Jigaro Kano - Founder of Judo
10 December 1860 – 4 May 1938
Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defence or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.
As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls.
Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks (not taught in primary schools), and Judo choking techniques (not taught in primary schools). Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special mats for comfort and safety. There is no striking or kicking involved, hence the translation "gentle way".
As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls.
Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks (not taught in primary schools), and Judo choking techniques (not taught in primary schools). Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special mats for comfort and safety. There is no striking or kicking involved, hence the translation "gentle way".
Judo is unique in that all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled persons can participate together in learning and practising 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. Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as 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. Above all, it develops a sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with the same kind of body.
Being a martial art and Olympic sport, Judo is both a great form of physical and mental education. In addition to the obvious benefits of flexibility, balance, and co-ordination; the core principles of Judo build life skills through self-discipline and teamwork giving a sense of achievement and most importantly building confidence.
Progression is monitored through a structured grading system. Individuals focus on developing their technique as they aim to reach the next benchmark: their sense of achievement is acknowledged by a recognisable series of coloured belts and stripes known as Mons (juniors) Kyu (senior).
Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as 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. Above all, it develops a sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with the same kind of body.
Being a martial art and Olympic sport, Judo is both a great form of physical and mental education. In addition to the obvious benefits of flexibility, balance, and co-ordination; the core principles of Judo build life skills through self-discipline and teamwork giving a sense of achievement and most importantly building confidence.
Progression is monitored through a structured grading system. Individuals focus on developing their technique as they aim to reach the next benchmark: their sense of achievement is acknowledged by a recognisable series of coloured belts and stripes known as Mons (juniors) Kyu (senior).
