PRINCIPLES AND GOALS OF JUDO:
Judo, which translates as "the gentle way," teaches
the principle of "flexibility" in the application
of technique. That is, the flexible and efficient use of balance,
leverage, and momentum are important in the performance of Judo
throws and other skills. Skill and timing, rather than the use
of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success
in Judo play, and in life.
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Dr. Kano felt that healthy social attitudes, as well as a sound
mind and body, could be developed through proper Judo training.
He stated the philosophy of Judo in the form of two maxims:
Maximum Efficiency, and Mutual Welfare and Benefit.
Maximum Efficiency: Simply stated this means
that whatever a person does, it should be done with optimal
use of one's mental and physical energy. In Judo, you learn
how to make the most effective use of both mind and body. In
life, it is the principle of doing the right things at the right
time.
Mutual Welfare and Benefit: Players learn to
respect themselves and others. In Judo, players learn to cooperate
and share (with each other) to advance in skill and rank. The
coaching and cooperative skills learned in Judo can be applied
in our dealings with others in life.
Judo's ultimate goal, as expressed by Dr. Kano, is "the
harmonious development and eventual perfection of human character."
Judo's goal has been (and always will be) to help you and your
children become the best that they can be.
The Last Teachings of Jigoro Kano
Judo is the way to use most efficiently one's mental and physical
strength.
By training, one should discipline and cultivate his body and
spirit through the practice of techniques for offense and defense,
thereby to master the essence of this way. And, by dint of these
means, it is the ultimate goal of Judo to build oneself up to
perfection and benefit the world.
ORIGINS OF JUDO:
The Kodokan Judo of today is based on traditional jujitsu of
old Japan of which the origin is lost in the mist of antiquity.
The techniques of the latter, re-examined, refined, systematized
and welded to an ideal, became Kodokan Judo. Professor Jigaro
Kano, founder of Judo, established his own school named Kodokan
in 1882, and began to teach his own exercise called Judo. (Ju-soft,
Do-way or Doctrine). Professor Kano having endured every hardship,
overcame many difficulties, made rapid progress, winning wide
public recognition.
Judo gained in dramatic fashion, undsiputed leadership in the
field, when the Tokyo metropolitan polica board took an active
interest. In 1886, under the auspices of the chief of metropolitan
police, a grand tournament was arranged between the Kodokan
school and the Jujitsu school. This was a decisive battle. Defeat
would have been fatal to the Kodokan, but in that tournament,
to which each school sent 15 picked men, the Kodokan won all
the bouts except two, which ended in a draw. That brilliant
victory established once and for all the supremacy of Kodokan
Judo, not only in principle, but also in techniques.
WHAT IS JUDO?
Although Judo is different things to different people, it is
best described as a form of wrestling that emphasizes throws
and pins. It is a martial art, a discipline, a recreational
and social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense
and a way of life. To some extent it is all of these, but to
most participants it is simply a fun, safe sport!!
Judo originated from the fighting systems of feudal Japan.
Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigaro Kano, Judo is a refinement of
the ancient martial art of Jujitsu. Dr. Kano, President of the
University of Education, Tokyo, studied many of these ancient
art forms and combined the best techniques into the sport of
Judo. Judo techniques are made up of throws and pins.
Since 1964, Judo has been included in the Olympic Games and
is the second most popular sport in the world (after Soccer)!
People play Judo to stay in shape, excel in competition, develop
self-confidence, and to overall better themselves and help others.
But most of all, people practice Judo because they enjoy it.
Judo is a sport that is a lot of fun!
Throwing techniques:
Judo players off-balance and throw their opponents. In fact,
Judo is best known for its spectacular throwing techniques.
These techniques are broken into hand throws, hip throws, foot
or leg throws, rear sacrifice throws, and side sacrifice throws.
Pinning techniques: Judo pins are taught to help players immobilize
their opponent, once on the ground. These techniques are made
up of hold-downs, chokes, and arm-locks. For safety, beginners
and children are limited to using hold-downs during tournaments
and competitions.
International Judo Center
The building of the Kodokan International Judo
Center was dedicated in 1984 to commemorate the 100th anniversary
of the founding of the Kodokan. It functions as the mecca of
international Judo. The eight floor building is equipped with
things necessary for Judo shugyo and research. Dojo / Lodging
rooms are open to any Judo players.
judo.com
kodokan.org
