Adult Judo

Judo – meaning “gentle way” was created as a physical, mental and moral pedagogy in Japan, in 1882, by Jigoro Kano.

Judo is a modern martial art which later evolved into a combat and Olympic sport. Judo was created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. He studied the old forms of jujutsu - the martial art of the Samurai - but believed that by removing the most dangerous techniques he could teach not only the body and mind, but also the spirit. Kano believed in two main principles:

Seiryoku-Zenyo (精力善用) : maximum efficient use of energy

Jita-Kyoei (自他共栄) : principle of mutual welfare and benefit

Because of this we always practice with a partner or in a group. Judo is not a solitary pursuit but one that you embark upon with others.

Judo became the model for many other martial arts such as; Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Krav Maga, Sambo, and ARB. It is incorporated in the military's close quarter's combat, mixed martial arts, and certain types of wrestling. Because of this it is a great foundation for other martial arts and other sports.

Most people see only the competitive element of Judo, where the objective is to either throw or takedown an opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue an opponent with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke. But there are other forms including strikes and thrusts by hands and feet as well as weapons defenses are a part of judo, these are taught to adults in pre-arranged forms (kata, and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).

A judo practitioner is called a judoka, the uniform is called the judogi.