What is Judo:
Judo is a dynamic combat sport that demands both physical prowess and great mental discipline. Judo originated in Japan as a derivative of the various martial arts developed and used by the samurai and the feudal warrior class over hundreds of years.
Although many of the techniques of judo originated from arts that were designed to hurt, maim, or kill opponents in actual field battle, the techniques of judo were modified so that judo students can practice and apply these techniques safely and without hurting opponents:
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Judo does not involve kicking, punching, or striking techniques of any kind.
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Judo does not involve the application of pressure against the joints to throw an opponent.
Judo involves no equipment or weapons of any sort.
Judo involves two individuals who, by gripping the judo uniform or judogi, use the forces of balance, power, and movement to attempt to subdue each other. Thus, it is simple and basic. In its simplicity, however, lies its complexity, and mastery of even the most basic of judo techniques that often take considerable time, effort, and energy, involving rigorous physical and mental training.
From a standing position, it involves techniques that allow you to lift and throw your opponents onto their backs. On the ground, it includes techniques that allow you to pin your opponents down to the ground, control them, and apply various chokeholds or joint locks until submission.
Benefits of judo:
Judo is a hard and demanding physical activity. The practice of judo techniques helps people develop basic and fundamental physical fitness in a number of ways, such as the development of:
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strength,
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flexibility,
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agility,
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speed,
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dynamic and static balance,
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explosive power, and
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endurance.
The practice of active attack and defence helps develop:
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reaction time,
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coordination, and
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overall physical self-confidence.
Judo students become physically bigger, stronger, and faster through their practice of judo.
Much More to Learn
Beyond the development of physical prowess and athletic ability, judo students learn much more.
They learn how to control their feelings, emotions, and impulses.
They learn about values of perseverance, respect, loyalty, and discipline.
Judo students develop an outstanding work ethic, as well as important social manners and etiquette.
They learn to:
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overcome their fears,
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deal with bulling,
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address intimidation actions
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show courage under pressure.
Through competition and the rigors of daily practice, they learn about justice and fairness.
Through their experience, they learn about politeness, modesty, and many other wonderful values that contribute to their development as successful citizens of society.
As such, judo facilitates the development of important moral knowledge and values, those that are important to help people to become active and contributing members of their communities, nations, and the world. In this way, judo students play an important role in developing societies, and creating new and better communities for the future.