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What is Judo?
Judo is many things to
different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or
social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defence or combat, and a
way of life. Judo is best known for its spectacular throws but many other techniques
are involved. As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs
competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo
offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to
national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions
for men and women, and boys and girls. As well as throwing techniques, Judo
involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins,
control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety,
and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special
mats for comfort and safety.
Judo is
unique in that all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled persons can
participate  together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an
inexpensive, year-round activity, that appeals to people from all walks of
life. Many people over sixty years of age enjoy the sport, as well as very
young boys and girls. Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and
others. Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration,
and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and
flexibility. As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops
complete body control, fine balance, and fast reflexive action. Above all, it
develops a sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with the same kind of body.
Judo training gives a person an effective self-defence system if the need
arises.
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