Saturday, April 16, 2011

Japanese Judo Techniques

Martial arts is a system that has been in practice since very long. This system of physical art was basically introduced in Asia as a self defense technique. But Judo is much more than this. It is a refined system of ancient martial art and is considered to be a way of life. It is more commonly practiced in Japan in a more intensive and a pure form. Initially in its development processes it was considered more as a sport which later transformed into a self defense program. It is often said that Judo was developed and designed in beneficially for the Japanese in wellness of their character and physical fitness. This makes it much clear that this art system was developed in Japan.
Judo is a unique kind of martial arts that has in its syllabus no method of kicking and punching and yet making it a reliable and self defense art. Hence it is called a gentle art . It has two main principles, ‘Maximum efficiency’ and ‘Mutual welfare and Benefit’. Strangles, throws and joint locks are the key techniques of Judo. This combat sport does not contain lethal and damaging moves as it is mainly a sport and a self defence program. It mainly focuses on grappling which includes handling and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking. Judo also uses the pinning techniques. Judo is not a martial art where direct action is used against the opponent but is a gentle form of defeating one’s opponent by tricking him with his own tactics. Hence the reason Judo , in one way teaches mental awareness and calm.
In learning and practicing, a Judo player is recognized as a ‘Judoka’ while the uniform he wears is the ‘Judogi’. The teacher having qualified above the 4th dan and imparting Judo lessons and techniques is respectably known as ‘Sensei’. Detailing the student with the techniques and helping the student understand the real objective is the major job for the teacher. Judogi, generally meaning judo uniform is a white colored uniform, which appears in recent times in a renewed form. Every student and practitioner of Judo has to follow a strict set of rules to ensure safety and to keep up to the sport spirit.

Judo uses simple and effective, gentle techniques like throwing, grappling, body striking, blocks etc. which are subdivided further. There are also the different forms (Kata) out of which ‘Randori’ (free style sparring) is given a major emphasis. Standing and ground phases form the two phases of Combat. This is the essential part of Combat in Judo. In Judo different styles are practiced in different parts of the world, among which ‘Kodokan Judo’ is well known and most popular than any other style in this form of Martial art. Though this form is an effective way of self defense, dedication and intense training are at the basic levels in order to qualify for defending oneself.

Belt is an important symbol for ranking a Judo learner or practitioner. The belt color depends upon the qualification of the student in Judo. The colors differ from Junior to Senior differently in different countries. Of the colors used White is usually the first in Judo and changes succeedingly to yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and finally black.

With its gentle techniques, this fully featured martial art has developed as a popular sport. It is also made an event in the Olympics. It is practically a safe sport and can be practiced by youth un harming themselves. Like any other Martial arts it teaches self discipline, control over one’s self and improved mental ability. A saying is mostly recited among the Judo players which goes like this; “the best training for Judo is Judo”, which seems to be utterly genuine and true.

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