How to Learn Judo at Home

A person can learn Judo at home through correspondence or online video training.

Judo is a Japanese martial art that was developed in the late 1800s. It was the first martial art to become part of the Olympics in 1964. The basic principles of judo are to subdue an opponent with a series of grasps, take-downs, arm-locks and foot holds. Judo practitioners usually fight on mats during competition. However, a person who uses Judo for self-defense in street fighting will need to handle harder surfaces. Following is the best way to learn Judo at home.

Things You'll Need

• Video or correspondence instruction course
• Partner
• Mat

Instructions

1. Determine whether you want to learn basic Judo, study techniques for the various belts or just learn some basic self-defense moves.

2. Find a partner about your size and strength. Make some room in your basement, family room or your partner's house to practice the basic holds and throws. Put the mat down for protection. Wear comfortable clothing. Place a table near your training area for viewing videos or referencing any correspondence courses or books.

   Find a partner to learn kickboxing with you so you can practice defensive moves like blocking. Purchase a heavy bag to get used to hitting a solid object, which helps emulate a live person who cannot get hurt from your full-powered kicks and punches.

3. Search the Internet for a Judo home study course like at Gungfu.com. Determine which one best meets your need. Look for a Judo video series online if your prefer learning through video instead of pictures. Try Flash Mavior any site that interests you. Sign up for the course or program that best meets your needs.

4. Set aside a certain time each day or several times per week to study the videos or illustrations and practice Judo moves with your partner. Start with the first lesson or instructional video. Read the entire instructions on the first move or watch the video through once. Take a position on the mat with your partner and practice the move. Stretch out a little first. Learn several techniques your first day if they are not complicated. Learn at your own pace. Mentally review what you learned at night and memorize the moves.

5. Mare sure that you and your partner understand all moves from the previous lesson before moving on to the next lesson, including any falls, grasping techniques, holds or take-downs. Spend more time with the difficult techniques. Write them down in a notebook and practice the moves in the air on your own in your spare time.

6. Have frequent review sessions as you progress through your training. Make sure you are performing each technique properly. Finish the course but continue to practice the techniques with your partner as often as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• While training with one partner will help you learn the various Judo techniques, you should consider enrolling in a Judo school or club to practice with a variety of people. It is best to compete against people of different sizes and skill levels. This will help you determine your skill level, compared with other Judo practitioners.

• Be careful when practicing with your partner. Gradually work up to more difficult moves and never go full force on the mat unless you both know what you are doing. Failure to exercise caution can lead to serious injuries.

References

• Gungfu.com Martial Arts: Judo Black Belt Home
• Essortment: Learn Judo Technique
• Flash Mavi: Judo Online Training
• Shintai Ryu Martial Arts Association: Taiki Ryu Judo
• Best Degree Online: Judo Home Study Course

Resources

• Judo Information Site: Judo Training Methods
• Eduslide: Judo Techniques, Throws And Moves: Japanese Martial Arts Training