Things You'll Need:
- A desire to improve
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Step 1
Judo is a popular martial art and sport that is practiced around the world. Judo became part of the Olympics in 1964. Although Judo is not really very popular in the United States it is very popular around the world. Judoka (participants) learn and practice throws, pins, chokes and arm bars. There are no kicks or punches allowed in sport Judo although striking techniques are also a part of the martial art aspect of Judo. Most people participate in the sport aspect and never learn the striking techniques. There are three ways to win a match, throws, hold downs and submission techniques.
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Step 2
Judo was founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano as a way to train the mind and body. Dr. Kano was an educator and had studied and mastered jujitsu before developing Judo. He used many forms of Jujitsu and his own studies of how the techniques worked as a basis for Judo. Dr. Kano’s school is known as the Kodokan and it remains the Mecca for Judo today. His philosophy may be understood by this quote.
“Judo is the way of the highest or most efficient use of both physical and mental energy. Through training in the attack and defense techniques of judo, the practitioner nurtures their physical and mental strength, and gradually embodies the essence of the Way of Judo. Thus, the ultimate objective of Judo discipline is to be utilized as a means to self-perfection and thenceforth to make a positive contribution to society”. -
Step 3
Most dojo’s (judo clubs) concentrate on the physical techniques because they are involved with sport Judo. Most Judo instructors are very sincere and teach Judo with little or no compensation. Compared to other martial arts Judo is very inexpensive because most Judo clubs are non-profit. Judo is an inexpensive and fun way to stay in shape and meet and make friends. If you catch the bug you can talk about Judo endlessly as I am doing in this series of articles.
