What is Judo?
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-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.
Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal
Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. 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!
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 its spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special mats for comfort and safety.
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. 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. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises.
Is Judo for you?
Yes! Many people practice Judo for many reasons, some come because they want to stay/get in shape, maintain flexibility, relieve stress, play a sport, learn/practice self - defense, meet new people, but most of all everyone comes to have fun. You are never too old or young to start taking Judo, and at Phoenix Judo Club, you can begin at any time. There is always a friendly instructor willing to teach new students. Judo is for all men and women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Some come in and try Judo with us.
Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts, which
recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are
separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified
by colored belts and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular
advancement encourages students to achieve more.
Principles and Goals of Judo
Judo, which is translated as the "gentle way", teach the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the flexible or 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. For example, in Judo classes 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.