Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
Judo is a Japanese martial art derived from ju-jitsu, but much softer than it, among other things thanks to the elimination of kicks and punches. Judo has also been an Olympic discipline for several decades and a sport that can be successfully trained by children. Learn the history and techniques of judo and read about the effects of practicing this martial art.
Judoliterally translated from Japanese means "gentle path" and this term clearly reflects the nature of the discipline invented by Jigoro Kano. Judo, like all Japanese martial arts, draws from ju-jitsu and the military art of samurai, but the aspect of self-defense is not the most important aspect of it. Judo is primarily a sports discipline, since 1964 it has been part of the program of Olympic struggles for men, and since 1988 - for women. Judo was also the first Asian martial art to appear at the Olympics.
History of judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art, the creator of which is believed to be Jigoro Kano, who in 1882 founded the first judo school in the world. This teacher of literature and English has been training ju-jitsu since the age of 18 (he weighed 45 kg and wanted to train his body), but he removed elements that could endanger the he alth or life of the player: kicks, hits, attacks on the joints (except the elbow joint) and choking (except for choking with a judogi lapel and pressing with the forearm). Judo is therefore a newer - and at the same time milder - variation of ju-jitsu.
Kano formulated 3 main principles of judo:
- step down to win
- the weaker opponent pushed by the stronger one, even if he denies it, he will fall. However, he can do another way: yield on a thrust and use his opponent's loss of balance to use his own technique, enabling himself to win.
- maximum effectiveness with minimum effort
- a well-thought-out selection of the most appropriate technique - effective, but not causing a large loss of strength.
- doing good to the enemy contributes to the good of all
- the rule emphasizes the need to care for competitors, be guided by their good and not to use judo techniques outside of sport, except for self-defense.
Already before the outbreak of World War I, the hallsjudo (i.e.dojo ) appeared, among others. in the USA, Great Britain, Russia. The first official judo section in Poland was established in 1949.
Worth knowingBushido code in judo
Judo also draws on the ancient techniques of Japanese samurai, so elements of their philosophy are present in it. The Bushido code was an unwritten and informal (because passed on orally) code that guided the warriors.
His basic assumptions were, above all, obedience to his superiors and the balance of mind and body - nothing should throw a real warrior off balance. Another element is the apage love theory of giving more and taking less. It is also important to have faith in yourself and others, as well as honesty - communicating information in a direct way. A warrior should constantly improve himself and be characterized by good manners and manners. He should be distinguished by courage and fearlessness in the face of adversity.
These assumptions of the Bushido code are also an important element of judo training.
Judo techniques
Techniques (in Japanesevase ) used in judo are divided into 3 main groups.
- NAGE-WAZA , i.e. throws - the only group used in sport judo
NAGE-WAZA techniques are used when a competitor loses or has already lost his balance. The throw is made to block the path of an opponent who wants to regain his footing, using the leg, hip, foot and arm angle to cause him to fall onto his back. NAGE-WAZA also includes counterattacks and combinations - combinations of two or more throws. To perform NAGE-WAZA successfully, you need strength, speed and appropriate reaction to the opponent's movements.
- KATAME-WAZA , i.e. to overpower (grabs)
KATAME-WAZA is divided into 3 groups:
- holding ( Osae-Komi Waza ) - keeping the opponent on his back for total control over his movements
- levers ( Kansetsu Waza ) - in sports combat only the elbow joint is allowed
- strangulation ( Shime Waza ) - consist of pressing the edge of the forearm or the collar of a judoga on the carotid or larynx
Unscrewing and breaking out is also possible. Winning in a sports fight leads to a situation that would allow the opponent to be neutralized in self-defense. There are also combinations of the different elements in KATAME-WAZA.
- ATEMI-WAZA , i.e. punches and kicks
These techniques are not recognized by the European Judo Union, so they are rarely taught.It is practiced only in the traditional form of KATA.
This will be useful to youThe most important terms in judo:
- ju- yield, agility
- to- rule, way
- judoka- contestant
- sensei- coach
- dojo- judo room
- tatami- mata
- vase- technique
- rei- bow
- kyu- rank, grade
- obi- pas
Judo steps and lanes
Judo practitioners gain new grades by improving themselves gradually during training. There are 6 student degrees and 10 master degrees. Formerly, student ranks did not exist at all, but they were introduced with the growing popularity of judo.
Student ranks:
- 6 kyu - white stripe
- 5 kyu - yellow belt
- 4 kyu - orange belt
- 3 kyu - green belt
- 2 kyu - blue belt
- 1 kyu - brown belt
Master's ranks:
- 1 dan, shodan - black belt
- 2 dan, nidan - black belt
- 3 dan, sandan - black belt
- 4 dan, yodan - black belt
- 5 dan, godan - black belt
- 6 dan, rokudan - white and red
- 7 dan, shichidan - white and red
- 8 dan, hachidan - white and red
- 9 dan, kyudan - red
- 10 dan, judan - red
Graduation is accompanied by an exam, grades from 7th dan are honorary, and 7th and 8th dan are awarded by continental federations. In the past, judoka was defined as a person who obtained at least the 4th kyu grade, today all judo practitioners are defined as judo.
Judo for kids
Judo is a combat sport especially recommended for children. Sport comes from the samurai culture, and the name of the classroom - "dojo", i.e. a place of training, reflects the nature of the exercises. The players, also the youngest, learn the rules of fair play, respect for the teacher, and mutual support. Judo trainings are general development activities, they strengthen all skeletal muscles and eliminate posture defects. The youngest have fun in movement, with elements of judo, acrobatics and sports gymnastics, they also learn, among others. how to fall so as not to hurt yourself. According to UNESCO recommendations, judo can be trained by as early as 4-year-olds, although it all depends on the predisposition of a specific child.