JUDO
The word judo means 'gentle way' in Japanese and, although it appears to be anything but gentle, the aggression of the players is very much controlled. Skill, technique and timing, rather than brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in judo. Founded in 1882 by Dr Jigoro Kano, judo is a refinement of the ancient un-armed Japanese martial arts. Dr Kano studied what he considered to be the best martial arts techniques and developed a sport which involves no kicking or punching, rather relying on fluid movements and throws to put an opponent on his or her back, and then gain their submission.
The key phrase for any judo fighter is 'ippon', which will win the contest immediately. An ippon can be scored by a clean, forceful throw; by holding the opponent mainly on his or her back for 25 seconds (under control); or by submission to a strangle, a choke or a lock applied against the elbow. Ippon sometimes occurs just seconds into a match but a contest going the full distance lasts five minutes for men and four minutes for women. If the scores are tied, a sudden death 'golden score' period comes into play.
Despite it's 'gentle way' name, watching Judo will show you that it is physically demanding, and many of the techniques are very powerful and appear painful! The gentleness in the name is perhaps more to do with learning to make Judo gentle on yourself - making throwing and submitting your opponent as easy on your own body as possible, and learning to fall and roll safely.
Judo training is an ideal form of physical exercise and it serves as a great cardiovascular workout which improves stamina, general health and overall fitness. Physical strength is also improved as a direct result of trying to control and dictate the movement of the opponent and as well as enhanced power; a Judo player will also improve their flexibility. For the same reasons the balance and posture of a player will also be enhanced. Physical co-ordination can be seen to develop dramatically from participation in Judo and reflexes are also improved together with mental reaction time.
Judo is an ideal sport for all ages, male or female, and attracts very many disability groups. Confidence and self-esteem are enhanced as a player progresses through the ranks and the very nature of the grading system ensures that the next goal is always realistic and achievable with effort. The grading system also ensures that regardless of their skill level all Judo players can actively compete with players of similar ability and hence they have a reasonable chance of emerging victorious.
Judo has great benefits for other sports too. Many top level MMA champions have a strong Judo background behind them - such as Anderson Silva, Fedor Emelianenko, Karo Parysian, and Ronda Rousey. Judo also complements BJJ perfectly - in fact BJJ was formed as a branch off from Judo where exponents favoured the ground fighting aspects. Judo, therefore, can be used by BJJ fighters to improve the throwing aspects of their game, and perhaps more importantly their transition from standing into ground fighting. Strong links have been formed in recent years between Rugby and Judo training - the physicality and full contact of Judo can help with confidence around tackling and falling for Rugby players.