Belt ranks › Gokyu

Gokyu (5th kyu) — Orange Belt Requirements

Gokyu is the second senior rank in USJA judo (orange belt). Candidates must be 14+ with 5 months / 40 classes at their current rank, then pass a written and technical exam.

The exam is cumulative: Gokyu candidates are also responsible for everything from Rokkyu.

New vocabulary at this rank (20 terms)

• Waza-ari — Almost one point! (half-point, referee's award)
• Gatame — Lock or hold
• Kesa Gatame — Scarf Hold
• Kuzure — Modified (as in hold-downs)
• Kuzure Kesa Gatame — Modified Scarf Hold
• Sore-made — Time is up! (referee's call)
• Sono-mama — Don't move! (referee's call)
• Yoshi — Continue! (referee's call after “Sono-mama”)
• Shido — Note! (slight penalty given by referee)
• Dan — Step or degree in the Black Belt Judo ranks
• Shodan — First degree Black Belt
• Nidan — 2nd degree Black Belt
• Ko — Little or minor
• Gari — Reap
• Uchi — Inside
• Ko Uchi Gari — Little Inside Reaping throw
• Koshi Waza — Waist or hip techniques
• Guruma — Wheel
• Koshi Guruma — Hip Wheel throw
• Kata Gatame — Shoulder Hold

New knowledge questions

• How many degrees are there currently in the USJA junior and senior rank systems?
• List the junior belt colors in order (after white).
• Name the three parts of a Judo throw in English and Japanese.
• Count to ten in Japanese.
• Explain the principle of maximum efficiency (Seiryoku Zenyo).
• Explain the principle of mutual benefit and welfare (Jita Kyoei).

Technique demonstration counts at Gokyu

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