Learning Judo: a gentle combat
by: thurrz
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Judo is hinged on several principles, among these are the principle of cooperation, mutual benefit and, maximum efficiency. Balance is important in judo. That is why balancing and off-balancing is important in this contact sport. The end goal of Judo is either to throw the opponent to the ground, incapacitate your opponent or to pin your opponent to the ground. There are two main combat periods in judo. The standing phase (tachi-waza) and the ground phase(ne-waza).
Judo was found by the Japanese polymath, Jigoro Kano. Judoka is a judo practitioner, also known as the judo player. Judogi is the judo uniform.
The main classifications of judo techniques are the throwing techniques, striking techniques, the grappling techniques and the forms. While there may be other techniques, these four are the most popular. The throwing techniques are called gokyo. Gokyo no Waza, or the five sets of techniques, is the official and more commonly used sets of throws in the combat sport. Grappling techniques are classified into holding techniques, choking techniques and joint locking techniques. Judo also employs choking techniques. Choking and strangulation may seem very violent, but in judo, it is considered as a subtle art, where certain important points must be considered.
Judogi is the official Japanese name of the traditional uniform used in judo. Judogi is assumed to be derived from the traditional kimono, with several variations to make it suitable in a contact, combat sport. There is also a proper way to wear the judogi. The right side of the uwagi must cross over the left side. When it is done incorrectly, it may signify that the person is dead. Which almost always invites disapproval from the spectators.
As with every competitive martial art, safety is key. While it is used as a means of self protection, the story is different in local and international competitions. Fashioned from the traditional Japanese tatami, some judo mats are made with rice-straw textured vinyl. The texture is important as it provides non-slip capabilities. Anti-slip judo mats are preferred because this allows for movement in the arena. A judo mat with springing feel is also ideal as this provides a returning action in the arena. This is also ideal so that the mats are not the one that absorbs all the impact. But these mats would prove to be useless if not laid flat on a firm floor. So a firm floor is also necessary.
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