All About

Why Judo?

Judo is a martial art form that emphasizes quick movement and leverage to throw an opponent. Judo evolved out of jujitsu, an older martial art form. Techniques learned in Judo typically try to use an opponent's force to one's advantage instead of opposing it directly. 

The word 'judo' consists of the Japanese characters "ju" (meaning "gentle") and "do" (meaning "the way") to translate the way of gentleness. 

Judo is an international sport originating from Japan. Japanese educator Jigoro Kano conceived it in 1882. It is an official Olympic event and differs from other Martial Arts in that it focuses on throwing techniques from a standing position and submission techniques from the ground. 

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Judo Principles teach:

• the balance between mind and body

• safety

• mutual support to bring prosperity to yourself and others

• self-defense 

• self and situational awareness

• physical strength

• teamwork

Judo Values emphasize:

• respect to teachers, teammates, and to oneself

• discipline

• perseverance

• goals

• consistency 

• attention to technique

• teamwork

• leadership

• self-confidence

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Age Groups:

Pre-Judo ... 5-7 yo ... Class length: 45 min

Juniors Judo ... 8-12 y/o ... Class length: 55 min

Teens & Adults Judo ... 13 and up ... Class length: 55 min (advanced level 90 min)

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Curriculum:

All students will begin with basic drills. These include drills to practice falling correctly, exercises to improve coordination, and some acrobatics. Then the class will be divided into two parts:

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I. Practicing ground and techniques, for example:

• Pins

• Escapes from pins

• Transitions from one pin to another

• Drills simulating Ne-Waza* situations

• Choke techniques (13 & up)

• Armbar techniques (13 & up)

*Ne-waza = Ground techniques

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II. Practicing standing techniques, for example:

• Learning new throws

• Uchikomi (throw drills)

• Throws

• Randori (sparring)

NOTE: Sometimes, classes will focus entirely on standing or ground techniques.

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Pre-Judo classes will have a more game-oriented approach. Activities will often change to keep the kids engaged. Students will spar, but not as much as the older groups.

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Juniors and Teens will get more in-depth technique explanations, and more time will be dedicated to sparring. The curriculum will also include conditioning at the end of class for these groups.

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Dress Code: Judo (GI)

Judo (Gi) is required from 2nd class,  with a shirt to put on below the Gi. 

Judogi is the formal Japanese name for the traditional uniform used for Judo practice and competition. A Judogi comprises three parts that are usually cut from different fabrics: a very heavy jacket, lighter canvas pants, and a cotton belt. The jacket and pants are white or blue for some competitions, while the belt is a certain color according to the grade of the wearer.

Competitors must have both white and blue judogi because one contestant in each match is designated to wear a blue gi while the other wears a white gi. Many parts of the uniform are used in various techniques, so knowing the names of the different parts is very useful.

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NOTE: If the student doesn't have a Gi yet, then:

• Long pants with NO zipper on the ankle

• Long sleeved shirt

• No socks

• Long hair must be tied up using a hair tie with no metal parts.

→ If students are wearing dance clothes, they must have a pair of pants on top of the dance leggings to prevent damage to the dance clothing (ideally, the student has a separate uniform for judo class).←

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Judo Gi Information (stores to buy)

There are two types of training judo Gi: Single weave and double weave. Students should buy single-weave judo Gi. Check out our FDStore for preferred options to use for class, or see additional resources below:

• FUJI 

• HSU Judo Uniforms 

• ADIDAS

• RONIN

NOTE: A judo Gi will shrink quite a bit if you put it in the dryer on high heat.