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

Who Else Want to Know About Versatile and Effective Judo Techniques

Judo techniques can be divided into one of three categories. These categories are: nage-waza, katame-waza, and atemi-waza. The striking Judo techniques of judo, atemi-waza, are not legal maneuvers in judo competition. Atemi-waza, are performed generally in kata, which is the practice forms of Judo techniques.

Nage-Waza

Nage-waza can be divided into 2 sub-categories, tachi-waza and sutemi-waza.

The Judo techniques of tachi-waza are performed while standing and can be devided into one of three categories: te-waza, koshi-waza, and ashi-waza. The basic part of his body that tori (the thrower) usesapplies to throw uke (the one being thrown) check what heading a particular tachi-waza technique will fall under.

The techniques of sutemi-waza involveneed tori dropping to the mat and using his downward momentum to help throw uke.

There are two types of sutemi-waza: ma-sutemi-waza and yoko-sutemi-waza. The former involves tori falling to his back to perform the throw. In the latter, tori falls to his side in order to throw uke.

Katame-Waza

It techniques of katame-waza are usually employed when both competitors have come down to the mat but there are a few katame-waza Judo techniques that can be applied while standing. Katame-waza includes three common types of Judo techniques: osae-komi-waza, shime-waza (choke/stangle holds), and kansetsu-waza.

Atemi-Waza

The striking that are never practiced outside of kata as forceful or imperfect technique could lead to serious injuries or death. Atemi-waza are classified as either ude-waza (arm strikes) or ashi-ate (leg strikes).

Randori (sparring)

Judo highlights is a free-style sparring, known as one of its main forms of training randori. In Part of the tournament, time is passed on sparring to standing up, called tachi-waza, and the other on the ground, called ne-waza. Sparring, even subject to safety standards, is even much more effective that practically only the practice of techniques of Judo by its account, that is what they were used for jujutsuka. Using full strength build up the muscles and cardio-vascular system on the physical side of things, and it develops strategy and response time on the mental side of things, and helps the practitioner learns to use the Judo techniques hold out an opponent. "It is widely popular said that judoka is "better training for the judo is judo."

Kata (The Practice of Forms)

Kata (practice forms) are predetermined movements which are used for instruction in methods of defense and attack. It also Includes the Judo techniques of Kata like, nage-waza, and katame-waza Atemi-waza. Atemi-waza are practiced in kata because both Tori and uke know who can do maneuvers and react appropriately.

       By Rhadi B Ferguson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2815743

Judo - General Background

History:

Professor Jiguro Kano, the founder of Judo, graduated from the Imperial University of Tokyo, Japan, in 1881. He attended several Ju-jitsu schools, seeking to develop a system of physical exercise. He adopted the best principles of each ju-jitsu system and called it Judo. Literally translated, it means "gentle way". Kano's interpretation, however, was "maximum efficiency".

It is worth bearing in mind that Kano did not create Judo to be a public competition sport, and he felt strongly that it was a personal art to train the body and the mind. He insisted that its mastery required and appreciation of the inherent philosophy that supports all aspects of Judo. With this in mind, it is interesting to know the oath that all Judo students at the Kodukan dojo (the name given by Kano to his dojo) must make on admission: "Once I have entered the Kodukan dojo, I will not end my study without reasonable cause; I will not dishonour the dojo; unless I am given permission, I will not disclose the secrets that I have been taught; unless I am given permission, I will not teach Judo; pupil first, teacher second, I will always follow the rules of the dojo."

Competition:

Judo today is one of the most wide-spread martial arts in the world, with reputedly more than 8 million students. Practitioners are referred to as judoka and competitions (Shiai) are conducted under the supervision of a referee and a judge. Contests and training take place in the judojo (hall). Free-style combat in Judo is known as randori; the submitting opponent is known as the uke, and the winning partner is referred to as the tori in Judo.

More than just a sport:

Judo is not purely about physical skill. Its aim is to teach good attitude and behaviour and to instill a sense of decorum in its judoka: best summed up in 2 terms used to describe the mental attitude expected from a judoka: hontai, demonstrating the state of permanent alertness and bonno, demonstrating a disciplined mind, serene and calm, controlling the body and being able to react to any situation.

      By Thanaseelan Vengadasalam

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/533536

Judo Gripping and Wrestling for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competition

BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) competitors' stand-up skills remain the single biggest and most common weakness observable within the tournament realm. This article seeks to provide some essential fundamentals and a basic strategy for BJJ players embarking on the competition arena. When viewing this article, please consider this is written with the context that BJJ players typically do one of two things within the stand-up zone of competition:

1) Pull Guard, often the moment they perceive any danger.

2) Rush a double leg, where they either achieve the take down or fail and pull guard.

Free Range Movement

Prior to grips being established, the number one priority is to remain in a low, wrestling based stance. The square stance, often favoured for its defensive qualities remains akin to a boxer standing square in that both sides remain open to attack. Given that many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners lack significant stand-up skills, it is recommended that you minimise the chance of a lucky double leg shot by advancing one leg (the lead leg) into a staggered stance and limiting the sides of attack by 50%. It is highly unlikely that you will concede a takedown on the blind side. The lead arm should be placed low, protecting the lead leg and the lead arm can quickly be converted to a cross face should your opponent attempt to force a double or single leg attack.

Ideally, you should continue to move laterally as you attempt to establish your lead grip. This will further decrease the likelihood and effectiveness of any takedowns - its harder to hit a moving target.

Establishing Your Grip (regardless of Left vs Left, Right vs Right, Left vs Right)

You are now established in the free range, moving laterally in a strong wrestling base. Regardless of the relative position (i.e. left, right, etc, stance relative to your opponent), the next key step is to control your opponents lead arm, and this is preferably achieved by gripping his lead arm with your own rear arm.

Why the rear arm?

Quite simply, you risk them shooting the double underneath your lead arm or your lead arm being controlled by his lead arm. WHEN ESTABLISHING YOUR GRIP, EVERYTHING IS ABOUT LEAD ARM CONTROL. Therefore reaching with the rear arm is lower risk, (akin in boxing to leading with the jab). Those who have experience in alive striking arts will be able to make some sense of gripping skills by reversing the notions of lead and rear arm theories (the leading arm or jabbing arm in boxing is akin to the reverse arm in Judo and vice-versa).

Once the opponent's lead arm is controlled with your rear arm, it will be extremely difficult for your opponent to initiate any significant attacks. Your next move depends upon whether you wish to:

1) CONTINUE FIGHTING IN THE STAND-UP POSITION

2) PULL GUARD

1) FIGHTING IN THE STAND-UP POSITION

Further control can then be achieved by either establishing a second grip on his lead arm with your lead arm, or by gripping the front shoulder in front of your lead arm (your left arm would grip his right shoulder or vice versa).

The former will now allow you to circle to the outside of the controlled arm, from which back-takes, double and single legs, tani-otoshi's, amongst other techniques are all possible. The latter will give you sufficient control over your opponent on which to launch successful takedown attempts whilst minimising the opportunities of your opponent to the negligible or throws should you have experience within Judo.

2) PULL GUARD

Any spectator at a BJJ competition will quickly witness practitioners pulling guard with little or zero control other their opponents. Once we have established lead arm control over your opponent using your own rear arm, the lead arm should then grip the elbow. With regular Judo practice, a grip on the elbow should involve the gripping hand flexing and then twisting; like turning a screw. With either a two-one-one grip or "arm drag grip" established, you are now in a position to safely pull guard. Dependent upon stance, you should now be threatening either an arm drag or arm bar, with a host of potential options dependent upon your opponents reactions.

      By Glyn Powditch

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/892324

Advice For Judo Street Fighters

There are some that see Judo as merely a sport.

With no real emphasis on strikes, it is seen as impractical for the streets. My personal opinion is that every art has something to offer.

The stand up grappling that is learned in Judo is very practical. Throws are quick, strong and can successfully defend oneself if needed. Also the strength that is built through Judo training is second to none. Critics of Judomay have valid points though, that should be considered by every Judoka.

Firstly, the point that strikes need to be learnned. Just basic strikes, and defending strikes. By learning these, Judoka will be more confident when striking and when getting struck.

Secondly, the fact that a Judo suit will not always be worn.

Nearly all Judo fighters pull there opponents very strong suit sleeve, or lapel when throwing. Practice throwswhile holding the arm instead of the sleeve, to help get used to it so as if a throw has to be performed on someone without strong clothing, there will be no problem.

Lastly and probably the most important is the landing after the throw.

In Judo and nearly all grappling competitions, when a throw or take down is carried out, the person doing it nearly always follows there opponent to the floor, and this is mainly because they loose there balance or follow through towards the floor to fully bring there opponent down. In a street fight if you are on the floor, chances are the person you are fighting shall have his friends stomping on your body or head.

Practice your throws with one thought in mind,to not fall to the floor. This is not always possible but it should always be aim. This way hopefully you will not find yourself in an awkward and dangerous situation.

      by:  Markos Markou

Article source: http://www.articleslash.net/Recreation-and-Sports/Martial-Arts/266812__Advice-For-Judo-Street-Fighters.html

Why Every Cop Should Study Judo Part 1

Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art.

Then with the introduction of the more mysterious martial arts with more of a “killing” edge to them this coupled with the focus of the USJF/USJI (the leading Judo organizations in the US and the world) focus on Olympic competition and the simple fact that training in judo is painful and to this day, very difficult to get a black belt rank in it, especially if you are in a competitive area. I could probably write another 5 pages on this, but I will stay on point.

During these years EVERY major metropolitan Police Department had a Judo club. Even countries like Thailand taught Judo to there police force, NOT Muay Thai. I personally train a number of law enforcement officers and I have seen the results first hand. So why is Judo the martial art for law enforcement?

The primary purpose of non-lethal force with law enforcement is to get your target to comply. What is the most realistic way of getting someone to do something you don’t want to with out seriously damaging them? How can you get someone from their feet to the ground as quickly as possible? How do you know what its going to be like for real? The answer is JUDO.

First off, when most people “resist” arrest, it’s an ego thing. They are looking to be restrain, or they don’t want to look like a punk and go quietly. The advantage the cop has is that the suspect knows that the officer is not trying to kill him or her. I realize this is a disadvantage in some situations, but that’s what the stuff @ www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com is for.

First, the object of judo is to throw the opponent from his feet to his back. Think about the majority of the altercations policemen get in, most of the time the skel is just kind of testing the officer. Once the suspect feels that the officer is going to be a tough customer, he’ll comply. Nothing drives this point home better than taking someone from their feet to their ass with one shot. Usually, when the guy is on the ground, he’ll take his medicine, since he knows the cop really isn’t going to kill him, a lot of time, that’s all it takes. Plus, to witnesses, it just looks like you pushed or pulled him over; mean while, they hit the deck HARD. Just ask my friend who threw guys one night with sasae tsuri komi ashi (lifting, pulling, ankle throw). These guys were fighting each other, and the guys on the scene had to get them to stop. So, he got in the fray and tossed ‘em all. Well, I guess they felt that getting up and fighting again wasn’t that much of a priority.

A popular argument is that most fights go to the ground. This may be true, but most people don’t know what they are doing. Most people don’t study judo.

One of the primary components of judo is being able to stay on your feet. You develop this skill as a by-product of the training. Just gaining the ability to stay on your feet is worth the price of admission. Especially when you are in a ‘scrum’ maintaining your balance is a primary concern.

The fact is, there is not better way to practice imposing your will on someone who is non compliant. Nothing gives you greater confidence than throwing a man that has 100 pounds on you. Nothing. Especially when that guy doesn’t want to be thrown.

Another important component is the pinning and submissions of judo. To secure a full point in judo you need to hold him on his back for 25 seconds. Being able to hold a man down until the cavalry arrives will save your life. Plus, while this guy struggles, you are just squeezing the life out of him. Trust me, when it comes time for you to put the cuffs on him, he’ll be as compliant as a wet noodle.

Strangles and arm-bars, yep, Judo has them too. If you have to put someone “out of commission” and you really want to know how to strangle someone who doesn’t want to be strangled, you’ve come to the right place. When they wake up, you will have them cuffed and ready to go. (Uh-oh, the choke hold alarm! Hey, I am not talking about liability; I am just trying to save your life).

Lastly the overall toughening and body conditioning is second to none. If you can “randori” for 30 minutes, non- stop – you’re in really good shape. So why aren’t some many people, knocking down the doors of everyJudo club. Because it’s hard work and it hurts. There’s no junior black belt, student of the month. Your gi is white and the work is hard. No secrets, just hard work.

The irony and the tragedy: the guys who train with me are only a few. Most of the guys interested in this type oftraining are SWAT or tactical guys. Unfortunately, these guys are the least likely to get in a roll around. That’s the irony. The tragedy is the guys who are most likely to need good hand to hand fighting skills are the patrolmen doing car stops, domestic violence; and all of the first response details. By the time the SWAT shows up, the situation is intense and the reality of a hand to hand confrontation is highly unlikely if not damned near impossible.

       by:  Damian Ross

Article source: http://www.articleslash.net/Recreation-and-Sports/Martial-Arts/66660__Why-Every-Cop-Should-Study-Judo-Part-1.html

Judo Nagewaza (Throwing Technique) In The Street

How practical are throwing techniques (nagewaza) for self-defense or street-fighting? NOT VERY!

The Japanese themselves have a saying, “One year for newaza (ground technique), TEN YEARS for nagewaza (Throwing technique)".

takes ten times as long to become proficient at throwing than it does at ground fighting.

Trying to throw a fully resisting, fighting adversary and pulling off a “clean" throw is VERY, VERY DIFFICULT.

People will INSTINCTIVELY grab, seize, claw and otherwise do all sorts of “spoiling" maneuvers when one attempts to execute a “throw".

In all of the fights I have seen, I can recall ONLY three instances where one guy was able to pull off a clean solid throw. And this person was practicing Judo on an almost DAILY basis.

I've seen throws used in other situations but quite honestly they got the person into MORE TROUBLE than it was worth.

I will cite three classic examples of what it takes to become “skilled" enough to even attempt Nagewaza in a realstreet fight.

1. Masahiko ‘Judo" Kimura TRAINED upwards of NINE hours a DAY! He did thousands of repetitions of Uchikomi (fitting in) to develop just a COUPLE of reliable Nagewaza (Seoi Nage (Should throw) & O Soto Gari (Big leg reap)). Reading Kimura's biography you will note that in his street fights and “vale tudo" matches as well, when he faced skilled boxers his reliance on Nage was still an “iffy" proposition.

Make no mistake..

KIMURA WAS AN ANIMAL!

2. Famed Judo legend Yamashita (explained at his recent seminar that it took THOUSANDS of repetitions of uchikomi AND the brutal three man drills to BEGIN to develop the skill to effectively employ throwing techniques.

3. And last but certainly not least is Yonezuka who ADVOCATES the use of ASHIBARAI (foot sweep) without GRABBING as the BEST overall and SAFEST (for you) method of slamming someone on their ass.

The other thing that pisses me off is the idea that JUJUTSU throws are somehow BETTER than JUDO throws for real combat. BULLSHIT. The only REAL difference between Judo and Jujutsu nagewaza is generally the manner of seizing the opponent. HOWEVER, a judoka can do this just as EASILY. But moreover, JUDO nage are PROVEN to be effective in REAL ADVERSARIAL COMPETITIONS. Sure you can talk about the old Jujutsu styles employing joint locks and strangleholds in conjunction with throwing BUT again, JUDO methods have been evolving in a far MORE real arena.

I have NEVER seen a Jujutsuka “pull off" any NAGEWAZA against even neophyte JUDOKAS or WRESTLERS! EVER.

And in a REAL street fight some of the NONSENSE that these people banter on about concerning the “COMBAT" application of these throws will get you F%^&&G KILLED!

The nonsense they preach on about SOUNDS “cool" but will FAIL in the REAL unscripted world.

Almost ANY attempt at REALLY slamming someone will invariably find BOTH of you on the ground. Hopefully, but CERTAINLY NOT ALWAYS, with you on top, then the fight goes ON. Against more than ONE opponent you HAVE BIG PROBLEMS!

Also consider the TACTICAL problems with KNOWINGLY turning your BACK into an ENEMY! And ANY one-legged type throw, i.e., Hane-goshi (Hip spring throw)/Harai-goshi (Loin throw)/O guruma (Big Outer Wheel) /Uchimata (Inner Thigh Throw) will INSURE that you BOTH hit the DECK.

The BEST methods I have seen and practiced for actually USING throwing techniques in self-protection came from Bruce Tegner. His concept of seizing the upper arms or shoulders with both hands and then GOING TO WORK on the opponents legs with a BARRAGE of LOW HARD KICKS and THEN executing a throw is the ONLY approach that seems to have validity and is viable. AND that approach is what REAL kuzushi is all about.

Another topic loaded with BULLSHIT. KUZUSHI is NOT a subtle maneuvering to “break balance" in THE REAL WORLD nor is it evident in almost ANY real Randori or Shiai. MORE esoteric fantasy crap. If I want to “break your balance" I'll do it by KNOCKING THE S$%T out of you!

Lastly, DON'T believe the BULLSHIT about Judo throws “being SAFE" for the opponent. HORSES#$T! With SUFFICIENT practice you can “land" a guy on his HEAD, NECK or shoulder.

What makes Judo throws SEEM safe is the practice of UKEMI, the use of TATAMI and the LACK of intent in F!@#$%G up your training partner.

Check out Koizumi's book on throws. He explains very well how a Dojo “safe" throw can be executed on the STREET with devastating results by a simple change in the direction of the “pull" done by the hands and wrists.

Instead of “heaving" your man over and directing him INTO a breakfall, you JUST pull STRAIGHT down and DRIVE him head first into the ground.

The DOERS KNOW the difference between real and chickenshit. The pontificators present ONLY a “shell" that has NO REAL SUBSTANCE, just “warrior fantasy appeal".

       by:  Carl Cestari

Article source: http://www.articleslash.net/Recreation-and-Sports/Martial-Arts/66982__Judo-Nagewaza-Throwing-Technique-In-The-Street.html