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Judo is a fantastic and
dynamic combat sport that demands both physical prowess and great mental
discipline. 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 choke holds or joint locks until submission.
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.
The word judo consists of two Japanese
characters, ju, which means "gentle", and do, which means "the
way". Judo, therefore, literally means the way of gentleness. Although
the gentleness may not be immediately apparent to newcomers who see bodies
flying through the air and people pinned to the ground. The techniques of judo
are based on giving in rather than fighting back. It is this principle of
gentleness, or yawara (which is the same character as the ju in judo), on
which all judo techniques are based.
Judo is much more than the mere learning
and application of combat techniques, however. In its totality, it is a
wonderful system of physical, intellectual, and moral education. The
principles of gentleness are carried from the practice mats and into most
students' lives, in their interactions with their friends, family, work
colleagues, and even strangers. Judo gives its students a code of ethics, a
way of living, and a way of being. Millions have discovered the spectacular
enriching sport, and way of life, we know of as judo.
Judo is a rigorous 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
strength, flexibility, agility, speed, dynamic and static balance, explosive
power, and endurance. The practice of active attack and defence helps develop
reaction time, coordination, and overall physical self-confidence. Judo
students become physically bigger, stronger, and faster through their practice
of judo.
Not only does judo produce great gains in
overall physical and athletic ability ; judo students learn the specific
skills and techniques of judo. They learn a variety of techniques in order to
throw their opponents to the ground with force, speed, and control. But 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 overcome their fears, and to 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.
Judo
students also learn valuable social skills, and build long-lasting and
meaningful relationships with others. Regardless of the towns you visit,
in your home country or elsewhere, there is bound to be a judo club, or dojo,
where you will be welcomed. Judo is not only a physical activity; it is an
international language that transcends national borders, cultural barriers, and
language difficulties. In this way, judo links up peoples, communities, and
countries. It performs an important role not only in our individual lives, but
also in the future welfare of our societies in today's interdependent.
Classes
take place inside the dojo and some times outside in summer. The Dojo (Training
hall) resembles a traditional Okinawan dojo with the wooden floors to minimise
the impact on the body. Classes have been designed to suit the needs of specific
age groups. As well as specific benefits there are also general benefits that
all students should experience, these are:
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