Judo
The Gentle Way - Olympic Martial Art
What is Judo?
Judo is an Olympic martial art and combat sport that emphasizes throws, grappling, and ground techniques. Beyond physical skills, judo teaches discipline, respect, and the principle of using an opponent's force against them.
Judo is derived from Jujutsu. It was created by Professor Jigoro Kano who was born in Japan on October 28, 1860. The aim of judo is to utilize physical and mental strength most effectively.
Source: https://judoinfo.com/lessons/
Suitable For
Ages 7 and up
Duration
1 hour per session
Group Size
15-25 participants
Equipment
Mats, gi rental available
Philosophy and Principles
The aim of judo is to utilize physical and mental strength most effectively. The basic principles of judo are easy to grasp and are essential for the person studying the technique of judo.
Core Principles:
- • Maximum Efficiency: Using minimum effort for maximum effect
- • Mutual Welfare and Benefit: Helping each other grow
- • Gentle Way: Using an opponent's force against them
Dojo Etiquette and Culture
Dojo (Practice Hall)
The word Dojo has many meanings, such as exercise hall, practice hall or place of learning the way.
Sensei (Teacher)
The term sensei includes several levels of meaning. In Judo, it represents respect for the instructor and their knowledge.
Bowing (Rei)
One of the very first items of etiquette which the Deshi (student) must learn is when they enter or leave any Dojo, they must perform a Ritsu Rei (standing bow) in and out of the Dojo.
Bowing shows respect for the space, the teacher, and fellow students.
Sitting (Seiza)
When in any Dojo you are to remain seated in the correct Seiza (kneeling seated) unless the Sensei tells you to sit some other way.
Judogi and Belt System
Judogi (Uniform)
Judogi is the formal Japanese name for the traditional uniform used for Judo practice and competition.
Part of the judogi is the belt, which represents your rank and progress.
Belts and Ranks
Achievement in Judo is recognized by a series of ranks. The belt system provides clear progression goals.
Judo Basics - Beginner's Lessons
1. Posture (Shisei)
The ideal posture to freely apply judo throws is an upright natural posture. Shisei is classified in Shizen-tai (natural posture) and Jigo-tai (defensive posture).
2. Footwork (Suri ashi)
Suri ashi (Footwork) used when moving during a contest or Randori. Other basic Judo stepping methods include the Ayumi-ashi (Walking step) and the Tsugi-ashi (Following step).
3. Body Movement (Tai sabaki)
Tai sabaki means changing the position and direction of your body while maintaining a stable posture. The basis of nage waza (throwing techniques) lies in keeping your opponent off balance by executing excellent tai sabaki.
4. Falling Techniques (Ukemi)
Ukemi is a series of techniques that enable you to fall or be thrown down in relative safety, avoiding shock or injury from a violent impact against the mat.
• Mae ukemi - Forward falling
• Yoko ukemi - Sideways falling
• Ushiro ukemi - Backward falling
• Mae mawari ukemi - Forward rolling falling
5. Gripping Techniques (Kumi kata)
The basic grips in judo are taken from natural posture by grasping the lapel of the opponent's jacket with one hand and the sleeve with the other. Proper gripping is essential for executing techniques effectively.
6. Breaking Balance, Entry, and Execution
Kuzushi - In Judo means forcing the opponent into an unbalanced position. This is the first step of any technique.
Tsukuri - The entry and proper fitting of your body into the position taken just before the moment required for completion of your throwing technique.
Kake - The completing movement of your technique. These three elements work together for successful judo techniques.
Major Judo Technique Categories
Throwing Techniques (Nage Waza)
Hand Techniques (Te Waza)
Techniques using primarily hands and arms to throw opponent
Examples: Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw), Tai Otoshi (Body Drop)
Foot Techniques (Ashi Waza)
Techniques using primarily legs and feet to throw opponent
Examples: Osoto Gari (Major Outer Reap), Ouchi Gari (Major Inner Reap)
Hip Techniques (Koshi Waza)
Techniques using primarily hips to throw opponent
Examples: O Goshi (Large Hip Throw), Harai Goshi (Sweeping Hip)
Sacrifice Techniques (Sutemi Waza)
Back Sacrifice (Ma Sutemi Waza)
Techniques where you sacrifice your position by falling backward
Examples: Tomoe Nage (Circle Throw), Sumi Gaeshi (Corner Reversal)
Side Sacrifice (Yoko Sutemi Waza)
Techniques where you sacrifice your position by falling to the side
Examples: Yoko Gake (Side Hook), Uki Waza (Floating Technique)
Grappling Techniques (Katame Waza)
Holding (Osae Komi Waza)
Pinning techniques to control opponent on ground
Examples: Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold), Kami Shiho Gatame
Choking (Shime Waza)
Strangulation techniques using judogi or arms
Examples: Hadaka Jime (Naked Choke), Okuri Eri Jime
Joint Locking (Kansetsu Waza)
Arm lock techniques (primarily elbow locks)
Examples: Juji Gatame (Cross Lock), Ude Garami (Bent Arm Lock)
Traditional judo training and techniques