What is Judo?
Judo is an Olympic sport. The objective in any Judo match is to defeat your opponent without hurting him or her. This is accomplished with Judo techniques such as: throwing your opponent on his/her back, pinning your opponent down for 25 seconds, or by causing your opponent to submit with one of Judo's submission holds. For kids and adults interested in the sport, Judo results in:
- Self control and discipline
- Self confidence
- Better work habits
- Greater attention span
- Improved respect for others
- Helps to say NO to unhealthy peer pressure
WHAT JUDO IS NOT
JUDO IS NOT FIGHTING
Anyone who
engages in fighting, either in or out of class, is expelled.
Fighting is not tolerated.
JUDO IS NOT A RELIGION
Bowing in class or before matches is a sign of respect given to your opponents and partners. There are no religious implications in bowing.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF JUDO
Judo was
originated in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, who modified and improved on
the existing Jujitsu styles. Dr. Kano, a professor at the
University of Tokyo, eliminated the more dangerous techniques in
Jujitsu and developed Judo, which evolved from a martial art into
a sport. Dr. Kano emphasized strong physical education and sound
moral orientation. Through his efforts, Judo become a sport
enjoyed world-wide.
Originating in Japan, Jujitsu was the Samurai warrior's name for unarmed combat. Like Jujitsu, Judo emphasizes controlling an opponent by turning their attacking force against them. From martial art beginnings Judo has become 'the gentle way'.
The emphasis on control and self defense makes Judo an appropriate sport for any age or gender.
Combat has been replaced with intense competition! Judo has become a sport played and enjoyed from local levels all the way to the world Olympics.
