Judo

Judo means ‘the adaptable way’.  This has several meanings, however.

Judo is flexible in its practice.  It was derived, by Jigoro Kano, from the ancient art of Jujitsu.  Kano took what he saw to be the most effective techniques from the art and turned it into a style which could be practiced safely without limiting intensity.

Judo is gentle in its nature.  Yielding to your opponent is a key to success.  Judo teaches that you should not stand firm when someone tries to push you, but rather, let their own aggression defeat them.  Thus came the motto “best use of energy” or maximum efficiency with minimal effort.

Judo is a martial art.  It is one where we bow to shomen (front of dojo) and our sensei at the beginning and end of each class and to each other before and after practicing together.  As a judoka, you’ll discover that the journey of learning is life-long, so we yield to the knowledge we have yet to gather.

In physical terms, Judo consists of many dynamic throws, coupled with techniques for submitting an opponent on the ground, be it through a pin, lock, or choke.