How to Train for a Judo Competition

Judo is the premiere competitive martial art in the world. It is the only martial art represented in the Olympic games, and it can be found on college campuses around the United States as part of intramural or inter-mural sports. If you've been thinking you would like to compete in Judo, here are a few steps to get you started on your training.

Things You'll Need

• A Judogi (uniform)
• A good dojo (training studio)
• Time to devote to training
• A good sensei (trainer)

Instructions

Train for a Judo Competition

1. Learn what Judo is all about. Judo is, in many ways, very different from the other martial arts. It is primarily a non-striking fighting style, which can take some getting used to if you have participated in karate or tae kwon do in the past. Judo is about manipulation of your opponent's body through use of gravity and balance. It is about throwing and takedowns. Above all else, it is about accomplishing your goals in the fight while expending the least amount of energy possible.

2. Study in the art of offense. Without offense, there is no fighting style, and there is no Judo. In the world of Judo training, benefits can arise from both the act of defending and the act of going on the offensive. Judo, as stated before, is predicated on balance, and this is another example of this. While you are training in offense, your partner is learning defensive techniques and strategies. In this way, nobody is ever relaxing in a full system of Judo training.

3. Learn how to fall. One of the major barriers any new Judo student will have to overcome is the fear of falling. In Judo, you will be doing a lot of falling, and you must get over your fears. You must learn to fall correctly, and with control. Every time you take a fall, you must use it as an opportunity to learn. Examine how you were thrown to the mat and investigate what you can do to make it more difficult for that throw to be performed in the future.

4. Practice your heart out. When it comes to any competitive sport or game, practice is the key to success. Whenever there is an arena in which people are striving to be the best, you can bet that fire is going to be lit in the eyes of your competition. If you are training for only an hour or two a week, think about how much more your opponent might be training. While you're resting, he's working out. While you're off with your friends, he's learning a new throw. If you are practicing as much as possible, you won't lose this crucial advantage.

5. Practice with many different partners. Some Judo students make the mistake of always training with the same partner. While this is only natural, sometimes it can lead to a rude awakening when you step into the competitive circle. You've trained for only one fighting style, and now you're facing someone with different strengths, weaknesses, and even body type. Train with multiple partners and you'll be much more prepared to face the unknown in the competition.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a gi that fits and feels comfortable.

• Choose a school based on reputation and not sales talk.

• Speak to your physician before undergoing any new physical activities.

• Judo is a contact sport; use proper precautions.