Judo
The word "judo", which originates from the Japanese language, means "the gentle way".
Judo is many things to different people. To some it is a sport, an art, a craft, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life.
Judo is unique in that people of all ages, sexes, and abilities can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive, year-round activity, that appeals to people from all walks of life. Many people over the age of sixty can enjoy the sport as well as very young children.
Attitudes and Principles
An attitude of seriousness and respectfulness is necessary to progress towards understanding the "Maximum-efficient use of energy" and "Mutual welfare and benefit of practitioners" - two basic principles of Judo.
History of Judo
Judo was founded in 1882 in Japan by Jigoro Kano, who modified the more dangerous techniques in ju-jitsu and developed Judo from a martial art to a sport. He also gave Judo a physical education emphasis and a strong moral orientation.
Interesting Judo Facts and Stats
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, Judo is the safest contact sport for children under age 13.
Judo is the most widely practiced martial art in the world, and Judo is the second most practiced sport worldwide (soccer is #1).
Image above courtesy Tom Patrick/Yukon News
Image above by Judo Yukon
Judo is Fun!
As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls.
Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also 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 in that all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled persons can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive, 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, 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.
The Judo Rank system
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.
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