In English, judo is defined as the gentle way, but for those who have participated in the vigours of learning this martial art and sport, they know it is much more than gentle.
Judo is a self-defence style of martial art that incorporates into its training: throws, grappling, arm locks, choke holds and holdowns (pins).
The focus of judo is the ability to subdue your opponent without the use of strikes, punches or kicks, as in other styles of martial arts, such as karate or tae kwon do.
History of Judo
Judo was the brain child of Jigaro Kano who, from his studies of jujitsu and wrestling, formulated a system of self defense that allowed the practitioner the ability to overcome a situation by using their adversary's momentum against them.
Kano was born in 1860 and over the course of a number of years obtained his black belt in jujitsu. Due to an inordinate amount of injuries to the students of jujitsu, Kano began altering the art and in 1882 he started his own dojo, called the Kodokan, where students could learn the new style of defense he termed judo.
Kano died in 1938, but his legacy, not only lives on, but flourishes. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964 and is practiced all over the world.
Some famous judoka (someone who practices judo) black belts include: Teddy Roosevelt, former U.S. President, Pierre Trudeau, former Canadian Prime Minister and Vladimir Putin, current Prime Minister of Russia.
Elements of Judo
Judo is based on the gokyu. The gokyu is literally translated into English as five sets of eight throws or 40 throws. The five sets of throws become increasingly difficult as the judoka progresses. The reason for this is to allow the beginning student time to master the less complicated throws before progressing onto more complex techniques.
This list of 40 throws is further broken down into different components, which include: tewaza (hand techniques), koshiwaza (hip techniques), ashiwaza (foot techniques) and sutemiwaza (sacrifice techniques).
Other Components of Judo
Judo does not limit itself to standing techniques. Once the competitors or combatants have taken their fight to the ground, judo trains you to apply grappling (katamewaza) techniques.
The grappling or ground techniques are divided into three categories, which include: osaewaza (holdowns or pins), shimewaza (choke holds) and kansetsuwaza (arm locks).
Philosophy of Judo
The idea behind judo is to use your opponents momentum against them. For instance, if your opponent is pulling you, then the skill you will apply is a technique where you push them away from you. Similarly, if your opponent is pushing you, then you will want to apply a technique where you pull them towards you.
The mastery of judo you attain will be dependant on how well you apply the ideals of judo, which include, but is not limited to: kiai (power shout), randori (free style fighting) and kuzishi (breaking your opponents balance).
Most styles offer introductory classes at no charge in an attempt to help you find the one you enjoy most
Mike Cottrill - Mike Cottrill has been a professional writer for 15 years, having published novels, articles, newsletters and poetry. He has obtained ...
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