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| About Judo |
Is Judo a sport or a martial art?
Judo is both a popular sport and the most widely practised martial art in the world.
To many people judo is a study of Japanese culture, a sport, a discipline, and a way
of self-defence.
Judo is both a popular sport and the most widely practised martial art in the world.
To many people judo is a study of Japanese culture, a sport, a discipline, and a way
of self-defence.
Judo is a form of the Japanese combat Jujitsu,
this was essential to a warriors survival in battle.
The founder of judo Jigoro Kano was born in
1860 and studied the traditional styles of jujitsu in
his younger years.
While learning other forms of jujitsu he became
devoted to teaching, and preserving the older,
traditional ways of fighting.
this was essential to a warriors survival in battle.
The founder of judo Jigoro Kano was born in
1860 and studied the traditional styles of jujitsu in
his younger years.
While learning other forms of jujitsu he became
devoted to teaching, and preserving the older,
traditional ways of fighting.
| Statue of Jigoro Kano in front of the Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan |
Certain techniques were in danger of disappearing as these were no longer needed
by the warrior class.
So to retain much of the traditional Japanese culture and dangerous combat
methods in judo, such as various strikes and defenses against weapons, he
encouraged a practised called Kata (formal techniques).
Even though Kano was concerned about the loss of tradition during Japanese
modernisation, he made many changes. In 1882 he founded the Kodakan as the
original school of judo - the first modern Japanese martial art.
For participants safety, dangerous judo moves were identified and restricted to Kata
practice only, which helped Kano improve the development of randori (free
practice) physical skills in a safe combat spirit through Shiai (contest/ competition).
This led on to Kano creating the first annual Red and White tournament at the
Kodakan in 1884.
by the warrior class.
So to retain much of the traditional Japanese culture and dangerous combat
methods in judo, such as various strikes and defenses against weapons, he
encouraged a practised called Kata (formal techniques).
Even though Kano was concerned about the loss of tradition during Japanese
modernisation, he made many changes. In 1882 he founded the Kodakan as the
original school of judo - the first modern Japanese martial art.
For participants safety, dangerous judo moves were identified and restricted to Kata
practice only, which helped Kano improve the development of randori (free
practice) physical skills in a safe combat spirit through Shiai (contest/ competition).
This led on to Kano creating the first annual Red and White tournament at the
Kodakan in 1884.
Jigoro Kano Demonstrating Uki Goshi
Kuzushi - Breaking the balance
This is a fundamental part of learning judo, with out this and the knowledge of your
opponents gravity you are very unlikely to complete a throw, let alone achieve a
high score in a competitive contest
There are three primary ways of applying kuzushi :
This is a fundamental part of learning judo, with out this and the knowledge of your
opponents gravity you are very unlikely to complete a throw, let alone achieve a
high score in a competitive contest
There are three primary ways of applying kuzushi :
- Your action - e.g. Puling or pushing as you enter for a throw
- Provoke your opponents action- e.g. A fake attack or a combination attack
- Direct action from your opponents - e.g. A counter throw
Top tips for randori-
- There is no score or winner in randori, so get rid of thoughts of victory or defeat.
- Focus on attacking freely without regard for being thrown.
- Keep a relaxed and natural posture to retain free movement of your body and mind.
- Keep your arms loose.
- Keep your head up and centered over your hips.
- Follow through with each technique; do not get in the habit of going in half way.
- Seek out training partners better than you.
- Rely on skill and timing, not strength.
- Control your breathing.
- ALWAYS face your opponent.
- learn to feel your partners intentions and anticipate attacks.
- Focus on Kuzushi.
- Help your partner to learn while you perfect your technique.
- Keep your elbows close to your body where they are most powerful and least vulnerable.
- Act now ; analyze later.