Bognor Regis Zen Judo Dojo

28/01/2025

If you normally pay by bank transfer, there will be four training sessions this month (February). If you pay by bank transfer, the total due will be £28 (please let me know when you have paid).

If you are unable to attend regularly during the month (and pay up front), please try to pay by cash (£7) for each session when you are able to attend. It makes it easier for us to keep track of session payments.

We have room to take on new and returning students, if you know anyone who might be interested in giving Judo a go please let them know.

Sensei John Robertson 6th Dan
(Chief Instructor)

11/01/2025

An interesting article for those about to take a grading:

(Published on the Blitz website)

How to Prepare for a Martial Arts Grading and Combat Nerves

By

Blitz

1 May 2024

Martial Arts grading isn’t just a test of your physical prowess; it’s also a profound journey into the depths of your mind and spirit. Whether you’re a white belt stepping onto the mat for the first time or a seasoned black belt, the anticipation of grading can send a rush of adrenaline through your veins. Fear not, brave Martial Artist! Let’s embark on a quest to prepare and conquer those pre-grading jitters with a blend of wisdom and whimsy.

1. Master the Basics, Again and Again

The foundation of any Martial Arts discipline is rooted in the mastery of basic techniques. Begin your preparation by revisiting these core elements. Whether it’s your stances, kicks, punches or kata/forms, practice them until they feel like second nature. This repetition is not just about physical memory but also about building confidence. Remember, confidence comes not from doing something unique every day but, from doing the same thing in an exceptional way, every day.

2. Visualise Your Victory

Visualisation is a powerful tool used by athletes all around the world, and it works wonders in Martial Arts too. Spend a few minutes each day visualising your grading session. See yourself executing each move perfectly, handling corrections with grace, and even imagine bowing to receive your new belt. This mental rehearsal can make the actual experience feel more familiar, significantly reducing anxiety.

3. Simulate the Experience

If the grading room is your arena, why not train in it? Arrange to have a few practice sessions in the actual grading environment or simulate it as closely as possible. Wear your full uniform, have your instructor or a senior belt watch you, and run through your routines under their gaze. This ‘dress rehearsal’ helps acclimate your nerves to the real thing.

4. Stay Connected

Build a support network within your dojo or training hall. Connect with others who are also preparing for grading. Share tips, train together and maybe even have mock grading days. The camaraderie can turn the nerve-wracking preparation into a fun and collaborative effort.

5. Mind Over Matter

Incorporate relaxation techniques into your training sessions. Practices like deep breathing, meditation or even yoga can help soothe your mind and keep stress at bay. Not only do these techniques enhance mental clarity but, they also improve your physical flexibility and stamina – key components in Martial Arts.

6. Healthy Body, Focused Mind

What you put into your body affects how you perform, both mentally and physically. In the weeks leading up to your grading, be mindful of your diet. Opt for foods that fuel your body without weighing it down – think lean proteins, complex carbs and plenty of hydrating fluids. A well-nourished body supports a sharp mind.

7. Rest and Recuperate

Remember, while practice is crucial, so is rest. Ensure you get adequate sleep in the days leading up to your grading. A tired body and mind can amplify anxiety. Rest is your secret weapon; it allows your body to repair and your mind to assimilate all the hard work you’ve put in.

8. The Day Before D-Day

The day before your grading, try to keep things light. You might want to run through your routines slowly, focusing more on form and breathing rather than intensity. This is not the time for last-minute cramming. It’s the time to trust in the training you’ve done and allow your body to store up energy for the big day.

9. Embrace the Experience

Finally, on grading day, embrace the experience. Accept that nerves are a natural part of the process; they mean you care and you want to do well. Channel that energy positively, focusing on your determination and the joy of performing what you’ve practiced so hard to learn.

Remember, each grading is not just about the belt, it’s a celebration of your journey, growth and the warrior spirit within you. So, tie your belt a little tighter, take a deep breath and step forward with courage. You’ve got this!

04/01/2025

Managed to make the trip upto Northampton for the Kenshindoryu New Year course. Nice to catch up with Sensei Jim Dart and the guys, lots of new faces and martial arts friends. Thanks to all the instructors for an enjoyable day. Now where did I put the arnica cream 🥴

Sensei John Robertson

16/12/2024

Our last session of the year tonight, which has become the traditional 'games night', this usually involves a lot of rule bending (usually by the senior black belts) 🤔

Various certificates for the highest attendance and demonstrating judo values were awarded.

To those members that couldn't make it for various reasons, you missed a great night.

Its been an interesting year for the club, with the Zen Judo Familys 50th anniversary and 20 year since the Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club was formed. We have been lucky to have attracted back a number of old and new students to the club which has helped to grow the club again.

With a grading day planned for February next year we have much to look forward to.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year. See you back on the 6th January 2025.

Sensei John Robertson

30/11/2024

If you normally pay by bank transfer, there will be three training sessions this month (December). The total due will be £21 (please let me know when you have paid). If anyone is having issues with paying for sessions please talk to Sensei Yvonne.

Our last session for the year will be 16th December and numbers allowing will be the traditional games night.

Our first training session in the New Year will be Monday 6th January. We will be concentrating on preparation for those hoping to grade on 22nd February, if you have misplaced your grading syllabus sheets please let me know.

We have room to take on new and returning students, if you know anyone who might be interested in giving Judo a go please let them know.

I would like to wish all our instructors and students a happy Christmas and New Year.

Sensei John Robertson 6th Dan
(Chief Instructor)

03/10/2024

As I have had a number of enquiries recently I thought I would post some more info for beginners.

Training day Monday 7 to 9pm. Mixed session children and adults £7 pay as you go.

If you stay then after a few sessions there will be a membership fee which includes the mat insurance (normally £15 per year renewed in September ).
Clothing can be any loose fitting jogging bottoms and a t-shirt to start with.

As visitors seem to have problems finding the dojo (hall) if you are coming in from Chichester Road the hall is at the back of The Art Of Dance (old village school buildings) studio, entrance to hall and car park is between the Church grave yard and the school buildings on the right. A bit dark in winter but plenty of parking. If you have problems finding us please let me know.

For more info visit www.brzjc.co.uk

John
Sensei
(chief instructor)

Welcome to the Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club website.

30/09/2024

Busy session tonight. Good to have Martin back on the mat after his op and welcome to Martin (number 3 🙂 ) who seemed to pick up the ukemi very quickly.

We still have room for some new or returning students.

Sensei John Robertson
(Chief Instructor)

23/09/2024

Well done everyone at tonight’s session. That was a tough workout and it was great to see everyone putting in maximum effort.

Sensei Martin

26/08/2024

ZJF Membership Fees For 2024/25 Are Now Due (September 1st 2024).

If you wish to remain a Zen Judo Family member and train in ZJF Clubs your membership fees of £15 need to be paid and membership cards (both ZJF blue grading card and Kenshindoryu licence book) supplied for signing by your Chief Instructor.

The membership fee includes mat insurance for the year. Please note that due to the finacial climate we are not increasing our fees at present, this might unfortunately have to change if costs for hall hire increase later this year.

NB: Also note that New first-time licences or replacements will incure an additional £2 fee to cover printing costs.

NO MAT INSURANCE NO TRAINING or GRADING.

Please see your Club Sensei for more information or contact me direct.

Sensei John Robertson
(On behalf of the Zen Judo Family)

03/08/2024

Professor Kano formulated Judo to be more than just a martial art, he wished for his students to also be useful members of society.

30/07/2024

Another quiet and very hot session last night. Looked at no gi variations on techniques and some basic self defence. Good to have Jon back on the mat again and thanks to Sensei Dave for making the trip over from Portsmouth again.

Remember to pack a t-shirt with your gi in case the next few weeks are as hot.

Sensei John

19/07/2024

POST: ''KUZUSHI''
Kuzushi é um conceito central no judô, referindo-se ao ato de desequilibrar o oponente para facilitar a aplicação de técnicas de projeção (nage-waza). O termo "kuzushi" deriva do verbo japonês "kuzusu", que significa "derrubar" ou "destruir". No contexto do judô, kuzushi é a arte de romper o equilíbrio do adversário, tornando-o vulnerável a uma técnica de projeção.

''Importância do Kuzushi''
Kuzushi é fundamental porque sem desequilibrar o oponente, a aplicação de uma técnica de projeção seria ineficaz ou impossível. A técnica deve ser aplicada em um momento em que o oponente está fora de equilíbrio, o que reduz a capacidade dele de resistir ou contra-atacar.

''Princípios do Kuzushi''
Existem três fases principais na execução de uma técnica de projeção no judô:

1ºKuzushi (Desequilíbrio)
O primeiro passo é romper o equilíbrio do oponente em uma das oito direções.

2ºTsukuri (Preparação ou Entrada)
O segundo passo é a entrada na posição adequada para aplicar a técnica de projeção.

3ºKake (Execução ou Projeção)
O terceiro passo é a execução da técnica, projetando o oponente ao chão.

''As Oito Direções do Kuzushi''
As oito direções de desequilíbrio são baseadas nos pontos cardeais e intermediários, oferecendo uma abordagem completa para controlar o equilíbrio do oponente:

1º Mae Kuzushi (Puxando para frente)
Desequilibrar o oponente para a frente.

2º Ushiro Kuzushi (Empurrando para trás)
Desequilibrar o oponente para trás.

3º Migi Kuzushi (Puxando a direita)
Desequilibrar o oponente para a direita.

4º Hidari Kuzushi (Puxando a esquerda)
Desequilibrar o oponente para a esquerda.

5ºMae-migi Kuzushi (Puxando de frente a direita)
Desequilibrar o oponente para a frente e para a direita.

6º Mae-hidari Kuzushi (Puxando de frente a esquerda)
Desequilibrar o oponente para a frente e para a esquerda.

7º Ushiro-migi Kuzushi (Empurrando para trás a direita)
Desequilibrar o oponente para trás e para a direita.

8º Ushiro-hidari Kuzushi (Empurrando para trás a esquerda)
Desequilibrar o oponente para trás e para a esquerda.

''Aplicação Prática do Kuzushi''
Para aplicar kuzushi de forma eficaz, o judoca deve entender como usar o corpo e a força de maneira coordenada. Aqui estão alguns pontos chave para a aplicação prática:

1º Postura e Movimento
Mantenha uma postura sólida e estável. Use movimentos sutis para desequilibrar o oponente sem comprometer seu próprio equilíbrio.

2º Coordenação de Mãos e Pés
Use suas mãos para puxar ou empurrar o oponente enquanto coordena seus pés para posicionar-se corretamente.

3º Timing e Oportunidade
O timing é crucial. Observe os movimentos do oponente e aplique kuzushi no momento em que ele está mais vulnerável.

4º Uso do Quadril e do Centro de Gravidade
Mova seu centro de gravidade de maneira que influencie diretamente o equilíbrio do oponente. O uso adequado do quadril pode aumentar significativamente a eficácia do kuzushi.

''Exemplos de Técnicas com Kuzushi''
Algumas técnicas de projeção que dependem fortemente de kuzushi incluem:

1ºSeoi Nage
O kuzushi é aplicado puxando o oponente para a frente antes de entrar e projetá-lo sobre o ombro.

2º O Goshi
O kuzushi envolve puxar o oponente para a frente e girar o quadril para executar a projeção.

3º Harai Goshi
O kuzushi é aplicado puxando o oponente para a frente e usando a perna para varrer.

''CONCLUSÃO''
Kuzushi é uma habilidade fundamental e refinada no judô. Sem desequilibrar o oponente, as técnicas de projeção seriam muito menos eficazes. Praticar e dominar kuzushi envolve um entendimento profundo de postura, movimento, timing e a coordenação do corpo. Com prática consistente, um judoca pode aprender a aplicar kuzushi de maneira quase instintiva, melhorando significativamente sua eficácia no tatame.

15/07/2024

Very quiet session tonight, just two of us, can only assume that everyone was very tired after watching the football last night.

24/06/2024

Seniors having a warm down at end of session last week to help George and Radu celebrate their birthdays. 🥳🥳🎂🎈

24/06/2024

Congratulations to George tonight on successfully grading to Orange belt.

He has worked very hard to gain this promotion and it is well deserved.

Thanks to Jon for carrying out the grading and also acting as Uki.

Sensei John Robertson
(Chief Instructor)

12/06/2024

Posted on the International Freestyle Judo Alliance.