Certification
JUDO ATHLETE, COACH, AND REFEREE CERTIFICATION
Judo is not only a sport but a philosophy that emphasizes discipline, self-development, and respect for traditions. A key aspect of this journey for athletes, coaches, and referees is certification, which allows them to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and professionalism.
The Judo Stars league plays an active role in supporting this process by organizing various educational and certification events aimed at developing judo at all levels.
THE JUDO BELT SYSTEM
One of the most important elements in judo is the belt system, which defines the level of mastery an athlete has achieved. Within the Judo Stars league, athletes have the opportunity to undergo certification for belts, ranging from beginner levels to higher degrees.
The belt system includes two main categories:
- Kyu (student ranks): from white belt (6th kyu) to brown belt (1st kyu), with each belt representing progress and achievements in judo.
- Dan (master ranks): from 1st to 5th dan — black belts, and 6th dan and higher — red and white belts or red belts, which signify exceptional contributions to the development of judo.
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR BELTS
To earn a new belt, every judoka must undergo several stages of certification:
- Technical exam — demonstrating basic techniques such as ukemi (falling techniques), nage-waza (throwing techniques), katame-waza (grappling techniques), and kata (formal sequences of movements).
- Theoretical knowledge — understanding the history of judo, its philosophy, and competition rules.
- Competitive practice — participation in competitions and victories, especially for higher belts.
The Judo Stars league is actively involved in organizing these certifications, providing athletes with the opportunity to participate in tournaments where they can be certified and earn new degrees.
CERTIFICATION OF COACHES
Coaches play a pivotal role in judo. They not only transfer knowledge but also shape the discipline and spirit of athletes. To become a judo coach, one must possess not only high athletic qualifications but also complete certification that includes:
- Education — having relevant sports education (higher or specialized secondary education).
- Athletic qualification — holding at least 1st dan, certified by an official examination.
- Teaching practice — the ability to work with various age groups, from children to professional athletes.
- Certification — continuous participation in coaching seminars and passing certification exams.
The Judo Stars league conducts seminars and training sessions for coaches, offering them opportunities to improve their qualifications and exchange experience with peers.
CERTIFICATION OF REFEREES
Referees play a crucial role in ensuring fairness and safety at competitions. Within the Judo Stars league, specialized referee seminars are held, which cover:
- Training — studying the rules of refereeing and the fundamentals of judo philosophy (the teachings of Jigoro Kano).
- Practice — officiating at regional, national, and international competitions.
- Certification exam — demonstrating knowledge of the rules and practical skills.
Referees are classified into national referees (who officiate competitions within their country) and international referees (who officiate at international tournaments, including those under the auspices of the International Judo Federation, IJF).
The Judo Stars league is dedicated to the development of its referee corps, ensuring a high level of officiating at its tournaments and events.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION IN JUDO
Certification is a vital process that not only organizes the development of athletes, coaches, and referees but also helps maintain a high standard of judo, both nationally and internationally. The Judo Stars league views certification as a key element in the growth of each participant and in ensuring high standards of safety and ethics at competitions.
The certification system serves as a motivating factor for professional growth, ensuring the continuous improvement of judo at all levels. It also helps preserve the philosophy of judo, respect for its traditions, and its spiritual principles.