About Judo
Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, a discipline, an art, a social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defence and also a way of life. It is all of these and more.
Judo comes to us from Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.
Judo is an Olympic sport and was introduced to the Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. Some people practice to excel in competition, some, to stay in shape, some, to develop self-confidence, but for many, they just do Judo for the fun of it.
As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs competition and ensures safety. For those who really want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club, area, national and international tournaments including the Olympic Games. There are tournaments suitable for all abilities and ages, girls and boys, men and women, old and young and all split into weight divisions.
Judo is probably best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized holds, arm locks, and strangling/choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is taught on special mats to ensure comfort and safety.
Judo is a unique sport in that all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled persons can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive, indoor, 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 also gives a person an effective self-defence system if the need arises.
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