The latest thing to appear from lockdown as a result of the Coronavirus are 'Zoom Gradings' - gradings in which students are asked to perform judo techniques Tandoku Renshu (shadow uchi komi) via an online video call with their instructor to get their next grade. To me, this is absolutely ridiculous. You cannot substitute real life judo, real life fighting a real life examination with a video call. here is a very big difference between doing shadow Uchi Komi for training and developing co-ordination compared to using it to substitute real life examination of skill. To me, it completely undermines everything judo and martial arts stands for and highlights a systematic problem in society and the way people think nowadays. People are more concerned with instant gratification rather than real life progression. It goes against everything judo is supposed to teach a person. This mindset teaches students (especially children) misguided morals and fails to set them up for a life of success outside of the dojo. We put too much value on making people feel like they have progressed or feel like they have achieved something rather than ensuring that they ACTUALLY progress or ACTUALLY achieve something. Zoom gradings are madness. What do you think? www.Facebook.com/Sampsonjudo www.instagram.com/Sampsonjudo www.sobelljudoclub.com www.judoforall.org.uk Finger tape: https://amzn.to/2zbqvyh Mizuno Judogi: https://amzn.to/3gasbZz Pre-washed soft black belt: https://amzn.to/2XpNIEK My ultimate technique reference book: https://amzn.to/2LT46Zk Mind over muscle by Jigoro Kano: https://amzn.to/2zeDTSi