In my world of Judo

If one were to search for an explanation for ‘Judo’ via the Internet, this is what would more than likely turn up:

‘Judo ( jūdō), meaning “gentle way”, is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai budō) and combat sport, which originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw one’s opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one’s opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by applying a choke. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet) - as well as weapons defences - are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).

Ultimately, the philosophy and subsequent pedagogy developed for judo became the model for almost all modern Japanese martial arts that developed from “traditional” schools (koryū).’ Taken from the popular website Wikipedia.

Judoka (participants) wear a heavy Gi (uniform), which look similar to other forms of martial arts such as Karate though one must not mistake the two to be similar. In Judo there are no strikes, no kicks, and no punches (other than in Kata).  Karate uses kicks, blocks and punches.

The Olympics include Judo at its highest competitive level and broadcasts the sport on television to the entire world, though to those who are unfamiliar with Judo, it can look a bit confusing and to some extents, pointlessly dull.  However once I myself started practicing and fighting, ‘oh’ what a wake-up call I received.  I have never felt so alive and so physically strong.  Judo has opened my eyes to new forms of non-violent defense techniques and great ways of keeping fit.

Many young children are getting into Judo through private clubs and local after school activities.  It is a great way to teach them discipline, gain an interesting hobby and make new friends along the way.  The learning part of Judo is a fun activity.  The competitive side of Judo is an amazing experience.

Up until recently for a Judoka to progress to another belt (grade/level) they were to undertake a theory and then a practical side to showing how much they had learn’t.  The theory side involved demonstrating moves and naming certain rules etc.  The practical side was to attend a competitive grading (similar to a competition with fighters from all around at a sports center or arena).  The fighter would compete against other fighters of similar grades and weights and have from two fights to five or even six, depending on the number of entries.  The judges would then determine a fighters grade on how well they fought, not whether they particularly won their fights or not, though winning definitely got the fighter further.  A grade would then be recorded for the level that the judges thought a fighter could handle.

The feeling of earning your next belt (or jumping two or three grades) was unlike any other, it was a sense of achievement, like your hard work and determination really paid off.  The fact that competitive grading has now ceased in the UK is truly a sad time for Judo.  Though there will be more competitions and more opportunities in the future to show ones skill on the mat so Judo will keep on growing one way or another.

Judo has the potential to go further in the world, it is about time that the general public knew the difference between Judo and Karate, Tai-Kwon-Do and Jeet Kun Do etc, although this is quite a task.  Spreading its awareness can only spread its potential and popularity and I am definitely a Judoka trying to make Judo bigger than it already is.  I know I am just one person, but can one blame me for being passionate about something that makes me feel this good, this alive?

My partner got me into Judo, she was once at such a high level of pure skill that maybe the Olympics could one day be within her grasp.  Sadly due to a nasty injury during her greatest fight (where she was winning) a miss-judgment when throwing her opponent proved to spell disaster for her Judo future.  A torn artery and dislocated elbow, which meant immediate surgery lead to her having to leave behind the one thing that made her truly feel needed at that time.  Though almost three years later she is back on the mat and has won various medals, it is still quite a painful reminder that her talent will never again reach the level it was before her injury.  Though after all this, her passion for Judo has lead me on to train hard and fight with pride.  She is my JudoQueen.

I have earned my Green belt as of late and and training for future competitions.  Where Judo will go in time I cannot say, what I do know is this; long after I am gone, Judo will still be somewhere in the world, fighting hard and teaching Judoka ‘the gentle way’.