What is Judo?

Judo - the gentle way - is a Japanese martial art combining throwing, grappling, and striking techniques. It was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Proper technique in Judo relies on maintaining leverage, flexibility, and timing over brute strength. Judo can be practiced by any age group or gender, and is an inexpensive activity that appeals to people from all walks of life.

Judo helps develop self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. It aids in learning self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, balance, and flexibility. It develops quick reactions through muscle memory and repetition of techniques. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises.

About the Founder

Kano Sensei was the youngest of three boys, and grew up in Japan as the runt of the family. Becoming fed up with being bullied around, Kano started his jujitsu career at the age of 17, and unfuliflled with the strictly self-defense theory of the art, developed judo - not only an art and science, but also a way of life. Kano died on May 4, 1938, from pneumonia.

Advantages of Judo Training

The physical skills acquired through martial arts training are obvious in the execution of the techniques. They encourage the development of a healthy body as you build stamina, power, speed, strength, and flexibility. The mental development is apparent in improved attention span, concentration, self-confidence, and self-discipline.

Develops all parts of the body and trains you to anticipate and avoid confrontations. Builds confidence in a violent society.

Complete and adequate use of all muscle groups for tuning up your entire body.

Develops a competitive spirit by encouraging randori (sparring), testing, and tournaments to aid progress and perfection of techniques.