Judo - The Gentle Way

Judo (柔道, meaning "gentle way") is a modern martial art, combat sport and Olympic sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking or by executing a strangle hold or choke. Strikes and thrusts by hands and feet as well as weapons defences are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).

The philosophy and subsequent pedagogy developed for judo became the model for other modern Japanese martial arts that developed from koryū (古流, traditional schools). The worldwide spread of judo has led to the development of a number of offshoots such as Sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Practitioners of judo are called judoka.

Classes in judo are divided into Kyu (pupil) and Dan (master) grades. The highest possible grade is 12th Dan, awarded only to Jigoro Kano - the only Shihan (doctor). Apart from him the highest is the red belt awarded for 10th Dan to 13 men. Belt colours for Dan grades are 1st-5th Dan - black; 6th-8th Dan - red and white; 9th-11th Dan - red; 12th Dan - white.

Students of Judo benefit from a unique blend of traditional Japanese Budo etiquette and training methods mixed with modern fitness and sports’ psychology techniques.

Apart from the obvious benefits that can be obtained by practising judo like general well being and fitness, Judo can improve other individual skills like - Self-confidence, mental maturity and strength, discipline and dedication, and a sense of community.