Judo students pass with excellence as…
Judo Association tests students on theory and technical ability

Saint Lucia Judo association executive

CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA - Congratulations are in order for eleven students

who successfully completed Judo exams. Ten of the group was promoted to

yellow belt level and one advanced to green belt, when the Saint Lucia Judo

Association held its biannual grading exercise at the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary

School.

The grading exercise are a means of assessing the student's ability at Judo at

regular intervals and while some Judo clubs and schools host gradings up to

three times a year, the Association restricts its gradings to two per year. The

gradings comprise a theory component and actual performance of level

appropriate Judo techniques. The grades obtained allow the student to wear

different coloured belts, which are indications of the students’ knowledge of Judo

and its techniques.

The students who range in age from eight to 38 performed before a three-man

panel of judges including Association President Paul Richard and Vice President

Pius Samuel along with special Guest Instructor Neil Paul, from Barbados.

According to Sensei Paul Richards, “the requirements for grading in Judo are

rigorous and challenging but this year’s batch of students met the challenge with

grace and confidence.

“For us the grading exercises are less about the award of belts, and more of an

opportunity for reflection and self examination.”

He added, “Yes we celebrate and award the success of the students, but the

gradings are also an opportunity for them to learn what their weaknesses and

short comings are and receive instruction on how to develop and address those

moving forward. While we award belts to successful students, we discourage

them from focusing too much on belt color and instead to focus on learning Judo,

which is a lifelong process. Judo grades aren’t handed out purely on the basis of

technical knowledge and ability; but also on high standards of behavior which is

an important aspect of Judo.”

Students successfully completing the grading exercise are: Cletia Valcin, Yanic

Jean, Tonya Jean, Wylly-Wyll and Zyby Hall, Cassell Paul, Cyby-Ann Hall, Faye

Gonzague

Varnny Degazon-Leon, and Beverley Paul, all of whom were promoted to yellow

belt level. Thadius Francis, advanced to green belt,

Members of the Association will have a second opportunity this coming August to

be tested, at which point they will either be advanced, or retain their current

grades.