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What Is Judo? |
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Judo -
The Gentle Way (ju = gentle; do = way) |
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Judo is a Japanese martial
art, formalized by Dr. Jigoro Kano in February 1882. Dr. Kano refined
the techniques of Judo by modifying techniques from several styles of
Jujutsu (The Gentle Art). Dr. Kano was a very adept student of Ju
Jitsu and did not like the fact that techniques could not be completed
during practice without severely injuring or killing the practice
partner. Dr. Kano sought to remove the most deadly or crippling
techniques and open the art up to children and women as practitioners
while allowing all participants to apply all techniques fully. The
result is a highly effective means of self-defense, as well as a fun
sport. In May 1882, Dr. Kano opened the Kodokan (School for Studying of
the Way) in Tokyo. Even today, the Kodokan is the leading authority in
Judo. |
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Judo is one of only two
martial arts practiced in the Olympics. In fact, it was the first
Martial Art to be included as a Medal sport. The first Olympic games to
include Judo were held in 1964 in Tokyo, Japan. Today, Judo is
practiced all over the world by men, women, girls and boys. |
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Judo techniques consist of
throws, pins which are commonly referred to as hold-downs, chokes and
arm bars rather than kicks and punches. There are striking techniques
in Judo, but they are reserved for Kata (pre-arranged forms), and are
not used in regular practice. |
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Judo is great for people of
all ages. Although strength is advantageous, Judo teaches that proper
skill and timing can make the most elaborate technique possible for
anyone to execute, even against a larger opponent. |
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Judo players (Judoka) wear
uniforms made of cotton. The Judo jacket is made of thick, woven
material to withstand the tugs and pulls of the sport. This is a much
heavier fabric than traditional Karate uniforms. |
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Judo is practiced on various
types of mats for added safety. Usually, these are Tatami mat squares,
placed together to create larger mat areas. Here in the west, mats
typically are composed of foam of varying densities. The practice area
size varies from Judo club to Judo club based on the number of students
and space. However, in Judo competition, the mats must conform to
regulation sizes. |
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This is just a basic
synopsis of Judo. If you would like more information, or if you have a
specific question, please contact us! |
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