m
Medal Target: 2
Medals: 0
An other disastrous Games. Needs to find players who can throw or coaches who can teach them
Mark: 4/10
Daily Mail August 25th
So what has happened to Judo? I was lucky enough to be competing in the late 60’s 70’s and early 80’s when there were British stars like Brian Jacks, Dave Starbrook, Keith Remfry, Arthur Mapp, Neil Adams, Chris Bowles, Billy Ward, Paul Radburn I could go on, this was the hey day of British Judo so what has happened since then to make the Daily Mail make such terrible comment. The first question come to mind these guys received little or no money in their quest for Olympic fame most like myself had to work and feed a family, some had very generous parents but they could win Olympic medals. All the regulation that surrounds Judo today seems to be suffocating the art, some regulations make sense but the things like Club Mark and UKCC may be good on paper but in practise they restrict the introduction of new clubs, how many people are on the payroll of the BJA? Some I know are doing a good job especially those working with schools but what about the rest?
Yet after saying that is it really the BJA who are to blame for our failure I am not so sure I believe it is the rules of Judo and the referees who interpreted those rules for instance:
1) With hardly any groundwork would Neil Adams have time to apply his famous Sanku Techniques?
2) With grip changing become like a fair ground Kangaroo Boxing match would Dave Starbrook be able to do his legendary Tia Otoshi
3) With competitors scrabbling about on their knees would Paul Radburn get that big O Goshi which he was a famed for
Judo Competition has changed beyond recognition from my day and I would suggest that the IJF look closely at what was happening 20 years ago:
1) Upright Judo should return, as the restrictions where you can hold makes bent over Judo very negative. A lot of people complained that the Judo in the Olympics was like Sombo. All I can say these people have never seen World Class Sombo Wrestling it has devasting throw and is much more audience friendly.
2) More groundwork should be allowed this will stop players stalling by just dropping to their knees
3) Stop players attacking from their knees
4) Allow a minimum grip fighting and then penalise for passivity
By all means bring some modern things in, allow coloured Gi’s, change the antiquated Japanese Scoring and Hand signals, bring in signals which the audience can understand, take referees out of blazers, which make them look to officious and put them in Track bottoms and Polo shirts with different coloured sleeves like they do in Olympic Wrestling.
The Olympics should have been a show case for World Judo, this it certainly was not especially with its appalling referee’s decisions; maybe the time has come to add Kata to the Judo Olympics to allow the World wide audience to see the artistic side of the Sport, lots of other sports allow this type of competition. Some how Judo has to be rescued from the Bureaucrats in the IJF who are ruining the Art
Martin Clarke
Four Year budget: £6.947m
Medal Target: 2
Medals: 0
An other disastrous Games. Needs to find players who can throw or coaches who can teach them
Mark: 4/10
Daily Mail August 25th
So what has happened to Judo? I was lucky enough to be competing in the late 60’s 70’s and early 80’s when there were British stars like Brian Jacks, Dave Starbrook, Keith Remfry, Arthur Mapp, Neil Adams, Chris Bowles, Billy Ward, Paul Radburn I could go on, this was the hey day of British Judo so what has happened since then to make the Daily Mail make such terrible comment. The first question come to mind these guys received little or no money in their quest for Olympic fame most like myself had to work and feed a family, some had very generous parents but they could win Olympic medals. All the regulation that surrounds Judo today seems to be suffocating the art, some regulations make sense but the things like Club Mark and UKCC may be good on paper but in practise they restrict the introduction of new clubs, how many people are on the payroll of the BJA? Some I know are doing a good job especially those working with schools but what about the rest?
Yet after saying that is it really the BJA who are to blame for our failure I am not so sure I believe it is the rules of Judo and the referees who interpreted those rules for instance:
1) With hardly any groundwork would Neil Adams have time to apply his famous Sanku Techniques?
2) With grip changing become like a fair ground Kangaroo Boxing match would Dave Starbrook be able to do his legendary Tia Otoshi
3) With competitors scrabbling about on their knees would Paul Radburn get that big O Goshi which he was a famed for
Judo Competition has changed beyond recognition from my day and I would suggest that the IJF look closely at what was happening 20 years ago:
1) Upright Judo should return, as the restrictions where you can hold makes bent over Judo very negative. A lot of people complained that the Judo in the Olympics was like Sombo. All I can say these people have never seen World Class Sombo Wrestling it has devasting throw and is much more audience friendly.
2) More groundwork should be allowed this will stop players stalling by just dropping to their knees
3) Stop players attacking from their knees
4) Allow a minimum grip fighting and then penalise for passivity
By all means bring some modern things in, allow coloured Gi’s, change the antiquated Japanese Scoring and Hand signals, bring in signals which the audience can understand, take referees out of blazers, which make them look to officious and put them in Track bottoms and Polo shirts with different coloured sleeves like they do in Olympic Wrestling.
The Olympics should have been a show case for World Judo, this it certainly was not especially with its appalling referee’s decisions; maybe the time has come to add Kata to the Judo Olympics to allow the World wide audience to see the artistic side of the Sport, lots of other sports allow this type of competition. Some how Judo has to be rescued from the Bureaucrats in the IJF who are ruining the Art
Martin Clarke
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
What is Ippon
20. Ippon
I have taken an extract from the IJF rules please read. I have watched several competitions over the last year and Ippon’s are either given away far to easily or extremely hard, please read or am I the only one who still remembers what a correct Ippon is?
The Referee shall announce Ippon when in his opinion the applied technique corresponds to the following criteria:
a)
When a contestant with control throws the other contestant largely on his back with considerable force and speed.
My Comment: therefore throws such as O Uchi Gari can score Ippon as does Sumi Geashi, someone who attempts a sacrificial throw and fails does not necessarily have Ippon scored against them.
b)
When a contestant holds with Osaekomi-waza the other contestant, who is unable to get away for 25 seconds after the announcement of Osaekomi.
c)
When a contestant gives up by tapping twice or more with his hand or foot or says Maitta (I give up!) generally as a result of Osaekomi-waza, Shime-waza or Kansetsu-waza.
d)
When a contestant is incapacitated by the effect of a Shime-waza or Kansetsu-waza.
Equivalence: Should one contestant be penalised with Hansoku-make, the other contestant shall immediately be declared the winner
Simultaneous Ippons - See Article 19 (f) (4).
Simultaneous techniques: when both contestants fall to the Tatami after what appears to be simultaneous attacks, and the Referee and Judges cannot decide which technique dominated there should be no score awarded.
Should the Referee announce Ippon during Newaza in error and the contestants therefore separate, the Referee and Judges shall, if possible, and in accordance with the "majority of three" rule, replace the contestants into as close to their original positions as possible and restart the contest, if so doing will rectify an injustice to one of the contestants.
If one of the contestants deliberately makes a "bridge" (head and one foot or both feet in contact with the Tatami) after having been thrown - although he may have avoided the necessary criteria for Ippon, the Referee shall nonetheless award Ippon or any other score he considers the technique warrants, in order to discourage this action.
Using Kansetsu-waza in order to throw the opponent will not be considered for point scoring purposes
I have taken an extract from the IJF rules please read. I have watched several competitions over the last year and Ippon’s are either given away far to easily or extremely hard, please read or am I the only one who still remembers what a correct Ippon is?
The Referee shall announce Ippon when in his opinion the applied technique corresponds to the following criteria:
a)
When a contestant with control throws the other contestant largely on his back with considerable force and speed.
My Comment: therefore throws such as O Uchi Gari can score Ippon as does Sumi Geashi, someone who attempts a sacrificial throw and fails does not necessarily have Ippon scored against them.
b)
When a contestant holds with Osaekomi-waza the other contestant, who is unable to get away for 25 seconds after the announcement of Osaekomi.
c)
When a contestant gives up by tapping twice or more with his hand or foot or says Maitta (I give up!) generally as a result of Osaekomi-waza, Shime-waza or Kansetsu-waza.
d)
When a contestant is incapacitated by the effect of a Shime-waza or Kansetsu-waza.
Equivalence: Should one contestant be penalised with Hansoku-make, the other contestant shall immediately be declared the winner
Simultaneous Ippons - See Article 19 (f) (4).
Simultaneous techniques: when both contestants fall to the Tatami after what appears to be simultaneous attacks, and the Referee and Judges cannot decide which technique dominated there should be no score awarded.
Should the Referee announce Ippon during Newaza in error and the contestants therefore separate, the Referee and Judges shall, if possible, and in accordance with the "majority of three" rule, replace the contestants into as close to their original positions as possible and restart the contest, if so doing will rectify an injustice to one of the contestants.
If one of the contestants deliberately makes a "bridge" (head and one foot or both feet in contact with the Tatami) after having been thrown - although he may have avoided the necessary criteria for Ippon, the Referee shall nonetheless award Ippon or any other score he considers the technique warrants, in order to discourage this action.
Using Kansetsu-waza in order to throw the opponent will not be considered for point scoring purposes
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Ippon a New Book
A very good friend of mine Lurch (Ian Durie) from Scotland, is a prolific reader of Martial Arts Books and is extremely knowledgeable, he regular sends me down books to read. Most Martial Books are about : How to do i.e. explaining how to do techniques etc after 53 years training in Judo etc these become very tiresome, most authors are trying to convince the readers they have reinvented the wheel, next are auto biographies or biographies on how great they author is or how great the authors subject is. So when Lurch sent me the book entitled IPPON! “The fight for Judo’s soul” by David Hammond, I thought GOD have I really got to read this? Am I glad I did for this book is a little gem it relates the History of Judo from when Kano started and ends up explaining the history of British Judo, the author relates some of his own opinions which I found extremely interesting , although I thought he was bit hard on one of my mentors Geoff Gleeson. I have not me the author but he obviously understands what Judo is and you get a feeling reading the book that it was written by some who is passionate for the WAY of Judo to continue rather then slip into obis.
Ippon “The Fight for Judo” by Dave Hammond London League Publications Ltd PO Box 10441 London E14 8WR and all of you must read “The Pyjama Game”
One Final point although I have great respect for Jigaro Kano especially his Philosophies on Judo and its relationship with producing better Human Beings, I find it very hard to get my head round the fact that he did not start Jiu Jitsu until he was 17 years old and was a Master of 2 styles by the time he was 20 years old, some one who accordingly to legend was a “Physically weak boy”. I have taught Judo etc since I was 20 years old I am now 58 in 38 years I have never met or seen a Master at such a young age (I use the term Master in a Martial Arts context meaning ultimate practitioner) in fact I have met many Budoka from all over the World and would only suggest that a very few of them I would consider worthy of the title Master. By his early twenties he had invented Judo a completely new concept? Many years ago I wrote an article suggesting that Kano could have seen Cornishman practising Cornish Wrestling and suggested that this young man would have seen a concept unknown in Japan Fighting (Wrestling) without the intention of injuring your opponent and remaining friends after the bout, plus remember Jacket Wrestling is not unique to Japan. The Judo purist will pour scorn on me as some sort of anti Christ but it is not my intention to ridicule Kano you only have to read his life story to realise he was a remarkable man. What I am interested in is separating fact from fiction by questioning the myth, I would be very interested in a proper historian looking into greater depth into the early years of Jigaro Kano but he will need a n open mind.
Martin Clarke
Ippon “The Fight for Judo” by Dave Hammond London League Publications Ltd PO Box 10441 London E14 8WR and all of you must read “The Pyjama Game”
One Final point although I have great respect for Jigaro Kano especially his Philosophies on Judo and its relationship with producing better Human Beings, I find it very hard to get my head round the fact that he did not start Jiu Jitsu until he was 17 years old and was a Master of 2 styles by the time he was 20 years old, some one who accordingly to legend was a “Physically weak boy”. I have taught Judo etc since I was 20 years old I am now 58 in 38 years I have never met or seen a Master at such a young age (I use the term Master in a Martial Arts context meaning ultimate practitioner) in fact I have met many Budoka from all over the World and would only suggest that a very few of them I would consider worthy of the title Master. By his early twenties he had invented Judo a completely new concept? Many years ago I wrote an article suggesting that Kano could have seen Cornishman practising Cornish Wrestling and suggested that this young man would have seen a concept unknown in Japan Fighting (Wrestling) without the intention of injuring your opponent and remaining friends after the bout, plus remember Jacket Wrestling is not unique to Japan. The Judo purist will pour scorn on me as some sort of anti Christ but it is not my intention to ridicule Kano you only have to read his life story to realise he was a remarkable man. What I am interested in is separating fact from fiction by questioning the myth, I would be very interested in a proper historian looking into greater depth into the early years of Jigaro Kano but he will need a n open mind.
Martin Clarke
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Crawling Judo
Take a look at this video from the World Games Judo, this is an event that should be a showcase for Judo. Once you have watched it you can understand why TV does not want to broadcast Judo, you will see diving at the legs hanging on to the trousers, crawling across the mat on hands and knees, total Jigotai stance. All these things you tell a junior beginner not to do and all of this could be corrected by the referee giving out penalties for passive Judo. If the International Judo Federation call this Top Grade refereeing they should hang their heads in shame.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
3 Bronzes at Kent International
3 Bronzes in BJA Kent International
Members of the Young Judo Club participated in the British Judo Associations Kent International Judo Championships which was held at Corydon Leisure Centre over two weekends. This was only the 2nd year that members of the YJC have entered this prestigious event, last year John Clarke won a Bronze medal. This year it was the turn of the Carrott Brothers Lee and Danny to come back with a very hard fought Bronze, the following weekend Jamie Marzetti made it a further Bronze in the under 16 year class. The club entered the 2 seniors and 3 Juniors Ben Franks and Ashley Jordan both had two fights and lost both of them in what was a very hard competition. The YJC has now got its own Video site www.dailymotion.com/youngjudoclub at present it has matches from the recent International in Enschede Holland, 1991 Nobby Clarke Memorial Championships and the BJA Kent International apart from a general interest for members and the public others can make a detailed examination. All contributors to newspapers and magazines are inclined guild the Lilly slightly when reporting on club members these videos help to relay exactly what happened. Martin Clarke was not at the competition but because of this latest technology could analyse the matches, the one thing that he commented on that he thought that both the Carrott Brothers should have won Gold Lee fitness was a little suspect and this put his timing out and considering this was his first International with BJA (he entered as a Novice as he is yet to be graded with this organisation) he could have great future with the Governing Body but he must train regular instead of relying on natural ability. Brother Danny goes from strength to strength he performed some spectacular Ippon throws and only lost on a rather dubious Ippon by a throw which was initiated by him; Danny and his girlfriend Debbie Jackson have been selected for the World Sombo Championships in St Petersburg Russia in November. Martin commented that the Ippon throw (the equivalent to a knockout in Boxing) has changed radically in the last 15 years if you look at the 1991 championships and the 2008 you can see, to make a boxing analogy in 1991 the 10 count would be 20 seconds and in 2008 it takes 5 seconds both are wrong because it should take 10 seconds. Members of the public can also see different videos clips of the Club, some going back as far as the early 70’s on You Tube sadly the quality is not that high as some have been transferred from standard 8 films, log on to YouTube then type in either IBFUK or IBFBCSA or Britishsombo .
Any one interested in learning all forms of Judo should log on www.youngjudoclub.co.uk email youngjudoclub@yahooo.co.uk telephone 01795 437124
Members of the Young Judo Club participated in the British Judo Associations Kent International Judo Championships which was held at Corydon Leisure Centre over two weekends. This was only the 2nd year that members of the YJC have entered this prestigious event, last year John Clarke won a Bronze medal. This year it was the turn of the Carrott Brothers Lee and Danny to come back with a very hard fought Bronze, the following weekend Jamie Marzetti made it a further Bronze in the under 16 year class. The club entered the 2 seniors and 3 Juniors Ben Franks and Ashley Jordan both had two fights and lost both of them in what was a very hard competition. The YJC has now got its own Video site www.dailymotion.com/youngjudoclub at present it has matches from the recent International in Enschede Holland, 1991 Nobby Clarke Memorial Championships and the BJA Kent International apart from a general interest for members and the public others can make a detailed examination. All contributors to newspapers and magazines are inclined guild the Lilly slightly when reporting on club members these videos help to relay exactly what happened. Martin Clarke was not at the competition but because of this latest technology could analyse the matches, the one thing that he commented on that he thought that both the Carrott Brothers should have won Gold Lee fitness was a little suspect and this put his timing out and considering this was his first International with BJA (he entered as a Novice as he is yet to be graded with this organisation) he could have great future with the Governing Body but he must train regular instead of relying on natural ability. Brother Danny goes from strength to strength he performed some spectacular Ippon throws and only lost on a rather dubious Ippon by a throw which was initiated by him; Danny and his girlfriend Debbie Jackson have been selected for the World Sombo Championships in St Petersburg Russia in November. Martin commented that the Ippon throw (the equivalent to a knockout in Boxing) has changed radically in the last 15 years if you look at the 1991 championships and the 2008 you can see, to make a boxing analogy in 1991 the 10 count would be 20 seconds and in 2008 it takes 5 seconds both are wrong because it should take 10 seconds. Members of the public can also see different videos clips of the Club, some going back as far as the early 70’s on You Tube sadly the quality is not that high as some have been transferred from standard 8 films, log on to YouTube then type in either IBFUK or IBFBCSA or Britishsombo .
Any one interested in learning all forms of Judo should log on www.youngjudoclub.co.uk email youngjudoclub@yahooo.co.uk telephone 01795 437124
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Judo Rules need to change So do Referees
JUDO RULES NEED TO CHANGE SO DO REFEREES
Over the last 20 years my interest in Judo has been through the International Budo Federation but I have been very active on World Wide Basis with Sombo/Sambo the latter being very important to what about to say.
The last couple of years IBF members have been allowed to become members of the UK Governing body for Judo the British Judo Association, I have encouraged IBF members to join the BJA as long as they still join the IBF. Many of those who opposed allowing the IBF members to hold membership would ague that what is the point of holding two licenses the simple answer is in the name the IBF is a multi style Martial Arts and Combat Discipline association. For one license you can do all the Martial Arts plus many grappling styles including plus through the IBF you become members of the UK Governing Body for Sombo/Sambo the British Sombo Federation. Even our IBF members suggested that we could lose out by affiliating to the BJA my response was that if the IBF was any good it would survive if not it would collapse two years on we are still here and stronger.
Before we joined the BJA we would continually be accused of being out of touch with modern day competition Judo until IBF members started to use the BJA I saw no need to change what has been a reasonably good system. With members also holding BJA membership and with our own IBF INTERNATIONAL body moving to pure IJF rules time had come for me to move with the times, so I have read through the IJF rules (that was something of an achievement) watched BJA/IJF tournaments, listened to BJA officials and competitors, I am sorry to say I barely recognised the Sport I was involved with in as a potential Olympian in the mid 1970’s to the early 1980’s.
I watched several video from World, European, World Cup Championships and all I could see was 6 minutes of Judoka fighting for grips and never committing themselves 100% to a throw, heaven help us if one of the competitors scored a minor score to create a lead because then it would become an endurance test for both competitor and spectator. Yet you could not blame the competitors they fight according to the rules and it is the rules or shall I say the interpretation of the rules that are bad for Judo. The refereeing I have seen has been quite frank appalling back in the 70’s and 80’s there was a lot of rivalry between the different Judo Associations but the one thing most agreed the BJA had the best referees, this can not be said of today. Some will say here goes Clarkee insulting the BJA on the contrary, I would not have suggested that my members join the BJA if I was not impressed with their innovative approach to Judo but if I and others must be allowed to make some constructive criticism. BJA referees have the same problem we have in the IBF NO ONE wants to be a referee so inexperienced referees are getting to centre referee before they are ready.
Here are a few suggestions that may help:
In the IBF we always try and put our most experience referees on first this normally sets the standard for the whole competition, if during the day the refereeing standard start dropping the Senior Refereeing then reinstates the more experience referee to centre stage. Lets all of us stop insulting referees all that does is alienate them and entrenches them into bad habits, when they are finished congratulate them and thank them for giving up their day, when they feel appreciated they may listen to constructive criticism and why not give a Referee of the day award.
Years ago I wrote an article and suggested to be a referee you need not be a Judoka! For if the rules simple and straight forward any one should be able to understand them and referee. My point was if you want spectators to watch Judo to make it more popular, you have to make it is more visual and its scoring must be apparent in 10 minutes. Have a look at Sombo Wrestling another Jacket Wrestling sport, Total Victory Throw on back remain standing submission by arm lock or leg lock, you can also throw for 4pts, 2pts, 1pt, hold on the ground 2pts and 4pts. To win Total Victory, 12pt margin or end of time highest score. One player in Red one in Blue, referee wear Red and Blue sleeves, any score for the relevant colour indicated with relevant arm all scores given with fingers, start and stop on a whistle. Obviously there is more to it that what I have written but to someone who never seen Sombo it is a very easy start. Try and explain Judo in 5 lines? Because Judo rules are far more complicated all referees must have reasonable standard of Judo knowledge especially in what constitutes a throw. The one glaring example is sacrificial throws it seems that referees over the past few years have been told to be more generous with Ippon’s, I expect the idea was to encourage bigger throws. Yet what has happened as soon as someone back touches the ground they give Ippon even if you have made a failed attempt at a sacrifice throw i.e. Tome Nage.
Radical changes need to be made if Judo is to survive as Olympic Sport a complete overall of the scoring, eliminating boxing for grips, there is a need to watch and learn from other Jacket Wrestling forms i.e. Sombo, Kurash, Mongolian Style, Georgian even our own Cornish but then again if Judo was taken out of the Olympics for a while it may refresh it?
The only organisation who can do this is the International Judo Federation and the group who have influence with them is the BJA, so if we want Judo to survive we all need to get behind them and support them. They realised they need the smaller associations and we must realise we need them.
Martin Clarke IBF 8th Dan
Over the last 20 years my interest in Judo has been through the International Budo Federation but I have been very active on World Wide Basis with Sombo/Sambo the latter being very important to what about to say.
The last couple of years IBF members have been allowed to become members of the UK Governing body for Judo the British Judo Association, I have encouraged IBF members to join the BJA as long as they still join the IBF. Many of those who opposed allowing the IBF members to hold membership would ague that what is the point of holding two licenses the simple answer is in the name the IBF is a multi style Martial Arts and Combat Discipline association. For one license you can do all the Martial Arts plus many grappling styles including plus through the IBF you become members of the UK Governing Body for Sombo/Sambo the British Sombo Federation. Even our IBF members suggested that we could lose out by affiliating to the BJA my response was that if the IBF was any good it would survive if not it would collapse two years on we are still here and stronger.
Before we joined the BJA we would continually be accused of being out of touch with modern day competition Judo until IBF members started to use the BJA I saw no need to change what has been a reasonably good system. With members also holding BJA membership and with our own IBF INTERNATIONAL body moving to pure IJF rules time had come for me to move with the times, so I have read through the IJF rules (that was something of an achievement) watched BJA/IJF tournaments, listened to BJA officials and competitors, I am sorry to say I barely recognised the Sport I was involved with in as a potential Olympian in the mid 1970’s to the early 1980’s.
I watched several video from World, European, World Cup Championships and all I could see was 6 minutes of Judoka fighting for grips and never committing themselves 100% to a throw, heaven help us if one of the competitors scored a minor score to create a lead because then it would become an endurance test for both competitor and spectator. Yet you could not blame the competitors they fight according to the rules and it is the rules or shall I say the interpretation of the rules that are bad for Judo. The refereeing I have seen has been quite frank appalling back in the 70’s and 80’s there was a lot of rivalry between the different Judo Associations but the one thing most agreed the BJA had the best referees, this can not be said of today. Some will say here goes Clarkee insulting the BJA on the contrary, I would not have suggested that my members join the BJA if I was not impressed with their innovative approach to Judo but if I and others must be allowed to make some constructive criticism. BJA referees have the same problem we have in the IBF NO ONE wants to be a referee so inexperienced referees are getting to centre referee before they are ready.
Here are a few suggestions that may help:
In the IBF we always try and put our most experience referees on first this normally sets the standard for the whole competition, if during the day the refereeing standard start dropping the Senior Refereeing then reinstates the more experience referee to centre stage. Lets all of us stop insulting referees all that does is alienate them and entrenches them into bad habits, when they are finished congratulate them and thank them for giving up their day, when they feel appreciated they may listen to constructive criticism and why not give a Referee of the day award.
Years ago I wrote an article and suggested to be a referee you need not be a Judoka! For if the rules simple and straight forward any one should be able to understand them and referee. My point was if you want spectators to watch Judo to make it more popular, you have to make it is more visual and its scoring must be apparent in 10 minutes. Have a look at Sombo Wrestling another Jacket Wrestling sport, Total Victory Throw on back remain standing submission by arm lock or leg lock, you can also throw for 4pts, 2pts, 1pt, hold on the ground 2pts and 4pts. To win Total Victory, 12pt margin or end of time highest score. One player in Red one in Blue, referee wear Red and Blue sleeves, any score for the relevant colour indicated with relevant arm all scores given with fingers, start and stop on a whistle. Obviously there is more to it that what I have written but to someone who never seen Sombo it is a very easy start. Try and explain Judo in 5 lines? Because Judo rules are far more complicated all referees must have reasonable standard of Judo knowledge especially in what constitutes a throw. The one glaring example is sacrificial throws it seems that referees over the past few years have been told to be more generous with Ippon’s, I expect the idea was to encourage bigger throws. Yet what has happened as soon as someone back touches the ground they give Ippon even if you have made a failed attempt at a sacrifice throw i.e. Tome Nage.
Radical changes need to be made if Judo is to survive as Olympic Sport a complete overall of the scoring, eliminating boxing for grips, there is a need to watch and learn from other Jacket Wrestling forms i.e. Sombo, Kurash, Mongolian Style, Georgian even our own Cornish but then again if Judo was taken out of the Olympics for a while it may refresh it?
The only organisation who can do this is the International Judo Federation and the group who have influence with them is the BJA, so if we want Judo to survive we all need to get behind them and support them. They realised they need the smaller associations and we must realise we need them.
Martin Clarke IBF 8th Dan
Monday, June 16, 2008
John retires
My Son John Clarke 4th Dan Judo has decided to retire from Senior Judo, Sombo, and Kurash Tournaments at 34 years of age it is about the right time and something I recommended especially as he has trouble with a Knee injury which he got from Football. I unfortunately continued competing ignoring injuries now I have to have a new knee and new hip due to not listening to others and my body, this I do not want to happen to John. His last event was on Sunday where he was selected for the BJA Southern Area Team to compete in the National Team Championships in Kendal Cumbria, his team won a Bronze. John new the event would be hard one with all the competitors being a lot younger then him and in the peak of fitness especially as it was Olympic year but what he was not prepared for was the interpretation of the rules used by the referees, John uses a lot of techniques which rely on him sacrificing his own body weight to throw his opponent this is called Ma Sutemi Waza, this can be high risk as you have to rely on the referees understanding something about Judo. The referees at this event thought if you placed your back on the floor to throw your opponent your opponent should be given a score, this happened once before when John was 18 years old in the World Youths Sombo Champions where he was fighting an American he threw the American for a perfect sacrificial throw only to have the score put against him losing him a place in the finals. John telephoned and was quite philosophical about the event, he said “ I should have done my homework checking on these new rule changes plus I have been enough tournaments to realise you should check out the referees on the day and how they are performing” after all that he enjoyed the weekend felt proud to be a member of the Southern Area Team plus there was some good Judo in spite of the refereeing
I have been lucky in being a successful competitor and also being a successful coach and over the years have got a great deal of pleasure in watching my students succeeding in all aspects of Judo, Sombo, Free Style Wrestling, Kurash and Belt Wrestling yet the ultimate joy is to see you own Son/Pupil excel. John has given many people a lot of pleasure over his competition career and he has given me the most, well done Son you have been a great competitor and I am very proud of you.
Some of John’s successes
Judo:
4th Dan Black Belt
Many Times IBF National Judo Champion Junior and Senior
IBF Great Britain Team member
Medal winner BJA International Event
Sombo:
World u16 years Silver
World u21 years 5th
World Senior 7th
Many Times British Champion
Kurash:
2 x International Tournament Champion
Free Style Wrestling
Silver u18 years British Championship
Belt Wrestling:
British Champion x 2
John may have finished competing in Senior events but he still will be coaching the Senior Club and will be taking a competitive Junior Section and entering a few Masters events, these are competitions for the older players and divided into age groups as well as weight groups. The Masters Events are much more laid back with not quite so much testosterone flying about, more a meeting of like minded individual.
Martin Clarke 8th Dan GrandMaster Sombo
More info www.sittingbourne.org ibfbcsa@yahoo.co.uk 01795 437124
I have been lucky in being a successful competitor and also being a successful coach and over the years have got a great deal of pleasure in watching my students succeeding in all aspects of Judo, Sombo, Free Style Wrestling, Kurash and Belt Wrestling yet the ultimate joy is to see you own Son/Pupil excel. John has given many people a lot of pleasure over his competition career and he has given me the most, well done Son you have been a great competitor and I am very proud of you.
Some of John’s successes
Judo:
4th Dan Black Belt
Many Times IBF National Judo Champion Junior and Senior
IBF Great Britain Team member
Medal winner BJA International Event
Sombo:
World u16 years Silver
World u21 years 5th
World Senior 7th
Many Times British Champion
Kurash:
2 x International Tournament Champion
Free Style Wrestling
Silver u18 years British Championship
Belt Wrestling:
British Champion x 2
John may have finished competing in Senior events but he still will be coaching the Senior Club and will be taking a competitive Junior Section and entering a few Masters events, these are competitions for the older players and divided into age groups as well as weight groups. The Masters Events are much more laid back with not quite so much testosterone flying about, more a meeting of like minded individual.
Martin Clarke 8th Dan GrandMaster Sombo
More info www.sittingbourne.org ibfbcsa@yahoo.co.uk 01795 437124
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
You Tube
I always thought You Tube was for nerds and happy slappers, how wrong I have been. Since the British Open Sombo in April I have been hooked not for the stupid stuff but the Combat. I have created several sites for the IBF/BCSA they are "BritishSombo" "IBFBCSA" "IBFUK" so have a look and if you have your own site let me know and I will pass it on. For those into Judo I have just found the perfect Kata for young competitve Judoka have a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNRXC-K6vgM&feature=related
email me and let me know what you think
email me and let me know what you think
Thursday, April 17, 2008
BJA GRADING SYLABUS I HAVE DOUBTS
Since the BJA have opened their doors to other associations, members of the Young Judo Club (Sittingbourne Judo School) have taken out BJA membership taking gradings, coaching awards and entering competitions with some success. Although I am not involved personally with the BJA administration, I do hold a BJA license and as my students are part of the organisation I do take an interest in what the BJA are doing, this brings me to the BJA Syllabus for Grade Promotion.
The first thing I noticed they have returned to the 6 Kyu grades rather then having upper and lower grades, I preferred the latter and some years ago the IBF accepted this system something we will not change. I also noticed that they have copied the system we have used for 20 years where they can examine at Club level up to 1st Kyu, this better for the students and puts revenue into the club.
What I do not agree with is that there is not a competitive element i.e. contest to the grading syllabus to 1st Kyu, I strongly believe to understand Judo technically and philosophically you need a contest section. Contest helps to develop your mind and body plus you get a better grasp of the techniques you are learning. If Judoka do not enter Competitions where will our future Olympians come from, with the restrictive of how you can grade you can only go up one grade at a time and have to wait 3 months between successful gradings the earliest you can obtain 1st is 14 months, there seem to be no allowance for exceptional athletes or players crossing over from similar sports i.e. Sombo or Kurash. A couple of well known names of the 1970’s were Dave Starbrook Olympic Silver I believe he gained his 1st in less the a year and Vass Morrison was the same ( I hope I got that right). The B JA seems to go from one extreme to another one moment there is no theory for gradings only contest now it has changed completely the other way. I understand why they are doing it because society has become soft and weak and with Judo in decline they have rightly so tried another direction they may be right and we have to water down Judo and I am most probably wrong as I see no deed to drop to the lowest common denominator, maybe it time that we all tried to climb up the pit rather then slide further in?
On the Syllabus itself it seems quite reasonable with the exception of the throws in the 6th Kyu syllabus, the one thing you learn when teaching beginners is that they are afraid to be thrown, so teaching Tia Otoshi in my opinion should be first throw taught, This throw teaches the student to turn their body, it is an easily controlled throw which can be done slowly and is what Geoff Gleeson called a Roller throw your opponent rolls around the leg and does not fall heavy. I have never taught De Ashi Baria to beginners but can see that it can teach the basics of Judo if you must teach a Hip throw surely it must be O Goshi but I would prefer O Soto Gari an easily controlled throw with out heavy landing or should I say can be. The three Tia Otoshi, O Soto Gari and De Ashi Baria can easily linked to form combinations and even counters.
I will admit syllabuses like these are common but learning by ROTE which this is ,does not encourage spontaneity. Improvisation and individual talent all the credential that make a champion.,my grid system (Discovery Method)I developed years ago where every Judoka was treated as an individual was better but it was highly complex for the low coach to master and sadly my on IBF Membership rejected it.
My article is not meant to offend but just a method of throwing a couple ideas about hopefully some one will come back with constructive criticism
Martin Clarke 8th Dan
The first thing I noticed they have returned to the 6 Kyu grades rather then having upper and lower grades, I preferred the latter and some years ago the IBF accepted this system something we will not change. I also noticed that they have copied the system we have used for 20 years where they can examine at Club level up to 1st Kyu, this better for the students and puts revenue into the club.
What I do not agree with is that there is not a competitive element i.e. contest to the grading syllabus to 1st Kyu, I strongly believe to understand Judo technically and philosophically you need a contest section. Contest helps to develop your mind and body plus you get a better grasp of the techniques you are learning. If Judoka do not enter Competitions where will our future Olympians come from, with the restrictive of how you can grade you can only go up one grade at a time and have to wait 3 months between successful gradings the earliest you can obtain 1st is 14 months, there seem to be no allowance for exceptional athletes or players crossing over from similar sports i.e. Sombo or Kurash. A couple of well known names of the 1970’s were Dave Starbrook Olympic Silver I believe he gained his 1st in less the a year and Vass Morrison was the same ( I hope I got that right). The B JA seems to go from one extreme to another one moment there is no theory for gradings only contest now it has changed completely the other way. I understand why they are doing it because society has become soft and weak and with Judo in decline they have rightly so tried another direction they may be right and we have to water down Judo and I am most probably wrong as I see no deed to drop to the lowest common denominator, maybe it time that we all tried to climb up the pit rather then slide further in?
On the Syllabus itself it seems quite reasonable with the exception of the throws in the 6th Kyu syllabus, the one thing you learn when teaching beginners is that they are afraid to be thrown, so teaching Tia Otoshi in my opinion should be first throw taught, This throw teaches the student to turn their body, it is an easily controlled throw which can be done slowly and is what Geoff Gleeson called a Roller throw your opponent rolls around the leg and does not fall heavy. I have never taught De Ashi Baria to beginners but can see that it can teach the basics of Judo if you must teach a Hip throw surely it must be O Goshi but I would prefer O Soto Gari an easily controlled throw with out heavy landing or should I say can be. The three Tia Otoshi, O Soto Gari and De Ashi Baria can easily linked to form combinations and even counters.
I will admit syllabuses like these are common but learning by ROTE which this is ,does not encourage spontaneity. Improvisation and individual talent all the credential that make a champion.,my grid system (Discovery Method)I developed years ago where every Judoka was treated as an individual was better but it was highly complex for the low coach to master and sadly my on IBF Membership rejected it.
My article is not meant to offend but just a method of throwing a couple ideas about hopefully some one will come back with constructive criticism
Martin Clarke 8th Dan
CRB Checks more expense for the Volunteer Coach
CRB Checks more expense for the Volunteer Coach.
When the Criminal Record Bureau was first formed my organisation the International Budo Federation applied to become a Registered Body at a fee of a few Hundred pounds. Recently our registration has been withdrawn because we have insufficient numbers last year we registered just under 100 people. I have complained stating the following , “I do not see what numbers have to do with matters it is no more expensive dealing with a small organisation like ourselves then it is dealing with a larger one or is just about putting money into larger organisation pockets so they can create more bureaucratic places for their staff”
My main complaint is that when the IBF organised CRB registration there was no charge for Volunteers this is the reply I received “ With regards to your coaches having to pay for a CRB check through an Umbrella Body, I can advise you that as long as the position applied for meets our definition of a ‘volunteer’, then the resultant Disclosure will be processed free of charge. However, I am aware that there would more than likely be an administrative charge levied by an Umbrella Body. Therefore, it would be advisable to contact a number of Umbrella Bodies to find the one that is more suitable for your requirements.” That admin charge can vary from £15 up to treble figures per Volunteer.
Being a Volunteer Coach in NU Labour Britain is becoming a very expensive hobby, gone are the days when you can be a well meaning person who wants to help out coaching a few kids to give them something to do. Before you can you can coach today you have to do the following:
1) Attend a Coaching Course in your sport cost vary from a few pounds to hundred of pounds. The recently formed United Kingdom Coaching Certificate want everyone by 2012 to have a UKCC award. To obtain an Assistant Coach award, where you literally assist a coach, is expected to cost in the region of £250 a Level 1 Coach could cost a £1000 . At the moment this will not be a legal requirement but with Gordon Brown signing up to the EU Constitution there is nothing stopping the EU making it a legal requirement.
2) Once qualifying you have to attend Annual refresher courses
3) You will need a CRB check cost is mentioned above
4) You will need to attend a Child Protection Course annually
5) You will need a First Aid certificate
6) You will need to up to date on the rules of the sport
7) You will need Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
All of this because a person wants to help young people, everything listed above are good ideas my main problem is the cost, under Nu Labour we have seen a steady erosion of discipline and respect from young people, drugs and alcohol abuse is running out of control, our young people are being brought up with no ethic or morals. Sport has ben proven to help combat all these problems, so the government should be paying all those Coaches and helpers or at least pay for these various courses, anyone who gives up their time to help young people should be helped and encouraged. Before some politician say it is not cost effective I would disagree producing better young people with high morals and ethics will pay us back many fold.
My organisation the IBF/BCSA has now decide because of the extra cost and complaints from our Volunteers ( who have threatened to resign on mass because of the CRB’s decision) that a CRB check is recommended not compulsory. It took a lot of persuasion in the first place to get our Volunteers to apply for a CRB check as most considered insulting that you are considered a threat to children until you receive a CRB check GUILTY till proven INNOCENT.
To finalise our friends at the CRB tell us that it not a legal requirement to have a CRB check but:
Quote from a letter from the CRB
“Turning to your comments that you will now not insist on your coaches to undertake a CRB check unless the funds are available, I should explain that neither Part V of the Police Act 1997 nor the Exceptions Order 1975 to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 makes checks compulsory. However, there are other pieces of legislation which make checks mandatory, for example it is compulsory for childcare organisations (as defined in the Act) to undertake checks of the Protection of Children’s Act (P0CA) list and List 99 for those working in regulated positions. Furthermore, there is a statutory requirement on care providers who are planning to employ a care worker in a care home or through a domiciliary care agency to check whether that person is included in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (P0VA) list.”
Does the Children’s Act affect Sports Organisations?
Martin Clarke
President IBF/BCSA UK
When the Criminal Record Bureau was first formed my organisation the International Budo Federation applied to become a Registered Body at a fee of a few Hundred pounds. Recently our registration has been withdrawn because we have insufficient numbers last year we registered just under 100 people. I have complained stating the following , “I do not see what numbers have to do with matters it is no more expensive dealing with a small organisation like ourselves then it is dealing with a larger one or is just about putting money into larger organisation pockets so they can create more bureaucratic places for their staff”
My main complaint is that when the IBF organised CRB registration there was no charge for Volunteers this is the reply I received “ With regards to your coaches having to pay for a CRB check through an Umbrella Body, I can advise you that as long as the position applied for meets our definition of a ‘volunteer’, then the resultant Disclosure will be processed free of charge. However, I am aware that there would more than likely be an administrative charge levied by an Umbrella Body. Therefore, it would be advisable to contact a number of Umbrella Bodies to find the one that is more suitable for your requirements.” That admin charge can vary from £15 up to treble figures per Volunteer.
Being a Volunteer Coach in NU Labour Britain is becoming a very expensive hobby, gone are the days when you can be a well meaning person who wants to help out coaching a few kids to give them something to do. Before you can you can coach today you have to do the following:
1) Attend a Coaching Course in your sport cost vary from a few pounds to hundred of pounds. The recently formed United Kingdom Coaching Certificate want everyone by 2012 to have a UKCC award. To obtain an Assistant Coach award, where you literally assist a coach, is expected to cost in the region of £250 a Level 1 Coach could cost a £1000 . At the moment this will not be a legal requirement but with Gordon Brown signing up to the EU Constitution there is nothing stopping the EU making it a legal requirement.
2) Once qualifying you have to attend Annual refresher courses
3) You will need a CRB check cost is mentioned above
4) You will need to attend a Child Protection Course annually
5) You will need a First Aid certificate
6) You will need to up to date on the rules of the sport
7) You will need Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
All of this because a person wants to help young people, everything listed above are good ideas my main problem is the cost, under Nu Labour we have seen a steady erosion of discipline and respect from young people, drugs and alcohol abuse is running out of control, our young people are being brought up with no ethic or morals. Sport has ben proven to help combat all these problems, so the government should be paying all those Coaches and helpers or at least pay for these various courses, anyone who gives up their time to help young people should be helped and encouraged. Before some politician say it is not cost effective I would disagree producing better young people with high morals and ethics will pay us back many fold.
My organisation the IBF/BCSA has now decide because of the extra cost and complaints from our Volunteers ( who have threatened to resign on mass because of the CRB’s decision) that a CRB check is recommended not compulsory. It took a lot of persuasion in the first place to get our Volunteers to apply for a CRB check as most considered insulting that you are considered a threat to children until you receive a CRB check GUILTY till proven INNOCENT.
To finalise our friends at the CRB tell us that it not a legal requirement to have a CRB check but:
Quote from a letter from the CRB
“Turning to your comments that you will now not insist on your coaches to undertake a CRB check unless the funds are available, I should explain that neither Part V of the Police Act 1997 nor the Exceptions Order 1975 to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 makes checks compulsory. However, there are other pieces of legislation which make checks mandatory, for example it is compulsory for childcare organisations (as defined in the Act) to undertake checks of the Protection of Children’s Act (P0CA) list and List 99 for those working in regulated positions. Furthermore, there is a statutory requirement on care providers who are planning to employ a care worker in a care home or through a domiciliary care agency to check whether that person is included in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (P0VA) list.”
Does the Children’s Act affect Sports Organisations?
Martin Clarke
President IBF/BCSA UK
Thursday, April 10, 2008
HELL CATS DO WELL AT BRITISH SCHOOLS CHAMPIOSHIP
Ten girls from the Bedford High Hellcats attended the British Schools Individual Championships in Cardiff on April 29th. This was a very well attended competition with about 350 entries further ionfo can be found on http://www.budo-ibf.co.uk/bedford_hell_cats_do_the_ibf_pro.htm
The BSJA is a very strange organisation it offers really good Tournaments but keeps them a secret or can this just be the Kent section. I have yet to be sent information on any Kent Schools event even though I have asked on many occasions, one would have thought they would have welcomed more competitors. When I taught in Schools and was Chairman of the Kent Schools Judo Association and founder of the Swale Schools Judo Association I had several British Champions and I also remember Craig Scott and Marcella O'Hare being Internationals with them both of these are now in their 40's. If any of you young Judoka get a chance to compete in these Schools Event I am sure you will enjoy the experience.
Martin Clarke 8th Dan IBF UK President
The BSJA is a very strange organisation it offers really good Tournaments but keeps them a secret or can this just be the Kent section. I have yet to be sent information on any Kent Schools event even though I have asked on many occasions, one would have thought they would have welcomed more competitors. When I taught in Schools and was Chairman of the Kent Schools Judo Association and founder of the Swale Schools Judo Association I had several British Champions and I also remember Craig Scott and Marcella O'Hare being Internationals with them both of these are now in their 40's. If any of you young Judoka get a chance to compete in these Schools Event I am sure you will enjoy the experience.
Martin Clarke 8th Dan IBF UK President
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Warriors at British Sombo Open
Sittingbourne Warriors Grappling Academy once again dominated British Sombo Wrestling by winning a total of 6 Gold’s, 5 Silver and 5 Bronzes, that is 6 out of the 15 titles went to a warrior member an unbelievable achievement. It was the junior section of the warriors that kept the club as the No 1 club in the country with their magnificent achievement. In two categories they took all three places.
14 year old Ashley Jordan won the lightweight cat u30 kilo having some stiff competition from the Germans, Liam Allen has improved a great deal in the last few months and looks to become another regular medal winner he won Gold u35 kilo, Ben Franks Gold u40 kilo he along with Jamie Marzetti Gold u74 kilo are both very successful medal winners and are prepared to travel any where in GB and Europe to compete both are participating in the IBF Multi Nation Judo Championships Holland in May. Jamie now training with the adults has shown a great improvement. All the boys are members of the Young Judo Club as well and are very lucky for they have the chance to compete in many different style of grappling such as Judo, Kurash, Sombo, Belt wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling no other club in GB offers all these styles. With youngsters today more interested in Computers, music, cloths and booze you have to admire these boys for keeping up a very hard competitive sport.
Our seniors did not fare so well this year mainly because of the exceptional high standard of the foreign contingent, the club also fielded several new fighters who although unplaced did exceptional well. Danny Carrott won Gold in the u90 kilo class this what the local people wanted to see men’s u90 kilo class . Last July Warriors Coach travelled the Scottish Open and in the final of the u90k was soundly beaten by local Scotsman Johannes Alder, John’s pride was very dented but this defeat did him good as he trained extra hard to put up one of his best ever performance in the Worlds. John wanted revenge but a knee injury prevented him from entering. So it was decided to put 21 year old Danny Carrott up a weight to take on Johannes who I might add has been 6 times British Champion. At 35 Johannes has loads of experience but although only 21 Danny is no slouch he has had several International caps as well as represent GB in the 2007 World Championships. The fight would very tactical as both players knew one little mistake would be their defeat, the match was set for 5 minutes and as expected both players were very cagey but no one would have thought that with only 5 seconds on the board there would no score. Then it happened a momentary loss of concentration on the behalf of Johannes and Danny was in catching his opponent with 2 pt side drop throw to take the title as you can imagine there was a great deal of celebration in the crowd but Johannes was gracious in defeat and congratulated Danny. Johannes has been a great champion but the old must make way for the young. Karl Swindle a Brown Belt Judo player had his first outing in Sombo he won Bronze in Men’s o 100 kilo plus and then Gold in the Veterans on each occasion he two beat 2 x World Masters bronze medallist Darren Richardson in his last match it was with a 12 point victory.
Our next big event is at the Swallows Sittingbourne on April 20th Young Judo Club Open then of to Holland in May. The highest placed player can also take part in the EU Sambo Wrestling Championships in Bulgaria in September; Danny Carrott has secured his place for the World Championships in Russian during November 2008 but will most probably be asked to drop to u82 kilo.
John Clarke Warriors Coach has had a great honour bestowed upon him the World federation for Kurash has asked each Country to select athletes to go on an all expenses trip to Uzbekistan to participate in there bi-annual World Prize money Kurash Tournament only athletes who are World class can participate and John was the first choice of the British Kurash federation. Sadly John who is a PE Teacher at Sittingbourne Community College can not go for two reasons 1) niggled knee injure 2) it during school term and he feels his first duty is to his pupils and his school
Anyone interested in Judo Sombo etc can contact us on www.youngjudoclub.co.uk www.sittingbourne.org youngjudoclub@yahoo.co.uk or visit Swale martial arts club East Street Sittingbourne
results British open Sombo 23 rd march 2008
ASHLEY JORDAN
U30
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
LIAM ALLEN
U35
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
FRAZER STEVENS
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
CIARAN MILLS
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
BEN FRANKS
U40
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
LIAM ALLEN
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
MAX HALL
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
KIERAN ALLEN
u45
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
BEN GLUCK
u55
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
KIERAN ALLEN
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
JAMIE MARZETTI
U74
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
BEN GLUCK
men u62
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
KEIRAN DANIELS
u74
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
EDGAR KUDZHOYAN
BRONZE
DYNAMO GLASGOW
SCOTLAND
DANNY CARROTT
U90
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
CARL SWINDELL
o100
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
VETERANS
CARL SWINDELL
HEAVY
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
14 year old Ashley Jordan won the lightweight cat u30 kilo having some stiff competition from the Germans, Liam Allen has improved a great deal in the last few months and looks to become another regular medal winner he won Gold u35 kilo, Ben Franks Gold u40 kilo he along with Jamie Marzetti Gold u74 kilo are both very successful medal winners and are prepared to travel any where in GB and Europe to compete both are participating in the IBF Multi Nation Judo Championships Holland in May. Jamie now training with the adults has shown a great improvement. All the boys are members of the Young Judo Club as well and are very lucky for they have the chance to compete in many different style of grappling such as Judo, Kurash, Sombo, Belt wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling no other club in GB offers all these styles. With youngsters today more interested in Computers, music, cloths and booze you have to admire these boys for keeping up a very hard competitive sport.
Our seniors did not fare so well this year mainly because of the exceptional high standard of the foreign contingent, the club also fielded several new fighters who although unplaced did exceptional well. Danny Carrott won Gold in the u90 kilo class this what the local people wanted to see men’s u90 kilo class . Last July Warriors Coach travelled the Scottish Open and in the final of the u90k was soundly beaten by local Scotsman Johannes Alder, John’s pride was very dented but this defeat did him good as he trained extra hard to put up one of his best ever performance in the Worlds. John wanted revenge but a knee injury prevented him from entering. So it was decided to put 21 year old Danny Carrott up a weight to take on Johannes who I might add has been 6 times British Champion. At 35 Johannes has loads of experience but although only 21 Danny is no slouch he has had several International caps as well as represent GB in the 2007 World Championships. The fight would very tactical as both players knew one little mistake would be their defeat, the match was set for 5 minutes and as expected both players were very cagey but no one would have thought that with only 5 seconds on the board there would no score. Then it happened a momentary loss of concentration on the behalf of Johannes and Danny was in catching his opponent with 2 pt side drop throw to take the title as you can imagine there was a great deal of celebration in the crowd but Johannes was gracious in defeat and congratulated Danny. Johannes has been a great champion but the old must make way for the young. Karl Swindle a Brown Belt Judo player had his first outing in Sombo he won Bronze in Men’s o 100 kilo plus and then Gold in the Veterans on each occasion he two beat 2 x World Masters bronze medallist Darren Richardson in his last match it was with a 12 point victory.
Our next big event is at the Swallows Sittingbourne on April 20th Young Judo Club Open then of to Holland in May. The highest placed player can also take part in the EU Sambo Wrestling Championships in Bulgaria in September; Danny Carrott has secured his place for the World Championships in Russian during November 2008 but will most probably be asked to drop to u82 kilo.
John Clarke Warriors Coach has had a great honour bestowed upon him the World federation for Kurash has asked each Country to select athletes to go on an all expenses trip to Uzbekistan to participate in there bi-annual World Prize money Kurash Tournament only athletes who are World class can participate and John was the first choice of the British Kurash federation. Sadly John who is a PE Teacher at Sittingbourne Community College can not go for two reasons 1) niggled knee injure 2) it during school term and he feels his first duty is to his pupils and his school
Anyone interested in Judo Sombo etc can contact us on www.youngjudoclub.co.uk www.sittingbourne.org youngjudoclub@yahoo.co.uk or visit Swale martial arts club East Street Sittingbourne
results British open Sombo 23 rd march 2008
ASHLEY JORDAN
U30
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
LIAM ALLEN
U35
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
FRAZER STEVENS
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
CIARAN MILLS
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
BEN FRANKS
U40
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
LIAM ALLEN
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
MAX HALL
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
KIERAN ALLEN
u45
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
BEN GLUCK
u55
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
KIERAN ALLEN
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
JAMIE MARZETTI
U74
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
BEN GLUCK
men u62
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
KEIRAN DANIELS
u74
SILVER
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
EDGAR KUDZHOYAN
BRONZE
DYNAMO GLASGOW
SCOTLAND
DANNY CARROTT
U90
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
CARL SWINDELL
o100
BRONZE
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
VETERANS
CARL SWINDELL
HEAVY
GOLD
BCSA WARRIORS
ENGLAND
Friday, March 07, 2008
CRB REJECTS IBF
CRB Reference 23490200003
Friday, 07 March 2008
To; David Shannon
CRB Registration Unit
Dear Mr Shannon
I have just received your letter stating that our organisation doesn't meet the condition of registration i.e. has less then 100 disclosures per year, can I first point out that when we paid our registration fee some years ago nothing was mentioned about numbers so therefore I suggest we have not broken any condition. Also I do not see what numbers have to do with matters it is no more expensive dealing with a small organisation like ourselves then it is dealing with a larger one or is just about putting money into larger organisation pockets.
At present my coaches etc pay nothing for their CRB check to go through another organisation would cost anything fro £30 to £100 why should these people give up their time and energy helping Young People for nothing have to pay. Most feel insulted that they even have to be subjected to a CRB Check; they feel they are assumed to be perverts because they dare to want to work with children and only a CRB check can prove they are decent people or Guilty till proven innocent.
From now on our organisation will not insist on a CRB check for our coaches we will only recommend that they get one and if they do not have the funds so be it. One wonders how many other organisations will do the same making the CRB somewhat of an irrelevance. The CRB has become a vehicle for people to make money and a way create more jobs for the bureaucrats .
Yours a very disappointed and disillusioned
Martin Clarke
Friday, 07 March 2008
To; David Shannon
CRB Registration Unit
Dear Mr Shannon
I have just received your letter stating that our organisation doesn't meet the condition of registration i.e. has less then 100 disclosures per year, can I first point out that when we paid our registration fee some years ago nothing was mentioned about numbers so therefore I suggest we have not broken any condition. Also I do not see what numbers have to do with matters it is no more expensive dealing with a small organisation like ourselves then it is dealing with a larger one or is just about putting money into larger organisation pockets.
At present my coaches etc pay nothing for their CRB check to go through another organisation would cost anything fro £30 to £100 why should these people give up their time and energy helping Young People for nothing have to pay. Most feel insulted that they even have to be subjected to a CRB Check; they feel they are assumed to be perverts because they dare to want to work with children and only a CRB check can prove they are decent people or Guilty till proven innocent.
From now on our organisation will not insist on a CRB check for our coaches we will only recommend that they get one and if they do not have the funds so be it. One wonders how many other organisations will do the same making the CRB somewhat of an irrelevance. The CRB has become a vehicle for people to make money and a way create more jobs for the bureaucrats .
Yours a very disappointed and disillusioned
Martin Clarke
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sombo Wrestling Course 2008
Sombo Wrestling Introduction Course
Warriors Grappling Academy
Swale Martial Arts Club
Sittingbourne
February 17th 2008
It has been many years since we have had a Sombo wrestling Course at the club due to the fact that Grandmaster Martin Clarke who took all the courses has been forced into retirement with bad hip and knee injury. His son John British Team Captain and Colin Carrott World Masters bronze medallist have taken over his mantle and organise plus taught at this course. The course drew people from all over the country and with one of the Countries Martial Arts Magazine taking an interest in Sombo by publishing articles on the sport we are seeing an upsurge in interest. From this course we had enquiries to organise the same in Bedford, London and Nottingham in all a very successful weekend. The next big event on the Sombo calendar is the British Open held on Easter Sunday at the swallows leisure centre Sittingbourne
For further information on Sombo go http://www.britishsombo.co.uk/ or IBFBCSA@yahoo.co.uk
More Photo’s of the course got http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/IBFBCSA/SomboCourse2008
Warriors Grappling Academy
Swale Martial Arts Club
Sittingbourne
February 17th 2008
It has been many years since we have had a Sombo wrestling Course at the club due to the fact that Grandmaster Martin Clarke who took all the courses has been forced into retirement with bad hip and knee injury. His son John British Team Captain and Colin Carrott World Masters bronze medallist have taken over his mantle and organise plus taught at this course. The course drew people from all over the country and with one of the Countries Martial Arts Magazine taking an interest in Sombo by publishing articles on the sport we are seeing an upsurge in interest. From this course we had enquiries to organise the same in Bedford, London and Nottingham in all a very successful weekend. The next big event on the Sombo calendar is the British Open held on Easter Sunday at the swallows leisure centre Sittingbourne
For further information on Sombo go http://www.britishsombo.co.uk/ or IBFBCSA@yahoo.co.uk
More Photo’s of the course got http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/IBFBCSA/SomboCourse2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Blue and white found equal in judo
A good friend of mine from Bredgar YJC USA sent me the following article. Judo is crash diving to oblivion and this was what a researcher thought important??
Blue and white found equal in judo
Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:55 AM GMT
By Michael Kahn
LONDON (Reuters) - The color of a judoka's suit plays no part in the outcome of a match, British researchers say.
Previous studies showing blue judo uniforms provided a competitive edge over white ones were flawed, the researchers said on Wednesday.
An examination of 501 gold-medal finals in international competitions between 1996 and 2005 showed that the color of the uniform worn by the winner was split evenly between blue and white, the study found.
"We focused on judo but the finding may have wider implications for sports in general," said Peter Dijkstra, an behavioral biologist at the University of Glasgow, who led the study. "We show there is no color association for a winning bias."
Past studies had suggested that contestants in blue had an advantage because the color was more intimidating, or that the white competitor might be more visible, allowing an opponent to better anticipate his movements.
However, Dijkstra said those studies did not take into account that higher seeded -- and therefore more skilled -- competitors wore the blue uniforms. So it made sense that they would win more often, he said.
Previous research also looked at the loser's bracket, which could have skewed the results because competitors who lost early were likely to have less confidence and be more prone to another defeat, Dijkstra said.
In the study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Biological Sciences, Dijkstra and colleagues adjusted for these factors by factoring in only gold-medal matches.
"Seeded athletes are top ranked and have a very high chance of winning," he said in a telephone interview. "They are more likely to wear blue so this automatically creates a winning bias. Athletes in blue are simply better."
The researchers looked only at judo but said the findings would likely be the same in other individual combat sports such as wrestling, boxing and taekwondo.
The same might hold true for team sports, though factors such as the number of players on a field or court could affect visibility and make color less important, Dijkstra said.
The findings could also help to ensure a more level playing field in other combat sports in which a competitor wore red -- a color associated with dominance, fear and aggression that actually might confer an advantage, the researchers added.
"Our findings have implications for sports policy makers: they suggest that white-blue outfit pairing ensures an equal level of play," the researchers wrote.
Blue and white found equal in judo
Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:55 AM GMT
By Michael Kahn
LONDON (Reuters) - The color of a judoka's suit plays no part in the outcome of a match, British researchers say.
Previous studies showing blue judo uniforms provided a competitive edge over white ones were flawed, the researchers said on Wednesday.
An examination of 501 gold-medal finals in international competitions between 1996 and 2005 showed that the color of the uniform worn by the winner was split evenly between blue and white, the study found.
"We focused on judo but the finding may have wider implications for sports in general," said Peter Dijkstra, an behavioral biologist at the University of Glasgow, who led the study. "We show there is no color association for a winning bias."
Past studies had suggested that contestants in blue had an advantage because the color was more intimidating, or that the white competitor might be more visible, allowing an opponent to better anticipate his movements.
However, Dijkstra said those studies did not take into account that higher seeded -- and therefore more skilled -- competitors wore the blue uniforms. So it made sense that they would win more often, he said.
Previous research also looked at the loser's bracket, which could have skewed the results because competitors who lost early were likely to have less confidence and be more prone to another defeat, Dijkstra said.
In the study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Biological Sciences, Dijkstra and colleagues adjusted for these factors by factoring in only gold-medal matches.
"Seeded athletes are top ranked and have a very high chance of winning," he said in a telephone interview. "They are more likely to wear blue so this automatically creates a winning bias. Athletes in blue are simply better."
The researchers looked only at judo but said the findings would likely be the same in other individual combat sports such as wrestling, boxing and taekwondo.
The same might hold true for team sports, though factors such as the number of players on a field or court could affect visibility and make color less important, Dijkstra said.
The findings could also help to ensure a more level playing field in other combat sports in which a competitor wore red -- a color associated with dominance, fear and aggression that actually might confer an advantage, the researchers added.
"Our findings have implications for sports policy makers: they suggest that white-blue outfit pairing ensures an equal level of play," the researchers wrote.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
EJU want to change rules of Judo
UchiKomi Doug recently sent me some details of some proposed EJU rule changes, he has listed below his opinion, what do you think?
The EJU is considering the following changes to the current contest rules:
Ippon for osae-komi after 20 seconds, contrary to the current 25
Abolishment of koka
Abolishment of any hand sign for the referee to indicate shido
Abolishment of the 1 referee and 2 judges, reduction to a sole referee per mat
Abolishment of the equation that 2 waza-ari equal 1 ippon, with now the number of waza-ari during a contest becoming unlimited just like it is now for koka and yuko
UCHIKOMI REPLIES
It is time we got rid of all those ridiculous Japanese terms, Judo is now an international sport not some sort of ancient Japanese ritual. Score like they do in Sambo/Sombo 1pt indicated thumb, 2pts two fingers, 4pts 4 fingers, Total Victory like Ippon. No verbal commands referee wears blue and red armband, Bout startrs and stops on a whistle.The reason Judo Competition is on the decline is that the rules have made it boring to watch and compete in. Sombo/Sambo is on the increase because it is exciting to watch and compete in, something Judo was 20 years ago.I suggest that all Judoka keep to the philosophy and Kata of Judo but take up Sombo/Sambo competition
The EJU is considering the following changes to the current contest rules:
Ippon for osae-komi after 20 seconds, contrary to the current 25
Abolishment of koka
Abolishment of any hand sign for the referee to indicate shido
Abolishment of the 1 referee and 2 judges, reduction to a sole referee per mat
Abolishment of the equation that 2 waza-ari equal 1 ippon, with now the number of waza-ari during a contest becoming unlimited just like it is now for koka and yuko
UCHIKOMI REPLIES
It is time we got rid of all those ridiculous Japanese terms, Judo is now an international sport not some sort of ancient Japanese ritual. Score like they do in Sambo/Sombo 1pt indicated thumb, 2pts two fingers, 4pts 4 fingers, Total Victory like Ippon. No verbal commands referee wears blue and red armband, Bout startrs and stops on a whistle.The reason Judo Competition is on the decline is that the rules have made it boring to watch and compete in. Sombo/Sambo is on the increase because it is exciting to watch and compete in, something Judo was 20 years ago.I suggest that all Judoka keep to the philosophy and Kata of Judo but take up Sombo/Sambo competition
Monday, January 28, 2008
Nuala has her say on Mixed Sex Judo
As I have said I will always welcome comments from readers so long as they are constructive and they following is from Fionnula Brenchley-Sayer 1st Dan
Hi Martin I know I am out of touch but I assume that junior coaching is stillmixed? If as Richard says there could be a liability issue over this, why would it be different for training. Personally I don't think it would be a good idea to mix the sexes for competition But I assume this is down to lack of numbers and stopping the joke of getting a medal without a fight.
I fail to see how this could be achieved in training. Most clubs would struggleto separate the sexes. But there is more contact in training, lesssupervision (look at how many people are looking as 2 players in competition) and surely more likelihood of injury. Hope this is not the thin end of the wedge as far as juniors are concerned. I believe that as the female players get older they benefit from being coached as women. I tried to fight like the men in competition and train like you all, it doesn't work. Some people do not like it but there are physiological and physiological differences between the sexes andcoaching should (in my opinion) reflect this. I have watched many girls/youngwomen in competition trying to use upper body strength like the men andfailing. Like in schooling I believe girls/women would benefit, if not flourish,from tailored coaching possible even separating them. Unfortunatelythere are not enough women in judo to do this. But maybe this is the cause? Women and young women may not feel confident or comfortable fighting with men. I think this may discourage them. Just a thought, hope you don't mind an "outsider" commenting.
Thanks
Nuala
Hi Martin I know I am out of touch but I assume that junior coaching is stillmixed? If as Richard says there could be a liability issue over this, why would it be different for training. Personally I don't think it would be a good idea to mix the sexes for competition But I assume this is down to lack of numbers and stopping the joke of getting a medal without a fight.
I fail to see how this could be achieved in training. Most clubs would struggleto separate the sexes. But there is more contact in training, lesssupervision (look at how many people are looking as 2 players in competition) and surely more likelihood of injury. Hope this is not the thin end of the wedge as far as juniors are concerned. I believe that as the female players get older they benefit from being coached as women. I tried to fight like the men in competition and train like you all, it doesn't work. Some people do not like it but there are physiological and physiological differences between the sexes andcoaching should (in my opinion) reflect this. I have watched many girls/youngwomen in competition trying to use upper body strength like the men andfailing. Like in schooling I believe girls/women would benefit, if not flourish,from tailored coaching possible even separating them. Unfortunatelythere are not enough women in judo to do this. But maybe this is the cause? Women and young women may not feel confident or comfortable fighting with men. I think this may discourage them. Just a thought, hope you don't mind an "outsider" commenting.
Thanks
Nuala
Friday, January 18, 2008
NO TO MIXED SEX JUDO
As I mentioned in a previous Blog I was unhappy about mixed sex Judo tournaments, since then I have contacted Prof Richard Bailey one of the countries leading experts in children and sport and has sent me a reply which is can be seen below, also I contacted the British judo Association which is the governing body for the sport and they do not condone mixed sex competitions, because of this the IBF insurers will not insure any mixed sex event.
Dear MartinI would be very cautious about organising mixed competitive sport with any children older than 8 years old of age.The key biological event in human growth is puberty, and this results in what is known as a growth spurt which means a rapid and often unpredictable increase in physical growth. At the same time, there are the well-known psychological issues associated with unexpected growth, and these can be made more severe when boys and girls are close together.Before puberty there is very little physical difference between boys and girls. If anything, girls have a slight advantage. However puberty changes everything. Girls enter puberty between 9-13 years of age, boys a little later. Although in the real world there probably will not be serious health risk of putting together boys and girls, some of whom are experiencing rapid growth, there is always the chance. I suspect a sports organisation would be very vulnerable if an accident occurred, and it was suggested that one of the players was biologically a child, and the other was on the way to adulthood.Personally, I can see nothing wrong with mixed sports before puberty, and this would mean 8 and under. After that time, it becomes unwise to assume that a 9 or 10 year old is not experiencing a growth spurt and therefore is not significantly bigger and stronger than his or her peers.I hope this helps.Best Wishes,Richard BaileyDirectorRoehampton University Child Wellbeing Institute (CWI)
Dear MartinI would be very cautious about organising mixed competitive sport with any children older than 8 years old of age.The key biological event in human growth is puberty, and this results in what is known as a growth spurt which means a rapid and often unpredictable increase in physical growth. At the same time, there are the well-known psychological issues associated with unexpected growth, and these can be made more severe when boys and girls are close together.Before puberty there is very little physical difference between boys and girls. If anything, girls have a slight advantage. However puberty changes everything. Girls enter puberty between 9-13 years of age, boys a little later. Although in the real world there probably will not be serious health risk of putting together boys and girls, some of whom are experiencing rapid growth, there is always the chance. I suspect a sports organisation would be very vulnerable if an accident occurred, and it was suggested that one of the players was biologically a child, and the other was on the way to adulthood.Personally, I can see nothing wrong with mixed sports before puberty, and this would mean 8 and under. After that time, it becomes unwise to assume that a 9 or 10 year old is not experiencing a growth spurt and therefore is not significantly bigger and stronger than his or her peers.I hope this helps.Best Wishes,Richard BaileyDirectorRoehampton University Child Wellbeing Institute (CWI)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Academy of Coaching
It seems the Academy of Coaching has been mentioned on some Forum of other and I have several email asking for details so I have put a piece on the IBF web site for those who are interested. For those interested in contributing to this Blog you can contact me on IBFBCSA@yahoo.co.uk, this is to prevent libelous and inaccurate information appearing as has happened in the past
http://www.budo-ibf.co.uk/AOC%20Newsletter.htm
http://www.budo-ibf.co.uk/AOC%20Newsletter.htm
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Radburn was visibly scared by CK
I received an email of an article that appeared on Judo Forum, It seems CK is besotted by me as he has posted yet another article on me and how wicked I am, as I have said before I know longer subscribe to this Forum as it allows anonymous people to write anything with out allowing us to quantify who they are and what they have done. Once again a true Budoka would not hide behind an alias, on the whole I receive little comments but just recently a couple have appeared with out Names, Grades etc, if you want to make a comment join my Blog but you have to give your full name etc.
There was one piece in CK’s diatribe that I have copied below please read and I quote from his article
“In the Blog, further tendentious information is claimed to attract support. For example, it is said that I ridiculed Paul Radburn. I originally wrote specifically about a fight and used the terms that he would have received "free flying lessons" or something similar. The terminology was used to express the huge difference in control over a fight and the fact that in this case, Radburn hardly was a moment on his feet. If what i wrote was untrue, one could accuse me of maliciousness, but it wasn't. I will provide the specific details, so that those who were present can verify it for themselves. It happened on the European Championships in the -95 kg in his bout against Vande Walle. Vande Walle played with him, and I still have various pictures from that bout which would underpin my my report. In fact, Radburn was visibly scared during that fight, and for good reason. I cannot imagine that Radburn himself would deny that he flew more through the air than that he was on his feets. The fact that you once lose a fight and lose it big time, is no rejection of a person's career or skills. We all have had opponents where we had a hard time establishing control against. Moreover, losing from Van de Walle is not a dishonour, I would think. At the end of the day, what I wrote, was nothing but the truth, and I wrote in response to nothing else than what the person falsely claimed himself, and I only referred to information available in the public domain, with the exception of my own first-hand experiences, which did not further reveal any private details about the person.”
Now I know both players mentioned and have trained with both and will now say at the time they were two of the best in the World, with regard to the fight mentioned I was not present but any body who has met PAUL RADBURN will know he is not scared of anything and one thing he would not do would be show his fear, so why did CK even mention this if were not to discredit Radburn. If he were so frightened why did he beat him in other tournaments. I have lost contact with Paul if anyone knows where he is send him this article
There was one piece in CK’s diatribe that I have copied below please read and I quote from his article
“In the Blog, further tendentious information is claimed to attract support. For example, it is said that I ridiculed Paul Radburn. I originally wrote specifically about a fight and used the terms that he would have received "free flying lessons" or something similar. The terminology was used to express the huge difference in control over a fight and the fact that in this case, Radburn hardly was a moment on his feet. If what i wrote was untrue, one could accuse me of maliciousness, but it wasn't. I will provide the specific details, so that those who were present can verify it for themselves. It happened on the European Championships in the -95 kg in his bout against Vande Walle. Vande Walle played with him, and I still have various pictures from that bout which would underpin my my report. In fact, Radburn was visibly scared during that fight, and for good reason. I cannot imagine that Radburn himself would deny that he flew more through the air than that he was on his feets. The fact that you once lose a fight and lose it big time, is no rejection of a person's career or skills. We all have had opponents where we had a hard time establishing control against. Moreover, losing from Van de Walle is not a dishonour, I would think. At the end of the day, what I wrote, was nothing but the truth, and I wrote in response to nothing else than what the person falsely claimed himself, and I only referred to information available in the public domain, with the exception of my own first-hand experiences, which did not further reveal any private details about the person.”
Now I know both players mentioned and have trained with both and will now say at the time they were two of the best in the World, with regard to the fight mentioned I was not present but any body who has met PAUL RADBURN will know he is not scared of anything and one thing he would not do would be show his fear, so why did CK even mention this if were not to discredit Radburn. If he were so frightened why did he beat him in other tournaments. I have lost contact with Paul if anyone knows where he is send him this article
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
UKCC RESPOND
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
I have had some correspondance with the UKCC which I have attached below, I did ask if it was OK to place the email on my Blog. I have first attached a summary from the UKCC which explains there position, my own opinion is they have been very open and honest which is a good sign
Please note that UKCC is not an organisation. Sports Coach UK has been identified as the lead agency for the development of coaching and we work with the sports to develop their UKCC awards.We ENDORSE these awards against an agreed set of criteria. All awards to press are also qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework.
Dear Mr. Clarke
I have been alerted to your recent correspondence concerning the UKCC and would just like to elaborate on our reponse a little. With regards to the licence - there is no suggestion at this moment in time that a licence or any licence would become a legal requirement. We have commisssioned research into the feasibility of a licensing scheme for sport, with no preconceptions whatsoever as to whether or not a national licensing scheme is feasible or even desirable, and whether it would be administered by the sports themselves or by an independent body. Many people feel that professional regulation of sport is desirable and indeed I have had several communications from people in martial arts urging tighter regulation of 'coaches'. As I'm sure you are aware there have been several high profile cases recently of child abuse in sport. However at present this is very much an employment/deployment issue. If we take my own sport we do have a licence to practice, and without that it would be difficult for me to gain insurance. Nonetheless if I am able to gain employment without it I am able to do so. Local authorities and clubs hwoever are incresingly vigilant, understandably so, over who they employ.Re. the UKCC - I have considerable sympathy with your views here. I worked for a long time in the arts industry myself and have promoted the similarities here on many occasions. When the UKCC was first mooted there were suggestions of generic coaching courses but these were not generally welcomed by the sports themselves and as we were instructed to work with and through NGBs the UKCC became a sport specific award. There are many vested interets in the sporting world!However the coaching process / coaching skills content at each level of the award is the same across sports - the key point is that theory and practice is integrated, that theory is applied. If you have a level in one sport then you should be able to apply the coaching knowledge in another sport once you have picked up the technical content, which is not that far away from your own suggestion. Please get back to me if you have any further queries or points you wish to raise.
My Reply
Thank you for the reply and taking an interest in my point of view, What you have said makes a lot of sense and I would like to put your reply on my Blog if you agree because I believe it shows that the UKCC is an open organisation and is prepared to listen to people opinionsYour comments on a licensing are very reassuring and to some point I agree that a professional attitude in sport should be a criteria but I do not like the word regulation. Many martial Arts Coaches may want tighter regulation but I sometimes wonder Why they want tighter regulation is it to protect the Public or is to Promote themselves and limit the opposition. In the past when Martial Arts did have an umbrella body like the old Martial Arts Commission many a time the question arose "who regulates the regulators" With regard to child abuse some of the cases have been within the various governing body for sport, To assume any professional regulation would eliminate child abuse is wrong.Insurance is one way of bringing people into line in my own little organisation all Coaches must have insurance other wise they do not coach period, if they do not attend an annual course there insurances is suspendedIt is disappointing the NGB's did not agree to a generic coaching system This in my mind would have solved all problems especially in the Martial Arts world, it seems the NGB's want hold to their power base, with ideas that to teach a sport you need to learn the sport first. This in my mind is so out dated and one can understand why British Sports do not do better in the International scene, I wonder if learning the sport first before you learn to coach could be a hindrance because you are already stuck with pre conceived ideas.One of my concern is not so much with the Martial Arts because to teach you will have to have some practical knowledge of the art you are teaching but what of the Dad who starts kicking a ball around with some kids and the next moment he has formed a team and maybe his only experience has been his enthusiasm, his knowledge grows the more he does, and remember a lot of sports clubs start up that way, these type of people may never have thought of coaching anything they got involved by accident they in many cases become the back bone of sports clubs. I very much doubt they would be involved if they had to attend a course and pay. My other concern is for existing coaches surely any new scheme must value what is commonly called Grandfather rights, I have 40 coaches in my organisation who have said they would not continue coaching is they were compelled to take yet another exam.Many of them have asked the question who will examine the examiners, some of these coaches like myself have been coaching at a very high level for nearly 40 years can any sport afford to lose that wealth of knowledge.It may seem I am anti the UKCC this is far from the truth but I do not think it has yet to come up with the ideal formula but then again you have to start some where.The pursuit of knowledge should be voluntary not through legislation or litigation. Educating the public should be the way forward but sometimes the public do not want be educated that is the hub.
Posted by Martin Clarke at 7:13 PM
0 comments
I have had some correspondance with the UKCC which I have attached below, I did ask if it was OK to place the email on my Blog. I have first attached a summary from the UKCC which explains there position, my own opinion is they have been very open and honest which is a good sign
Please note that UKCC is not an organisation. Sports Coach UK has been identified as the lead agency for the development of coaching and we work with the sports to develop their UKCC awards.We ENDORSE these awards against an agreed set of criteria. All awards to press are also qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework.
Dear Mr. Clarke
I have been alerted to your recent correspondence concerning the UKCC and would just like to elaborate on our reponse a little. With regards to the licence - there is no suggestion at this moment in time that a licence or any licence would become a legal requirement. We have commisssioned research into the feasibility of a licensing scheme for sport, with no preconceptions whatsoever as to whether or not a national licensing scheme is feasible or even desirable, and whether it would be administered by the sports themselves or by an independent body. Many people feel that professional regulation of sport is desirable and indeed I have had several communications from people in martial arts urging tighter regulation of 'coaches'. As I'm sure you are aware there have been several high profile cases recently of child abuse in sport. However at present this is very much an employment/deployment issue. If we take my own sport we do have a licence to practice, and without that it would be difficult for me to gain insurance. Nonetheless if I am able to gain employment without it I am able to do so. Local authorities and clubs hwoever are incresingly vigilant, understandably so, over who they employ.Re. the UKCC - I have considerable sympathy with your views here. I worked for a long time in the arts industry myself and have promoted the similarities here on many occasions. When the UKCC was first mooted there were suggestions of generic coaching courses but these were not generally welcomed by the sports themselves and as we were instructed to work with and through NGBs the UKCC became a sport specific award. There are many vested interets in the sporting world!However the coaching process / coaching skills content at each level of the award is the same across sports - the key point is that theory and practice is integrated, that theory is applied. If you have a level in one sport then you should be able to apply the coaching knowledge in another sport once you have picked up the technical content, which is not that far away from your own suggestion. Please get back to me if you have any further queries or points you wish to raise.
My Reply
Thank you for the reply and taking an interest in my point of view, What you have said makes a lot of sense and I would like to put your reply on my Blog if you agree because I believe it shows that the UKCC is an open organisation and is prepared to listen to people opinionsYour comments on a licensing are very reassuring and to some point I agree that a professional attitude in sport should be a criteria but I do not like the word regulation. Many martial Arts Coaches may want tighter regulation but I sometimes wonder Why they want tighter regulation is it to protect the Public or is to Promote themselves and limit the opposition. In the past when Martial Arts did have an umbrella body like the old Martial Arts Commission many a time the question arose "who regulates the regulators" With regard to child abuse some of the cases have been within the various governing body for sport, To assume any professional regulation would eliminate child abuse is wrong.Insurance is one way of bringing people into line in my own little organisation all Coaches must have insurance other wise they do not coach period, if they do not attend an annual course there insurances is suspendedIt is disappointing the NGB's did not agree to a generic coaching system This in my mind would have solved all problems especially in the Martial Arts world, it seems the NGB's want hold to their power base, with ideas that to teach a sport you need to learn the sport first. This in my mind is so out dated and one can understand why British Sports do not do better in the International scene, I wonder if learning the sport first before you learn to coach could be a hindrance because you are already stuck with pre conceived ideas.One of my concern is not so much with the Martial Arts because to teach you will have to have some practical knowledge of the art you are teaching but what of the Dad who starts kicking a ball around with some kids and the next moment he has formed a team and maybe his only experience has been his enthusiasm, his knowledge grows the more he does, and remember a lot of sports clubs start up that way, these type of people may never have thought of coaching anything they got involved by accident they in many cases become the back bone of sports clubs. I very much doubt they would be involved if they had to attend a course and pay. My other concern is for existing coaches surely any new scheme must value what is commonly called Grandfather rights, I have 40 coaches in my organisation who have said they would not continue coaching is they were compelled to take yet another exam.Many of them have asked the question who will examine the examiners, some of these coaches like myself have been coaching at a very high level for nearly 40 years can any sport afford to lose that wealth of knowledge.It may seem I am anti the UKCC this is far from the truth but I do not think it has yet to come up with the ideal formula but then again you have to start some where.The pursuit of knowledge should be voluntary not through legislation or litigation. Educating the public should be the way forward but sometimes the public do not want be educated that is the hub.
Posted by Martin Clarke at 7:13 PM
0 comments
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Is Anonymity Right?
The internet has proved to be of great help to mankind, especially in its ability to promote different ideas and points of views but it also opened the door to charlatans. As of yet it seems people can write what they want and say what they with little chance of being sued, this can and does lead to people making outlandish false accusations. It is not too bad when these individuals give their name you can respond but a lot of forums allow you the right to anonymity, this I believe is wrong and should be stopped.
As I have mentioned before this has happened to me through a web site entitled “Judo Forum” Someone calling themselves Chichorei Kano, using the Judo Forum has told a pack of lies and I made the mistake of replying to him, where I corrected all his lies he replied with even more unsubstantiated information, friends of mine rallied to my side but each thread gave him a chance to spew out more bile but this time it was just against me but many other judo Stars like Paul Radburn for example.So who is he, obviously some one who dislikes me and is jealous of my success, although I believe I know who he is I would not name and shame him till I was 100% sure. The most important thing is that should anyone get involved with any forum that allows people to hide their identity? The answer must be NO especially those forums who given so called expert advice as any researcher will tell you must always be able to check your source.
Needless to say I shall not involve myself with "Judo Forum" untill they take a Moral Stand against this abuse of the Net and advise everyone to do the same.
As I have mentioned before this has happened to me through a web site entitled “Judo Forum” Someone calling themselves Chichorei Kano, using the Judo Forum has told a pack of lies and I made the mistake of replying to him, where I corrected all his lies he replied with even more unsubstantiated information, friends of mine rallied to my side but each thread gave him a chance to spew out more bile but this time it was just against me but many other judo Stars like Paul Radburn for example.So who is he, obviously some one who dislikes me and is jealous of my success, although I believe I know who he is I would not name and shame him till I was 100% sure. The most important thing is that should anyone get involved with any forum that allows people to hide their identity? The answer must be NO especially those forums who given so called expert advice as any researcher will tell you must always be able to check your source.
Needless to say I shall not involve myself with "Judo Forum" untill they take a Moral Stand against this abuse of the Net and advise everyone to do the same.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
IS the UKCC a mistake
The United Kingdom Coaching Certificate has caused lots of controversy over the last few years especially in the Judo World, where dissenters were suggesting that it was an indirect way to eliminate Judo Bodies not affiliated to the Governing body in this case the BJA. If you read the article below and a UKCC became a legal requirement to coach Judo they may have point.
What is more important is that the UKCC have lost a unique opportunity to improve Coaching in the UK. Many years ago I was very friendly with that Great Coach Geoff Gleeson; he was one of the founders of the British Association of National Coaches, Academy of Coaching, Guild of Sports Internationalist he also helped in the formation of the National Coaching Foundation organisations I belonged to as well. Geoff always said that Coaching was an art form in its own right; I did not always agree with the use of the word art but totally agreed that Coaching was a subject in its own right. He tried to bring along the idea that you could learn to Coach and subsequently Coach with out knowing the details of any specific Sport, this why both of us formed the Academy of Coaching.
I was hoping and under the impression that the UKCC was going to be an umbrella group for people to learn how to Coach. You would first learn to Coach take the relevant exam and then go to a sport with this qualification, ask what the technical aspects are required to become a coach in that particular Sport. In Judo it would be relatively simple i.e. Level 1 1st Dan plus pass a referees exam. Individual could become a Professional Coach, Coaching many different Sports, they could use this qualification to create employment for themselves for example with Schools haemorrhaging teachers they would be an asset to any school. The Coaching Award could be used in various sports but also in the Arts i.e. Drama, Musical Instrument and before you condemn when the Academy of Coaching was in existence we had many Seminars from people who worked in the Arts and the similarities when Coaching a student were the same.
I have supported a UKCC but if it is to become a legal requirement it could become a big stick to beat people into place and that will with the proposed pricing drive people away from Coaching which in turn lead to less people doing sport. Lets hope this will not happen.
Yours
Martin Clarke
Hi Martin
Many thanks for your e-mail. Unfortunately, it is not possible to take a UKCC without doing so in a given sport. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, each sport is responsible for organising their own courses and their are no generic courses run independently, eg by sports coach UK. Secondly, whilst the UKCC is a generic course in the sense that it ensures that quality and consistency are maintained between sports and across levels the technical requirements, style and organisation of each sports UKCC levels are significantly different.
The courses have been designed by the sports, in consultation with sports coach UK, and are tailored to the needs of the specific sport. Whilst their are instances where qualification in one sport at a given level may (via the Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning scheme that is being introduced) be considered relevant by another (eg allowing you to take Level 2 in one sport, having completed Level 1 in another) this is for the sport to decide in the given instance. And you would initially require UKCC Level 1 or equivalent in a given sport.
However, recently Multi-Skills clubs have been introduced, which focus on non-sport specific physical activity and for which there are courses available. However, these are not assessed courses and are not linked to UKCC levels.
I hope this is of some help. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
Many thanks
Alistair Hay Business Support Officer sports coach UK 114 Cardigan Road Headingley Leeds LS6 3BJ Tel: 01132 043523/2245 (internal) E-Mail: ahay@sportscoachuk.org
What is more important is that the UKCC have lost a unique opportunity to improve Coaching in the UK. Many years ago I was very friendly with that Great Coach Geoff Gleeson; he was one of the founders of the British Association of National Coaches, Academy of Coaching, Guild of Sports Internationalist he also helped in the formation of the National Coaching Foundation organisations I belonged to as well. Geoff always said that Coaching was an art form in its own right; I did not always agree with the use of the word art but totally agreed that Coaching was a subject in its own right. He tried to bring along the idea that you could learn to Coach and subsequently Coach with out knowing the details of any specific Sport, this why both of us formed the Academy of Coaching.
I was hoping and under the impression that the UKCC was going to be an umbrella group for people to learn how to Coach. You would first learn to Coach take the relevant exam and then go to a sport with this qualification, ask what the technical aspects are required to become a coach in that particular Sport. In Judo it would be relatively simple i.e. Level 1 1st Dan plus pass a referees exam. Individual could become a Professional Coach, Coaching many different Sports, they could use this qualification to create employment for themselves for example with Schools haemorrhaging teachers they would be an asset to any school. The Coaching Award could be used in various sports but also in the Arts i.e. Drama, Musical Instrument and before you condemn when the Academy of Coaching was in existence we had many Seminars from people who worked in the Arts and the similarities when Coaching a student were the same.
I have supported a UKCC but if it is to become a legal requirement it could become a big stick to beat people into place and that will with the proposed pricing drive people away from Coaching which in turn lead to less people doing sport. Lets hope this will not happen.
Yours
Martin Clarke
Hi Martin
Many thanks for your e-mail. Unfortunately, it is not possible to take a UKCC without doing so in a given sport. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, each sport is responsible for organising their own courses and their are no generic courses run independently, eg by sports coach UK. Secondly, whilst the UKCC is a generic course in the sense that it ensures that quality and consistency are maintained between sports and across levels the technical requirements, style and organisation of each sports UKCC levels are significantly different.
The courses have been designed by the sports, in consultation with sports coach UK, and are tailored to the needs of the specific sport. Whilst their are instances where qualification in one sport at a given level may (via the Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning scheme that is being introduced) be considered relevant by another (eg allowing you to take Level 2 in one sport, having completed Level 1 in another) this is for the sport to decide in the given instance. And you would initially require UKCC Level 1 or equivalent in a given sport.
However, recently Multi-Skills clubs have been introduced, which focus on non-sport specific physical activity and for which there are courses available. However, these are not assessed courses and are not linked to UKCC levels.
I hope this is of some help. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
Many thanks
Alistair Hay Business Support Officer sports coach UK 114 Cardigan Road Headingley Leeds LS6 3BJ Tel: 01132 043523/2245 (internal) E-Mail: ahay@sportscoachuk.org
Should Girls Fight Boys
The IBF meeting of Coaches in January should be very interesting; one of the main subjects will be Junior Judo. Do we have smaller age bands i.e. 7/8 year old with weights cats and grade bands, do we change the rules of Judo, etc. Plus do we allow Girls to compete with Boys in competition? A Mini Mon competition was held in Dartford which done this and it attracted 100 players and according to Trevor Davies 6th Dan was very successful. I personally have my doubts, although in this PC dominated society Men and Women are supposedly equal, I still feel if a boy loses to a girl they were be ridiculed by their friends and this would be a loss to Judo. "Yes you say but they all train together in the club" that may be true but in my case when I taught youngsters it was due to necessity not choice. There may have only been a couple of boys in the class so they would have to fight each and it is the contesting that I feel is the problem Kata and techniques demonstration is OK. Boys and Girls are not only physically different but emotionally different and that will be always the case until the Human race changes where one human being has female plus male genitals and can reproduce themselves like an amoeba, no matter what the PC Brigade say.
My other concern is the way we award medals, I refer to the fact if there is only two Judoka in a weight class both win a medal, it is a fact that there are youngsters who have a hatful of medals and never won a match, this may be good for the club as it looks good in the papers that the club has won lots of medals but is good for the child or good for Judo? I think not.
Firstly it is unfair on other children in weight groups, what of the youngsters who wins 3 out 5 fights and get nothing is that fair.
Secondly Young people should learn that in life you have to work for something once again modern society has produced a whole generation believing it is there right to have anything they want regardless if they have earned it, do we in Judo have to help that attitude?
Thirdly, one of my senior grades suggested that should everything be about winning, well sorry if you enter a competition the idea is to win. You may enter at first to gain experience but ultimately the idea is to win, life is about competing.
Fourthly because I have these views does not mean a child should not be rewarded, every child should get a participation medal or certificate, I realise that for some children it quite a courageous act to enter a competition, not all are suited to be competitive but that should not be an excuse not to compete. Judo is as much about a person conquering his own fears this can only make them a stronger individual.
One I tried some years ago was to have a JUDO MEET we invited children who never entered a competition to come along to fight other children like themselves. They were matched on the day, they then fought under competition conditions but at the end of the day there was no big medal presentation, there was no pools etc every child had three matches and every child was presented with a medal. None of them including their parents went away the idea they were champions yet everyone enjoyed themselves. I doubt if this would work at all levels.
I would welcome a reply of what people think, I will publish all sensible replies
My other concern is the way we award medals, I refer to the fact if there is only two Judoka in a weight class both win a medal, it is a fact that there are youngsters who have a hatful of medals and never won a match, this may be good for the club as it looks good in the papers that the club has won lots of medals but is good for the child or good for Judo? I think not.
Firstly it is unfair on other children in weight groups, what of the youngsters who wins 3 out 5 fights and get nothing is that fair.
Secondly Young people should learn that in life you have to work for something once again modern society has produced a whole generation believing it is there right to have anything they want regardless if they have earned it, do we in Judo have to help that attitude?
Thirdly, one of my senior grades suggested that should everything be about winning, well sorry if you enter a competition the idea is to win. You may enter at first to gain experience but ultimately the idea is to win, life is about competing.
Fourthly because I have these views does not mean a child should not be rewarded, every child should get a participation medal or certificate, I realise that for some children it quite a courageous act to enter a competition, not all are suited to be competitive but that should not be an excuse not to compete. Judo is as much about a person conquering his own fears this can only make them a stronger individual.
One I tried some years ago was to have a JUDO MEET we invited children who never entered a competition to come along to fight other children like themselves. They were matched on the day, they then fought under competition conditions but at the end of the day there was no big medal presentation, there was no pools etc every child had three matches and every child was presented with a medal. None of them including their parents went away the idea they were champions yet everyone enjoyed themselves. I doubt if this would work at all levels.
I would welcome a reply of what people think, I will publish all sensible replies
Sunday, December 09, 2007
It seems Chichorei Kano's attack on me has caused quite a stir, I was beginning to think this guy had a crush on me by the ammount of time he spends writing about me, but no it looks like I will not be recieving roses. For according to emails I have recieved from other people who use the forum he is rude and insulting to most people, in the past he has questioned Percy Poole's (father of Mick) 3rd Dan issued before WW2. in his latest Diatribe he riducles Judo legend Paul Radburn, he then tries to make fun of Sombo Wrestlers by saying if he had to dress up in their typical outfits. The Fashion Police would immediately arrest me.
Why does he behave like he does he obviously has followed Judo, so why not use his real name? has he got something to hide, has he a murky black past who is to know. You can just imagine Instructors warning their Judoka "If you do not behave yourself Chichorei will come an get you"
Lets make a challenge to all those budding detectives out there, who can be the first to find his identity
Why does he behave like he does he obviously has followed Judo, so why not use his real name? has he got something to hide, has he a murky black past who is to know. You can just imagine Instructors warning their Judoka "If you do not behave yourself Chichorei will come an get you"
Lets make a challenge to all those budding detectives out there, who can be the first to find his identity
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Colin Carrott responds To Judo Rule changes
Hello Martin,
I write in response to your recent Blog site article and the IBF coaches revalidation course in January. You pose some interesting questions as to the future of IBF refereeing and interpretation of rules, and I would like to add to this discussion, with some thoughts of my own.
1) Should we stick to the letter of the IJF rule book, follow BJA guidelines or introduce new or different rules to try to modernise Judo?
With the success of the under 8’s rule, I believe this shows that we can be innovative and that we should not be afraid to take the initiative. The experiment at The YJC 50th. Anniversary competition seemed to work well (i.e., entering ground work can only be done, following a successful scoring throw), perhaps this should be the first rule change to be adopted? Unfortunately, I can’t see that following BJA guide lines on age banded competition will work for us, as we just don’t have the numbers for this to work. Surely we would end up with only a couple of competitors in each pool?
If we are to introduce rule changes, either permanently or on an experimental basis, we must communicate this on entry forms, so that there is no confusion on the day, for different associations. Referees also need to meet regularly before competitions so that everybody understands and works uniformly on the interpretation of the rules, both old and new. I know that we try and do this already, but usually, there are only half a dozen officials present, then, through-out the day, others are co-opted to sit in the corners or take charge in the middle, who have not been at the meeting.
2) Scoring system.
I can’t see that changing the scoring system will work. If you try and mix the Japanese terminology with a numerical score, this surely will only confuse things even more. How do you explain to a parent, or novice judoka, that they have 2 Yukos and 10 points, but have just lost to their opponent who has one waz-ari and 7 points?
Points scoring only, would work if the scores were accumulative. But I don’t think this would attract players, as they would feel that for some reason, it was not “traditional Judo”.
3) Referee’s Uniforms
I for one, would love to see referee’s wearing something less formal then a blazer and tie. However, we have got to have something that is the same, worn by all. We have a lot of good, young referees at the moment, who generally look smart in suits, but every-one is wearing something different. Whatever uniform is decided upon, it must be fairly cheap and easily available, as many people just will not go to the expense of buying it. I like the look and appearance of wrestling officials, but perhaps, again, we should try to be different? How about, for example, trying the traditional referees outfit, but with a modern twist? White judo gi trousers, with either a red sombo or green kurash style jacket? Referees could then wear their judo grade belt, or even one of a neutral colour? Nearly every-one will already have this clothing, even if they have not worn it for a while!
4) Grading
Maybe we should take grading a step further, and recognise competition. A judoka could be of a certain grade, but have letters after his/her belt description. E.g. a blue belt E.C. would be a European Competitor. N.C. for National Competition player, E.M. European medallist, N.M. National medallist etc.
Colin Carrott.
I write in response to your recent Blog site article and the IBF coaches revalidation course in January. You pose some interesting questions as to the future of IBF refereeing and interpretation of rules, and I would like to add to this discussion, with some thoughts of my own.
1) Should we stick to the letter of the IJF rule book, follow BJA guidelines or introduce new or different rules to try to modernise Judo?
With the success of the under 8’s rule, I believe this shows that we can be innovative and that we should not be afraid to take the initiative. The experiment at The YJC 50th. Anniversary competition seemed to work well (i.e., entering ground work can only be done, following a successful scoring throw), perhaps this should be the first rule change to be adopted? Unfortunately, I can’t see that following BJA guide lines on age banded competition will work for us, as we just don’t have the numbers for this to work. Surely we would end up with only a couple of competitors in each pool?
If we are to introduce rule changes, either permanently or on an experimental basis, we must communicate this on entry forms, so that there is no confusion on the day, for different associations. Referees also need to meet regularly before competitions so that everybody understands and works uniformly on the interpretation of the rules, both old and new. I know that we try and do this already, but usually, there are only half a dozen officials present, then, through-out the day, others are co-opted to sit in the corners or take charge in the middle, who have not been at the meeting.
2) Scoring system.
I can’t see that changing the scoring system will work. If you try and mix the Japanese terminology with a numerical score, this surely will only confuse things even more. How do you explain to a parent, or novice judoka, that they have 2 Yukos and 10 points, but have just lost to their opponent who has one waz-ari and 7 points?
Points scoring only, would work if the scores were accumulative. But I don’t think this would attract players, as they would feel that for some reason, it was not “traditional Judo”.
3) Referee’s Uniforms
I for one, would love to see referee’s wearing something less formal then a blazer and tie. However, we have got to have something that is the same, worn by all. We have a lot of good, young referees at the moment, who generally look smart in suits, but every-one is wearing something different. Whatever uniform is decided upon, it must be fairly cheap and easily available, as many people just will not go to the expense of buying it. I like the look and appearance of wrestling officials, but perhaps, again, we should try to be different? How about, for example, trying the traditional referees outfit, but with a modern twist? White judo gi trousers, with either a red sombo or green kurash style jacket? Referees could then wear their judo grade belt, or even one of a neutral colour? Nearly every-one will already have this clothing, even if they have not worn it for a while!
4) Grading
Maybe we should take grading a step further, and recognise competition. A judoka could be of a certain grade, but have letters after his/her belt description. E.g. a blue belt E.C. would be a European Competitor. N.C. for National Competition player, E.M. European medallist, N.M. National medallist etc.
Colin Carrott.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
New Rules For Judo
JUDO RULES
For the first time I could not attend the IBF UK National Judo Championships, I am told it was extremely well attended and well run, well done to all concerned. I am still waiting for the organisers to send in a report with photos when they come I will publish them on the IBF Website.
Two things were brought to my attention one was dress standards and secondly was the change of rules. It seems that some officials were under the misconception that the Junior Rules used at the Young Judo Club 50th Anniversary Championships i.e. “You can only enter Ne Waza if you had scored with a throw” were now standard IBF rules, this is not the case. IJF rules with the IBF amendments still are to be used in all IBF competitions.
Yet this mistake was enthusiastically welcomed by the majority of people present, so that leads me to the question “Should IBF UK abide by IJF rules or adopt their own”. As most of you are aware Judo in Europe is on a down turn and lots of very experienced Judoka and associations are looking for ways to revitalise our Grappling Art, IBF members have been very lucky in the fact that members also participate in other grappling sports such as Sombo, Kurash, Belt Wrestling and CombatSombo Wrestling, they have seen how different styles and their scoring system works. I have been involved in Judo for 52 years and the one thing I have come to realise that a lot of Judoka consider they and Judo superior to every other Grappling Sport, as Judoka they think that participating in other styles some how will create a virus in Judo which will destroy it.
Rules of Judo should be a topic at the IBF Coaches seminar in January and here a few ideas:
1) Continue using the rule where you have to score before Ne Waza, for years people have moaned that the high throws have gone and children just drag each other to the floor. The BJA concept of dealing with this was to restrict the amount of time in Ne Waza, this has led to competitions with hardly any Ne Waza. I was at the Kent International and if you did not get hold, arm lock etc in 5 seconds you were stood up, for those who understand Ne Waza will know it can take time to manoeuvre your opponent in position. After all in Tachi Waza you do not attack every 5 seconds.
2) Should we change the scoring system do away with Japanese terminology and use accumulative scoring, you may remember I tried this 15 years ago with some success. If we done this we could get the referees to dress the same as Olympic Wrestling Officials i.e. White tracksuits with coloured sleeves this is less intimidating and officious then wearing a Blazer.
3) For those who wish to keep the Japanese scoring what about indicating the points first then the Judo signal i.e. 1pt indicated closed fist with thumb raised followed by the Koka sign etc
4) Coloured Gi and Judo boots
These are just a few ideas but can I say I have just return from the World Sombo Championships and this was the most exciting Jacket Grappling event I have seen in 20 years, big high throws, brilliantly executed arm locks, continual action throughout the whole competition and most importantly easy to understand scoring. The British Sombo Federation was asked to take a Press Officer with the team, he had never seen any form of Jacket Grappling including Judo, within 30 minutes he could understand the scoring and by the second day he was questioning referee scores could this happen in Judo?
So I say to the entire Judo Fraternity wake up and smell the coffee other wise Judo will die.
I would welcome you constructive comments either via the Blog or by direct email
Martin Clarke 8th Judo Sombo Grandmaster
For the first time I could not attend the IBF UK National Judo Championships, I am told it was extremely well attended and well run, well done to all concerned. I am still waiting for the organisers to send in a report with photos when they come I will publish them on the IBF Website.
Two things were brought to my attention one was dress standards and secondly was the change of rules. It seems that some officials were under the misconception that the Junior Rules used at the Young Judo Club 50th Anniversary Championships i.e. “You can only enter Ne Waza if you had scored with a throw” were now standard IBF rules, this is not the case. IJF rules with the IBF amendments still are to be used in all IBF competitions.
Yet this mistake was enthusiastically welcomed by the majority of people present, so that leads me to the question “Should IBF UK abide by IJF rules or adopt their own”. As most of you are aware Judo in Europe is on a down turn and lots of very experienced Judoka and associations are looking for ways to revitalise our Grappling Art, IBF members have been very lucky in the fact that members also participate in other grappling sports such as Sombo, Kurash, Belt Wrestling and CombatSombo Wrestling, they have seen how different styles and their scoring system works. I have been involved in Judo for 52 years and the one thing I have come to realise that a lot of Judoka consider they and Judo superior to every other Grappling Sport, as Judoka they think that participating in other styles some how will create a virus in Judo which will destroy it.
Rules of Judo should be a topic at the IBF Coaches seminar in January and here a few ideas:
1) Continue using the rule where you have to score before Ne Waza, for years people have moaned that the high throws have gone and children just drag each other to the floor. The BJA concept of dealing with this was to restrict the amount of time in Ne Waza, this has led to competitions with hardly any Ne Waza. I was at the Kent International and if you did not get hold, arm lock etc in 5 seconds you were stood up, for those who understand Ne Waza will know it can take time to manoeuvre your opponent in position. After all in Tachi Waza you do not attack every 5 seconds.
2) Should we change the scoring system do away with Japanese terminology and use accumulative scoring, you may remember I tried this 15 years ago with some success. If we done this we could get the referees to dress the same as Olympic Wrestling Officials i.e. White tracksuits with coloured sleeves this is less intimidating and officious then wearing a Blazer.
3) For those who wish to keep the Japanese scoring what about indicating the points first then the Judo signal i.e. 1pt indicated closed fist with thumb raised followed by the Koka sign etc
4) Coloured Gi and Judo boots
These are just a few ideas but can I say I have just return from the World Sombo Championships and this was the most exciting Jacket Grappling event I have seen in 20 years, big high throws, brilliantly executed arm locks, continual action throughout the whole competition and most importantly easy to understand scoring. The British Sombo Federation was asked to take a Press Officer with the team, he had never seen any form of Jacket Grappling including Judo, within 30 minutes he could understand the scoring and by the second day he was questioning referee scores could this happen in Judo?
So I say to the entire Judo Fraternity wake up and smell the coffee other wise Judo will die.
I would welcome you constructive comments either via the Blog or by direct email
Martin Clarke 8th Judo Sombo Grandmaster
Inappropriate Clothing
Dear IBF Members
I am told the IBF National Judo Championships were very successful, so I would like to thank everyone involved especially Ian Parker and his Club members who made the whole thing possible.
The IBF did however receive several complaints about the hygiene of some competitors, make up and inappropriate clothing. Can I bring to your attention?
1) All competitors must have clean bodies, hair, finger nail etc.
2) All competitors must have a clean gi which must be worn in the correct manner.
3) Female competitors must wear white T Shirts and shorts under their trousers
4) Make up and piercing rings etc are not allowed
These rules are fundamental for the Health & Safety of the individual and their opponent.
Yours Faithfully
Martin Clarke 8th Dan
IBF President UK
I am told the IBF National Judo Championships were very successful, so I would like to thank everyone involved especially Ian Parker and his Club members who made the whole thing possible.
The IBF did however receive several complaints about the hygiene of some competitors, make up and inappropriate clothing. Can I bring to your attention?
1) All competitors must have clean bodies, hair, finger nail etc.
2) All competitors must have a clean gi which must be worn in the correct manner.
3) Female competitors must wear white T Shirts and shorts under their trousers
4) Make up and piercing rings etc are not allowed
These rules are fundamental for the Health & Safety of the individual and their opponent.
Yours Faithfully
Martin Clarke 8th Dan
IBF President UK
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Could the UKCC be the demise of Judo?
Could the UKCC be the demise of Judo?
As I have reported before there seems to be some sort of unity happening in the Judo World, I refer of course to the fact that the British Judo Association has now opened their doors to all Judoka regardless of there Judo affiliation. This has been a bold move but it has also been a move born out of necessity as Judo in the UK is in rapid decline and Unity is the only way for it to survive.
This brings me on to the subject of the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC), this organisation has been set up to introduce some conformity and regulation within British Sport, which hopefully will improve Coaching Generally throughout the UK. This to some is quite a novel idea but it not really a new concept because that Great British Judo Coach Geoff Gleeson some 30 years ago formed the British Association of National Coaches, where National Coaches from all sports came to together to share their knowledge and experiences in Coaching. When this folded Geoff and I formed the Academy of Coaching, some of the members the AOC went on to form The Guild of Sports Internationalists, sadly to say both are now defunct.
So as you can see I am all in favour of improving our Coaching Skills but there are several things that worry me:
1) The price! although I have said that Judo is under priced and under valued, I wonder if the proposed pricing structure is just “the straw that broke the camels back” £200 for level 1 plus 30 hours learning requirement, Level 2 £400 88 hours learning requirement, Level 3 in excess of £800 plus 307 learning requirement. These figures are taken from an article written by Dave Duffy BJA National Coaching Officer. To be fair to the BJA they are looking for organisations to help fund this new UKCC but what if they can not get any help, can small Judo Clubs of 20 members afford this? I have my doubts.
2) What of Grandfather Rights (This is where people who have coached for many years are given the award). I personally started Coaching when I was 19 years that is a total 38 years in that time I was a member of BANC, NCF founded the A.o.C, member of BISC , formed IBF Coaching Effective Scheme along side Geoff Gleeson 9th Dan, was a KCC Coach for 9 years do all these qualifications and experience amount to nothing? For me personally I am not worried as due to injury I do very little coaching but I know of hundreds if not thousands of Judoka who have given up their time, effort and in many cases their money to teach and promote Judo. Can we afford to lose them? I do not think so.
3) Some people want the UKCC to become a legal requirement to Coach and the way this Labour Government obsession with interfering with our lives and bringing into legislation laws to control every aspect of lives also with Prime Minister Gordon Brown practically handing over our Nation to the EU this could be a very likely possibility. Some say that this is not possible as will infringe our Human Rights to choose, once again this could be a possibility but like most things if this Government & the EU want something like most dictatorship they normally get it. That way will be using Health & Safety legislation, you can just imagine the spin from some Government Minister her is an example of what they could say “Any one can teach Judo or Sport in the UK , we after all a free country, the only criteria is that they competent” . Great but what is competent? Of course a UKCC. Insurance companies will eventually insist that you have a UKCC.
The UKCC will not only affect Judo Coaches but all Sports Coaches, hopefully I am wrong and the UKCC becomes a symbol of light for Judo and sport. Yet one wonders with Sports participation in rapid decline in the UK shouldn’t we be trying to promote Sport/Judo rather then putting in obstacles. Sport/Judo in the UK has relied mainly on those volunteers who are prepared to help their sport without any pay or reward, will the UKCC stop this? That is up to you to decide.
Martin Clarke 8th Dan Judo Sittingbourne Kent
Grandmaster Sombo, World Masters Judo Champion
World Sombo & Jiu Jitsu Silver Medallist
As I have reported before there seems to be some sort of unity happening in the Judo World, I refer of course to the fact that the British Judo Association has now opened their doors to all Judoka regardless of there Judo affiliation. This has been a bold move but it has also been a move born out of necessity as Judo in the UK is in rapid decline and Unity is the only way for it to survive.
This brings me on to the subject of the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC), this organisation has been set up to introduce some conformity and regulation within British Sport, which hopefully will improve Coaching Generally throughout the UK. This to some is quite a novel idea but it not really a new concept because that Great British Judo Coach Geoff Gleeson some 30 years ago formed the British Association of National Coaches, where National Coaches from all sports came to together to share their knowledge and experiences in Coaching. When this folded Geoff and I formed the Academy of Coaching, some of the members the AOC went on to form The Guild of Sports Internationalists, sadly to say both are now defunct.
So as you can see I am all in favour of improving our Coaching Skills but there are several things that worry me:
1) The price! although I have said that Judo is under priced and under valued, I wonder if the proposed pricing structure is just “the straw that broke the camels back” £200 for level 1 plus 30 hours learning requirement, Level 2 £400 88 hours learning requirement, Level 3 in excess of £800 plus 307 learning requirement. These figures are taken from an article written by Dave Duffy BJA National Coaching Officer. To be fair to the BJA they are looking for organisations to help fund this new UKCC but what if they can not get any help, can small Judo Clubs of 20 members afford this? I have my doubts.
2) What of Grandfather Rights (This is where people who have coached for many years are given the award). I personally started Coaching when I was 19 years that is a total 38 years in that time I was a member of BANC, NCF founded the A.o.C, member of BISC , formed IBF Coaching Effective Scheme along side Geoff Gleeson 9th Dan, was a KCC Coach for 9 years do all these qualifications and experience amount to nothing? For me personally I am not worried as due to injury I do very little coaching but I know of hundreds if not thousands of Judoka who have given up their time, effort and in many cases their money to teach and promote Judo. Can we afford to lose them? I do not think so.
3) Some people want the UKCC to become a legal requirement to Coach and the way this Labour Government obsession with interfering with our lives and bringing into legislation laws to control every aspect of lives also with Prime Minister Gordon Brown practically handing over our Nation to the EU this could be a very likely possibility. Some say that this is not possible as will infringe our Human Rights to choose, once again this could be a possibility but like most things if this Government & the EU want something like most dictatorship they normally get it. That way will be using Health & Safety legislation, you can just imagine the spin from some Government Minister her is an example of what they could say “Any one can teach Judo or Sport in the UK , we after all a free country, the only criteria is that they competent” . Great but what is competent? Of course a UKCC. Insurance companies will eventually insist that you have a UKCC.
The UKCC will not only affect Judo Coaches but all Sports Coaches, hopefully I am wrong and the UKCC becomes a symbol of light for Judo and sport. Yet one wonders with Sports participation in rapid decline in the UK shouldn’t we be trying to promote Sport/Judo rather then putting in obstacles. Sport/Judo in the UK has relied mainly on those volunteers who are prepared to help their sport without any pay or reward, will the UKCC stop this? That is up to you to decide.
Martin Clarke 8th Dan Judo Sittingbourne Kent
Grandmaster Sombo, World Masters Judo Champion
World Sombo & Jiu Jitsu Silver Medallist
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Colin Carrott World Bronze
47 year old Colin Carrott from the Sittingbourne Young Judo Club/Warriors Grappling Academy has just returned from the World Masters Sambo Wrestling Championships in Moudania Greece with a World bronze medal. Colin competed in the Men’s 45 – 49 years, u90 kilo class, in his Bronze medal fight of he had to take on a Frenchman in a very close match, the bout went the distance with Colin winning 4pts to 3pts.
Colin who trains at Sittingbourne and is one of the clubs senior coaches, lives in Folkestone where he runs family business DELMAINES electrical and white goods, the reason I mention this is because of his family he got involved in Judo. Both his sons are black belts in Judo and Sambo in fact his youngest son Danny has been selected for the World Senior Championships in Prague in November. Colin started Judo in 1194 at the ripe old age of 34 years; he started because his two boys were involved in the local Hawkinge Judo club, his youngest boy Danny started because he was bullied at school. Just a few weeks into starting Judo he severed a nerve in his ankle when someone threw him wrong, he was in plaster for months.
This did not deter Colin and he came back more determined and since then he has amassed the following:
3rd Dan Black Belt International Budo Federation, British Judo Association, British Sombo Federation
British Sombo Champions, IBF National and International Judo Champion
2 World Bronze Medals
Has competed in the following countries Scotland, Holland, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Malta, Czech Republic, Poland and Greece.
Senior Examiner for the International Budo Federation and British CombatSombo Association
Senior Instructor for the Young Judo Club and Warriors Grappling Academy
He also runs the Spitfire judo Club Hawkinge and the Capel Le Ferne Judo and Grappling Club
Colin is an example to us all that age and adversary should never hold you back.
For more details of Sombo/Sambo go to www.britishsombo.co.uk
Colin who trains at Sittingbourne and is one of the clubs senior coaches, lives in Folkestone where he runs family business DELMAINES electrical and white goods, the reason I mention this is because of his family he got involved in Judo. Both his sons are black belts in Judo and Sambo in fact his youngest son Danny has been selected for the World Senior Championships in Prague in November. Colin started Judo in 1194 at the ripe old age of 34 years; he started because his two boys were involved in the local Hawkinge Judo club, his youngest boy Danny started because he was bullied at school. Just a few weeks into starting Judo he severed a nerve in his ankle when someone threw him wrong, he was in plaster for months.
This did not deter Colin and he came back more determined and since then he has amassed the following:
3rd Dan Black Belt International Budo Federation, British Judo Association, British Sombo Federation
British Sombo Champions, IBF National and International Judo Champion
2 World Bronze Medals
Has competed in the following countries Scotland, Holland, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Malta, Czech Republic, Poland and Greece.
Senior Examiner for the International Budo Federation and British CombatSombo Association
Senior Instructor for the Young Judo Club and Warriors Grappling Academy
He also runs the Spitfire judo Club Hawkinge and the Capel Le Ferne Judo and Grappling Club
Colin is an example to us all that age and adversary should never hold you back.
For more details of Sombo/Sambo go to www.britishsombo.co.uk
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
JUDO or DRUGS
Steve Jacob has just informed me that he has had to cancel his competition this weekend in Bedford.
One must ask the question what has happened to Judo and Judo players in the last few years, why is there no support from at least our own organisation the IBF, are parents and coaches to lazy to travel or are they just frightened of competition? What about all those who took gradings at Summer Camp where were they?
This problem is not unique to the IBF Judo has been decline for several years but most of Judo Politicians have been in denial over this. Even the bigger Judo organisation i.e. the BJA/BJC has had to cancel events that a few years ago were attracting hundred of fighters.
The UK is in a pit of despair, rising crime especially violent ones, means of disciplining kids in school being eroded, parents refusing to take responsibility for the children, massive percentage of young people experimenting with drugs, alcohol and under sex. Can you wonder when you ask young people to try Judo they reply “What’s the point man, it’s not cool” The obsession with the celebrity culture does not help, every where you look or listen there is details of what celebrities do, these youngsters worship them like Gods in fact I would go as far to say it is there new religion. The great majority of these celebrities are terrible role models with their drug and drinking habits, with their low morals, with their total disregard of the environment, with their total disrespect of money I could go on.
I do not know the answers although I have some ideas but I do know this country in the last 10 years has lost its right to be called GREAT Britain. Judo has been my discipline since I was 5 years old, I hope it does not go the way of Amateur Wrestling which only has about 500 participants in the country
One must ask the question what has happened to Judo and Judo players in the last few years, why is there no support from at least our own organisation the IBF, are parents and coaches to lazy to travel or are they just frightened of competition? What about all those who took gradings at Summer Camp where were they?
This problem is not unique to the IBF Judo has been decline for several years but most of Judo Politicians have been in denial over this. Even the bigger Judo organisation i.e. the BJA/BJC has had to cancel events that a few years ago were attracting hundred of fighters.
The UK is in a pit of despair, rising crime especially violent ones, means of disciplining kids in school being eroded, parents refusing to take responsibility for the children, massive percentage of young people experimenting with drugs, alcohol and under sex. Can you wonder when you ask young people to try Judo they reply “What’s the point man, it’s not cool” The obsession with the celebrity culture does not help, every where you look or listen there is details of what celebrities do, these youngsters worship them like Gods in fact I would go as far to say it is there new religion. The great majority of these celebrities are terrible role models with their drug and drinking habits, with their low morals, with their total disregard of the environment, with their total disrespect of money I could go on.
I do not know the answers although I have some ideas but I do know this country in the last 10 years has lost its right to be called GREAT Britain. Judo has been my discipline since I was 5 years old, I hope it does not go the way of Amateur Wrestling which only has about 500 participants in the country
Friday, September 28, 2007
YAMASHITA THROWN OF IJF EC
new IJF-President Mr. Marius Vizer Hungary
I am told that at the recent Elections of the International Judo Federations EC all the Japanese were thrown of the committee including Yamashita, have looked at the IJF web site but found very little
Rumor has it the Kodokan may break away from the IJF and form a rival organisation?
Rumor has it that the new EC want to introduce coloured Judogi?
JUDO COULD SEE SOME RADICAL CHANGES
I am told that at the recent Elections of the International Judo Federations EC all the Japanese were thrown of the committee including Yamashita, have looked at the IJF web site but found very little
Rumor has it the Kodokan may break away from the IJF and form a rival organisation?
Rumor has it that the new EC want to introduce coloured Judogi?
JUDO COULD SEE SOME RADICAL CHANGES
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Will anyone watch Olympic Judo?
The Mail on Sunday recently reviewed the book “The Pyjama Game: A Journey into Judo” I am not going to repeat the whole article but just take a section which summarise Judo exactly.
“One of the main sports hardly anyone will watch at the next Olympics will Judo, nor did they in Athens, Sidney, Atlanta or Barcelona. Nor will they, very likely, in London 201”
“To the untrained eye, the flurry of white cotton as a pair of Judoka grapple with one another looks about exciting as a laundry on spin cycle. Add to that Japanese terminology, complex rules, terrible staging and impenetrable scoring system and you understand why Judo is never going to capture the nations imagination like football”
“I am not sure it will be given many of us to understand sentences such as, Reissman threw himself up into the air before being thrown with a wonderful Uchi Mata Sukashi, for which amazingly Kashi only received Waza-ari”
These are a few examples from the article but it does high light what the ordinary layman thinks of our Combat Discipline. I believe Judo only needs few minor things to make it more popular 1) Coloured Judogi 2) Judo boots similar to those worn in Sombo 3) Change Japanese competition terminology i.e Koka become 1pt indicated with a closed fist and a thumb, Yuko becomes 2 points indicated with thumb and finger, Waza-ari becomes 5pts indicted by full open hand, Ippon is 10pts is a Total Victory indicated as current. 4) points are accumulative whoever gets a 10pt majority or scores a Total Victory wins.
I say these are minor points yet the traditionalist will accuse me of heresy, yet I have suggested changing the basic ethos of Judo Kata, grading etc should all remain. Judo is slowly dying and needs someone to bring it line with the 21st Century, what Judo needs is a Kerry Packer (he was the man who changed one day Cricket)
Interested in my Summer Camp go to www.budo-ibf.co.uk
“One of the main sports hardly anyone will watch at the next Olympics will Judo, nor did they in Athens, Sidney, Atlanta or Barcelona. Nor will they, very likely, in London 201”
“To the untrained eye, the flurry of white cotton as a pair of Judoka grapple with one another looks about exciting as a laundry on spin cycle. Add to that Japanese terminology, complex rules, terrible staging and impenetrable scoring system and you understand why Judo is never going to capture the nations imagination like football”
“I am not sure it will be given many of us to understand sentences such as, Reissman threw himself up into the air before being thrown with a wonderful Uchi Mata Sukashi, for which amazingly Kashi only received Waza-ari”
These are a few examples from the article but it does high light what the ordinary layman thinks of our Combat Discipline. I believe Judo only needs few minor things to make it more popular 1) Coloured Judogi 2) Judo boots similar to those worn in Sombo 3) Change Japanese competition terminology i.e Koka become 1pt indicated with a closed fist and a thumb, Yuko becomes 2 points indicated with thumb and finger, Waza-ari becomes 5pts indicted by full open hand, Ippon is 10pts is a Total Victory indicated as current. 4) points are accumulative whoever gets a 10pt majority or scores a Total Victory wins.
I say these are minor points yet the traditionalist will accuse me of heresy, yet I have suggested changing the basic ethos of Judo Kata, grading etc should all remain. Judo is slowly dying and needs someone to bring it line with the 21st Century, what Judo needs is a Kerry Packer (he was the man who changed one day Cricket)
Interested in my Summer Camp go to www.budo-ibf.co.uk
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