Saturday, April 30, 2011

Judo - The Gentle Way


Judo is a martial art which symbolizes different things to people. The truth is its an art form, it's a highly disciplined sport, its interesting and energetic, something to do, a great self defense and a path in life. You may hear that it means a lot of other things but basically the word judo means the above and more.

Judo has been molded and refined from the fighting art jujutsu. Jujutsu is an ancient art dating far back in history and is one of the oldest fighting arts. Judo dates as far back as 1882 and originates from the Japanese feudal fighting system.

A lot of people just practice judo for the enjoyment of it, but it also helps people stay fit, learn a good form of self defense, become adept in competitions and quite a few other things, although many start off doing this fighting style just for fun it can soon become an obsession and passion. Judo is practiced by millions of people in the world and was made popular when brought to the Olympic games in 1964.

The students involved with judo are looking to refine there abilities. Judo has similarities to other fighting arts and there are rules made for this martial art in competition to ensure safety to the participants. Competitions levels are practiced and enjoyed which vary from club meets to national tournaments and then the highest level of all the Olympic games.

What some people don't know is that Judo isn't just about the throws its also about ground grappling, getting control on holds, arm locks, leg locks and some choking moves even, although judo is most well known for its amazing throw moves. Taken from the grapplers stand point this art teaches all areas of self defense.

Judo doesn't cost that much to take up, another good point about it is anyone can take it up male or female and even some disabled people participate in it, taught all through the year it has a high level of appeal for many people. Older people can and do also take up the sport.

There are a few positive reasons to take up judo, it increases the students self confidence, ability to lead, respect, discipline,strength, physical abilities and flexibility. There are different levels of judo these days, from ranks for kids, adults and seniors. This martial art has refined itself over the years going from a fighting skill to something practiced in high level competitions.

Judo actually means "gentle way" and its great for self defense as well as competition. The way that this ancient art differs from other martial arts is it utilizes the best of grappling with great throws that need little strength or power to use, its more about how you angle your body and put it in certain positions. This is a fantastic martial art and anyone can have fun with it.


      By Dean K Michaels

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3684212

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