|This lady use to scare some of the men in the jujutsu |
classes at the University of Wyoming with her
Some judo was taught in the US military for combat even though that which was taught, had little practical application.
Judo (柔道) translates as ‘gentle way’. Based on history, judo is a relatively new martial art compared to most traditional arts and most varieties of judo are practiced as a combat sport: only a few traditional judo clubs focus on judo as self-defense (the way it was intended) rather than sport. And is a soft art? Far from it! It is brutal and requires incredible endurance.
|Demonstration of yubi waza (thumb throw) on Brett Philbrick|
at the University of Wyoming Campus Shorin-Ryu Karate club.
The early history of judo cannot be separated from its founder: Jigoro Kano (1860–1938). Kano was born into a well-to-do Japanese family: his father was a Shinto priest. Kano initiated a major reformation of jujutsu and included techniques that emphasized development of the body, mind and character. At 22, he began studying jujutsu at the Eisho-ji Buddhist temple in Kamakura. This became known as the Kodokan, or "place for teaching the way". Today, the Kodokan Institute for Judo is in Tokyo and is the official headquarters of the judo world that was established in 1882 by Kano.
The second Chinese character used for judo and jujutsu differ. In jujutsu (柔術), this means "art" or "science" of softness. In judo (柔道), it means ‘the way’, ‘road’ or ‘path’, which has philosophical overtones which was Kano’s intent. This is the same kanji also used to distinguish budō from bujutsu and karatedo from karatejutsu. Use of do was a deliberate departure from the ancient combat martial arts, whose sole purpose was for killing. Kano saw judo as a means for governing and improving oneself physically, mentally, emotionally and morally.
Judo practitioners traditionally wear heavy, white uniforms called jūdōgi, or ‘judo uniform’. The jūdōgi was created by Kano in 1907 and similar uniforms were later adopted by many martial arts groups. The modern jūdōgi consists of white drawstring pants with a matching white jacket that is fastened by a belt (obi). The jacket is intended to withstand the stress of grappling, and as a result, it is much thicker than a karate uniform (karategi).
Seven judo kata are recognized by the Kodokan. In addition, there are a few kata not officially recognized but practiced by some Judo clubs.
|Applying wrist lock on Wade Stenger from|
Albuquerque at University of Wyoming
class (about 1990).
There are several judo clubs listed in Arizona and for those interested in learning judo, it would be recommended to look for a classical judo club (note - MMA is not judo, nor is it a martial art) with has ties to the Kodokan of Japan. Most universities have judo clubs - many are not only open to the student population, but also to staff, faculty and often the general public. Lists of judo clubs in Arizona are found on the web. If you want to get in great shape - try judo.
Check out these judo clubs and links in Arizona