Classification level for competition

Please read carefully as a short video classification quiz will follow this lesson

The levels are determined by comparing the skill level of the adaptive judoka with a mainstream competitive judoka (for level 1) or a mainstream recreational judoka (levels 2-5)

Level 1 is a judoka who can perform in a shiai with a mainstream recreational judoka. This judoka is fast and powerful and has excellent reactivity. They have a strong feeling for Judo and an excellent strategic view. This judoka has a good understanding of the meaning and goal of the competition.

Level 2 is a judoka who can perform in randori with a mainstream recreational judoka. This judoka understands the competition’s meaning and goal. This judoka is fast and powerful and has moderate reactivity but is usually late responding to judo situations. He has a good judo feeling but may struggle with processing complex instructions and situations. They may need some assistance and guidance.

Level 3 is a judoka who can perform a playful randori in training with a mainstream recreational judoka. This judoka is reasonably fast and powerful and has a reasonably developed reactivity. The strategy for level 3 judoka often consists of repeating the same technique over and over. This judoka is not able to combine throwing directions like in renraku waza in shiai. This judoka needs assistance and guidance from the coach on the judo mat as well as next to the mat during the competition, but understands most of the rules and goals.

Level 4 is a judoka who can perform a playful randori in training with a mainstream recreational judoka, but the mainstream judoka needs to adapt their speed and strength to match this player, as well as take the initiative for movements during randori. This judoka needs adapted training and high assistance and guidance from the coach or referee on the judo mat as well as next to the mat during competition, but understands most of the rules and goals.

Level 5 is a judoka who can perform a playful randori with a mainstream recreational judoka, but the mainstream judoka needs to adapt their speed and strength to match this player, as well as take almost all the initiative for movements during randori. This judoka needs adapted training and very high assistance and guidance from the coach or referee on the judo mat as well as next to the mat during competitions and activities. This Judoka can be very strong and passive, and sometimes slow to respond. They can understand most of the rules and goals but can be very easily distracted. Active coaching is needed to perform in shiai.