How to Learn Judo
For many people who want to learn a self-defense system, judo ranks high in the list of options. Judo is popular because of its simplicity and effectiveness as a fighting style. If you want to learn the basics of judo, here are ways to get you started on one of the most effective and renowned fighting systems in the world.
What is Judo?
In Japanese, the word “judo” means “the gentle way.” Judo originated from the grappling and neutralizing techniques developed over centuries by samurai, through a fighting system and philosophy called jujitsu. Modern judo was developed at the turn of the 20th century by the Japanese teacher Jigoro Kano, who developed judo as a fighting system that emphasizes free practice and the efficient use of motion. Over the years, many techniques and maneuvers were integrated into judo. Today, millions of people practice judo as a competitive sport, or as a self-defense technique.
Principles of Judo
Like any martial art, judo has principles that form a great part of its fighting philosophy. Here are some principles of judo that you should know about:
judo
Randori, or free practice, is emphasized in judo. Unlike other martial arts, students of judo are encouraged to learn and develop techniques based on real-fight situations.
Leverage. Mastery in judo does not rely on speed and physical strength, but the ability of a judoka to redirect the force and momentum of an attack against the attacker. Redirecting force is accomplished by using the energy of the opponent against him or her with throws, locks, and mounts.
Efficient, effective movement. Fancy, acrobatic movements are not present in judo. Instead, the martial art emphasizes very little wasted movement. All the techniques and maneuvers in judo rely on leverage, redirecting force, and neutralizing the opponent in the quickest, most efficient way possible.
Judo Techniques
Judo has a very wide and diverse set of techniques and methods to pin down or neutralize an opponent. Here are the three groups of techniques used in judo:
Throws, takedowns, and reversals use the momentum and power of an opponent to the judoka’s advantage. The key to a good throw, takedown, or reversal is to be at the best position to neutralize the opponent. Some of the more popular throw and takedown moves in judo include the kataguruma (shoulder wheel), the tate-shisho gatame (horizontal four-quarters pin), and the uranage (rear throw, or front-throw counter).
Submissions are used to neutralize the opponent. In competitive judo, points or wins are scored depending on how the lock or choke is executed depending on the position of the judoka, and if he or she forces the opponent to submit. When used as a self-defense technique, many locks and chokes can cause serious injury or unconsciousness within seconds. Some of the most well-recognized submissions in judo include the hadaka-jime (rear naked choke), the sansaku-jime (triangle choke/figure-four stranglehold), and the ude-garami (reverse keylock/Kimura submission).
Strikes are used in judo to set up an opponent for a throw or a submission. Striking techniques are not allowed in judo competition, but they can be useful in self-defense situations. Many judoka incorporate other fighting styles into their repertoire if they want to compete in mixed martial arts.
Dojos and Training Programs
Judo is very popular, and many judo experts have opened up many schools and dojos to teach the basics of judo to students. Judo is often taught to children, although many adults and elderly have enrolled in judo lessons for them to learn a new martial art, or to defend themselves against attackers. Judo ranks are indicated by belt colors, with ju-kyu (white belt) being the lowest, and ju-dan (tenth-degree black belt) being the highest. Skill and dedication are required reach a high-ranking belt and master the styles of judo.
If you want to learn a new fighting style, judo is a great place to start. With the gentle way, you’re sure to win competitions, and keep yourself safe even in the most dangerous situations.