What is
Judo?
 Judo is a sport that can be undertaken at any
age. Its a sport, can be practiced as
an art, a social activity, for fitness, a competitive
sport, used for self defence and a way of life. Judo is
all of these
things.
Judo was
established in 1882
in Japan by Dr. Jigoro Kano. It was derived
from a range of martial arts predominat in Japan at that
time, the most influential of which was Jujitsu.
Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education,
Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated
what he considered to be the best of their
techniques into what is now the modern sport of
Judo.
Judo is
practiced by millions of people throughout the world
today. Judo made it debut as an Olympic Sport for men in 1964
and in 1988 for women. People practice Judo to excel in
competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for
many other reasons. But most of all, people do Judo just for the
fun of it.
Judo is
Fun!
 Judo is
played according to a set of rules and these rules
are adopted world-wide. These rules ensure that
Judo is a safe sport. Judo offers the opportunity
for competition at all skill levels, beit club, national to international tournaments. Judo
is one of two martial arts held
at the Olympic Games and the only martial
art at the Commonwealth Games. There are
separate weight divisions for men and women, and
boys and girls.
Judo is a fantastic and
dynamic combat sport that demands both physical
prowess and great mental discipline.
It involves
techniques that allow you to lift and throw your
opponent onto their back.
On the ground
judo includes techniques that allow you to pin your
opponent down to the ground and control
them.
Judo is unique in that all age groups, both
sexes, and most disabled persons can participate together in
learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive,
year-round activity, that appeals to people from all walks of
life. Many people over sixty years of age enjoy the sport, as well
as very young boys and girls.
Judo develops self-discipline
and respect for oneself and others. It promotes learning self-confidence, concentration, physical
coordination, power, and flexibility. As a sport that has evolved
from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, fine
balance, and fast reflexive action.
The Judo Grading
System
|
Kyu Grades
(Mudansha - do not hold a black
belt) |
|
|
Rokyu |
6th Kyu
Grade |
White
Belt |
|
|
Gokyu |
5th Kyu
Grade |
Yellow
Belt |
|
|
Yonkyu |
4th Kyu
Grade |
Orange
Belt |
|
|
Sankyu |
3rd Kyu
Grade |
Green
Belt |
|
|
Nikyu |
2nd Kyu
Grade |
Blue
Belt |
|
|
Ikkyu |
1st Kyu Grade |
Brown
Belt |
|
Dan Grades
(Yudansha - hold a black belt) |
|
|
Shodan |
1st Dan
Grade |
Black
Belt |
|
|
Nidan |
2nd Dan
Grade |
Black
Belt |
|
|
Sandan |
3rd Dan
Grade |
Black
Belt |
|
|
Yondan |
4th Dan
Grade |
Black
Belt |
|
|
Godan |
5th Dan
Grade |
Black
Belt |
|
|
|
Rokudan |
6th Dan
Grade |
Red & White
Belt |
|
|
|
Shichidan |
7th Dan
Grade |
Red & White
Belt |
|
|
|
Hachidan |
8th Dan
Grade |
Red & White
Belt |
|
|
Kudan |
9th Dan
Grade |
Red Belt |
|
|
Judan |
10th Dan
Grade |
Red
Belt |
Judo has a grading
system that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and
leadership. There are separate grades for juniors categories (under 10, under 14
and under 17). Judo ranks are identified by colored belts, and
ten grades black belts (ony seniors can hold a black
belt grade).
Principles
and Goals of Judo
 Judo,
which is translated as the "gentle way", teaches the principle
of flexibility in the application of technique. This is
the efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the
performance of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique
and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the
essential ingredients for success in Judo. In Judo you may learn
how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger
opponent.
The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum
Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used
in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo
is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always
striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of
value to the world.
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