Brain-Jitsu
Encyclopedia
Brain-Jitsu is a CBBC
show which tests contestants (called brainees) to complete a set of challenges using different parts of their brains
. After each challenge, one brainee is eliminated whilst the rest gain a higher level brain belt. The show is led and commentated by the Sensei
, whilst the Shihan
organises and watches over the tasks.
Between each level, contestants get the chance to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead in The Room Of Mental Nourishment. They are given a challenge to train the part of the brain needed for the next level. The brainees are given the choice whether to participate or not, but any extra training they do prepares them for the task ahead.
CBBC
CBBC is one of two brand names used for the BBC's children's television strands. Between 1985 and 2002, CBBC was the name given to all the BBC's programmes on TV for children aged under 14...
show which tests contestants (called brainees) to complete a set of challenges using different parts of their brains
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
. After each challenge, one brainee is eliminated whilst the rest gain a higher level brain belt. The show is led and commentated by the Sensei
Sensei
' is a Japanese word that basically means "person born before another." In general usage, it means "master" or "teacher," and the word is used as a title to refer to or address teachers, professors, professionals such as lawyers, CPA and doctors, politicians, clergymen, and other figures of authority...
, whilst the Shihan
Shihan
- Title of "Master" is a Japanese Honorific Title, Expert License Certification used in Japanese martial arts for Master Level Instructors. The award of the Expert License Certification is if designated by the qualification by virtue of endorsement by the [A] Association of Chief Instructors or [B]...
organises and watches over the tasks.
Between each level, contestants get the chance to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead in The Room Of Mental Nourishment. They are given a challenge to train the part of the brain needed for the next level. The brainees are given the choice whether to participate or not, but any extra training they do prepares them for the task ahead.
Levels and belts
At the start of the show, all seven brainees begin with a white belt. At the start of each following level, the brainees who are yet to be eliminated are given a higher level brain belt (worn around their forehead).- Level 1 - Yellow Belt - This level uses the occipital lobeOccipital lobeThe occipital lobe is the visual processing center of the mammalian brain containing most of the anatomical region of the visual cortex. The primary visual cortex is Brodmann area 17, commonly called V1...
s of the Brain. The task here is always Enter the Dojo. - Level 2 - Orange Belt - This level uses the frontal lobeFrontal lobeThe frontal lobe is an area in the brain of humans and other mammals, located at the front of each cerebral hemisphere and positioned anterior to the parietal lobe and superior and anterior to the temporal lobes...
s; taking something you'd normally do without thinking, and doing it differently. - Level 3 - Green Belt - This level requires the brainees to get into teams of two, each of the pair using a different half of their brain.
- Level 4 - Blue Belt - This level uses the amygdalaAmygdalaThe ' are almond-shaped groups of nuclei located deep within the medial temporal lobes of the brain in complex vertebrates, including humans. Shown in research to perform a primary role in the processing and memory of emotional reactions, the amygdalae are considered part of the limbic system.-...
as brainees are challenged to overcome fear. - Level 5 - Red Belt - This level exercises the thinking part of the brain, the cerebrum, and the doing part, the CerebellumCerebellumThe cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. It may also be involved in some cognitive functions such as attention and language, and in regulating fear and pleasure responses, but its movement-related functions are the most solidly established...
. - Level 6 - Brown Belt - This level requires the brainees to use their occipital lobes, temporal lobeTemporal lobeThe temporal lobe is a region of the cerebral cortex that is located beneath the Sylvian fissure on both cerebral hemispheres of the mammalian brain....
s and cerebellum. - Level 7 - Black Belt - The two remaining contestants push a ball across a table using their focus. The force with which the ball is pushed is measured by the average amount of brain waves used during the challenge.