Judo is a martial style that was developed in Japan by Dr. Jigoro Kano in the late 1800’s, derived from several different styles of the older martial art, Jujitsu. The name Judo is often translated as “the gentle way” or "the giving way." It is a system that focuses on off-balancing and opponent and redirecting their attacks away from oneself. 

            Judo rarely practices striking attacks as many other martial styles. Instead, it focuses on using an opponents own energy to defeat them using a variety of other techniques (“waza” in Japanese).

            These techniques fall under two main categories:

             Throwing techniques (nage waza): This focuses on off-balancing an opponent and throwing them to the ground, or away from oneself, using various parts of the body. This includes the hands (te waza), hips (goshi waza), and the feet (ashi waza).

             Grappling techniques (katame waza): This area of Judo focuses on subduing an opponent once they are on the ground. Among the techniques are pinning/holding (osaekomi waza), choke holds (shime waza), and joint locks (kansetsu waza). These last two techniques are not taught to children until they reach the age of thirteen or older.

            The first thing new students learn is how to land safely. Front, back, and side falls are introduced to new students immediately. The importance of how to land safely cannot be underemphasized. Not only is this a useful skill in everyday life, it allows you to safely land from the throwing techniques that are taught in Judo.

          
            Judo became an Olympic medal competition sport for men in 1964. Women's Judo was added to the Olympic medal competition roster in 1992.

             If you have more questions regarding Judo, please contact us or stop our school during one of our classes.

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