Judo Information

The Ross Center Judo Academy is an excellent program that has brought a lot of structure and interpersonal development to its students. Since our Judo Academy began in 2014,  it has benefited children and adults alike in the City of Muncie. The RCC is very fortunate to have highly ranked and committed instructors with over 100 years of combined teaching and competitive experience.

People that participate in judo come from a wide demographic. This may include men, women, boys, and girls, young and old, ethnically diverse, and involved in various professions such as: police officers, designers, nurses, laborers, housewives, students, and more.

•  Head Instructor Sensei John Hampton   – Rokudan (6th-degree black belt)
• Assistant Instructor Sensei Carey Mountcastle  – Sandan (3rd-degree black belt)
• Assistant Instructor Sensei Jim Boots  – Godan (5th-degree black belt)
• Assistant Instructor Dave Smith  – Rokudan (6th-degree black belt)

The monthly fee is $15 for the first child participant, and $5 for each additional family member under age 18. Adults pay $15 per participant. Moreover, scholarships are available for those who cannot afford to pay. The cost for this excellent program is of tremendous value for all.

Rank Requirements:
1. Rokyu – yellow belt
—- one yellow tip – dojo rank
—- two yellow tip – dojo rank
—- yellow belt – dojo rank
2. Gokyu – orange belt
—- one orange tip – dojo rank
—- two orange tip – dojo rank
—- orange belt – dojo rank
3. Yonkyu – green belt
—- one green tip – dojo rank
—- two green tip – dojo rank
—- green belt – dojo rank
4. Sankyu – 3rd degree brown / blue belt (junior rank)
5. Nikyu – 2nd degree brown belt
6. Ikkyu – 1st degree brown belt / purple belt (junior rank)
–Kodokan Go Kyo No Waza – official 67 throws of the Kodokan
–Nage No Kata

USJF Recommendations for Promotion

IJI Dan Promotion Guide-IJI Black Belt promotion requirements, adopted July 2010

Study aids:
– – study guide #1
– – study guide #2
–Japanese Terminology
–Nage No Kata Notes

Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.

Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into the modern sport of Judo.

Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, stay in shape, develop self-confidence, and many other reasons.

Judo is best known for its spectacular throwing techniques and involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special mats for comfort and safety.

Judo is unique because all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled people can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is a year-round activity, that appeals to people from all walks of life and ages.

Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, leadership skills, physical coordination, power, and flexibility. A sport that has evolved from a fighting art develops complete body control, fine balance, and fast reflexive action. Above all, it develops a sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with the same kind of body. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises. Judo is often a part of the training done by athletes preparing for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) matches.