What is judo?
Judo is many things to different people...
Fun sport. Art. Discipline. Recreation or social activity. Fitness program. A means of self-defense or combat.
Way of life.
Judo was founded by Dr. Jigoro Kano in 1882.
Judo was then introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for many other reasons. But most of all, people do Judo for fun!
Judo is Fun!
As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that govern competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for both recreational and high level competition. From club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games, athletes are able to test their skills at all skill levels. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls.
Judo is best known for its spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety, and encourages full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is practiced on special mats called 'tatami' for comfort and safety.
Judo is unique in that everyone regardless of age, sex, or disability can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is a year-round activity that appeals to people from all walks of life. Many people over sixty years of age enjoy the sport, as well as very young boys and girls.
Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility. As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, 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 created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts, that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts, and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more as per the Judo ranking system.
Principles and Goals of Judo
Judo is literally translated as the "gentle way". It teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For example, in a Judo class you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent.
The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Effort" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world.
