Gatame Online – Terms, Policies & Guidelines

 

1. Program Overview

Gatame Online is a structured training and grading system based on Gatame Kosen Judo, with a focus on:

  • 60% Ne-waza (ground techniques)
  • 20% Transitions
  • 20% Tachiwaza (throwing techniques)

All students follow a standardized progression system:

Kyukyu → Hachikyu → Nanakyu → Rokukyu → Gokyu → Yonkyu → Sankyu → Nikyu → Ikkyu → Shodan → Nidan → Sandan


2. Entry Level Policy

Student starting levels are determined as follows:

  • Judo Black Belt or BJJ Blue Belt (or higher):

    → May begin from Sankyu

  • All other students (beginners or limited experience):

    → Begin from Kyukyu (introductory level)

👉 This ensures:

  • Safety
  • Proper technical foundation
  • Consistency within the Gatame Kosen Judo system

👉 Final starting level may be adjusted at the discretion of Gatame Online based on the student’s experience.


3. Membership & Access

  • An active membership is required to participate in Gatame Online
  • Membership provides access to the platform and eligibility for evaluation

👉 Each student must maintain their own membership to:

  • Submit evaluations
  • Receive rank certification

4. Curriculum & Usage

  • Curriculum purchase provides long-term access to the material
  • Content is intended for personal study and training use

Sharing of curriculum is permitted within the same dojo environment.

However:

👉 Each individual student must:

  • Register independently
  • Maintain membership
  • Pay the required evaluation fees

5. Evaluation System

All grading is conducted through a structured evaluation process.

Scoring:

  • 3 = Pass
  • 0–2 = Needs correction

To pass:

  • Techniques must meet the required standard
  • Demonstration must show control, understanding, and proper execution

6. Training Requirements

Students may train using:

  • A training partner
  • A grappling dummy

However:

👉 When training with a partner, the partner should have basic experience in Judo or grappling, especially when practicing throwing techniques (tachiwaza).

👉 If a suitable partner is not available, students are required to use a grappling dummy, particularly for:

  • Solo practice
  • Ne-waza training
  • Evaluation preparation

👉 For safety reasons, throwing techniques must only be practiced in a safe environment with an appropriate and experienced partner.


7. Rank Recognition

Gatame Online operates as an independent ranking system.

It is not affiliated with or officially recognized by:

  • The Kodokan
  • The International Judo Federation (IJF)
  • Any national governing body

👉 Rankings represent a student’s technical development within the Gatame Kosen Judo system


8. Instructor Authority

All evaluations and rank decisions are conducted by Gatame Online.

Final decisions are based on:

  • Technical execution
  • Understanding of the curriculum
  • Adherence to system standards

9. Safety & Liability

Gatame Kosen Judo training involves physical activity and carries a risk of injury.

By participating in Gatame Online, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • You are responsible for your own safety during training
  • You will train within your physical limits
  • You will ensure a safe training environment
  • You will seek medical advice if necessary

Gatame Online, its instructors, and affiliates are not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur during training, whether performed:

  • Individually
  • With a partner
  • With training equipment

👉 Participation is entirely at your own risk


10. Refund Policy

All payments made for Gatame Online are non-refundable, including:

  • Membership fees
  • Curriculum purchases
  • Evaluation fees

Due to the nature of digital content and access to training materials, no refunds will be issued once access has been granted.

In exceptional cases, Gatame Online may review specific situations at its discretion.


11. Agreement

By accessing and using Gatame Online, you agree to these Terms, Policies, and Guidelines.

If you do not agree, please refrain from using the program.