In the words of Michael Caine, "Not a lot of people know this", but in
the sport of Judo the contestants do not punch or kick each other (well
not when the referee is looking anyway!) There is a lot of
confusion between Judo and Karate and in this article I will try to
explain what Judo really is.
Professor Jigoro Kano, who founded the Kodokan in 1882, to teach Judo,
developed Judo from Jujutsu. Students are taught how to fall
safely and without injury, to throw their opponent to the ground in
many different ways, and then how to control their opponent while he or
she is on the ground. This groundwork aspect of Judo involves
hold-downs, arm locks and even strangles, but we are all friends at the
end of it. This description makes it clear, I hope, that the aim
of Judo is not to destroy an opponent, or 'smash him or her up', rather
to control them so they get the message they had better stop being an
opponent if they know what is good for them!
Professor Kano was an educationalist and he devised Judo with the maxim
to make the body strong, useful and healthy while building character
through mental and moral discipline. This aspect of Judo cannot
be underestimated as we have seen lots of Judo players, of all ages,
develop respect for other people, as well as improving their fitness
and skill with the sport. In Judo we learn not to judge people by
the way they look and this is also an important lesson in every day
life.
After over 20 years in Wickford, Akitas Judo Club has moved to Southend
Leisure & Tennis Centre, Garon Park for boys/girls/men/women aged 4
to 94. If you would like to come down and watch, please feel free
every Thursday 7-9.30pm. You'll be made to feel even more welcome if
you want to come on the mat and give it a go!
