Judo (柔道 jūdō, meaning “gentle way”) created in Japan, in 1882 by Jigoro Kano is generally categorised as a modern martial art which later evolved into an Olympic sport.
There are three elements involved in the application of a judo throw: To firstly break the balance (Kuzushi) of the opponent, then to fit the unbalanced opponent into a powerful throwing position (Tsukuri) and then throw the opponent to the ground with explosive force (Kake). When judo is applied using all three elements it is by no means “gentle” in its execution; rather it is the application of technique which could be described as gentle. Once an opponent is on the ground they can be immobilised or otherwise subdued with a pin, or forced submission with a joint lock or a strangle. A judo practitioner’s (judoka) ground techniques (Ne-waza) form a major part of the study. A student of Kano, judoka Mitsuo Maeda, in 1914 travelled to Brazil, where he would train a student called Carlos Gracie. It was from judo ground work that Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ) was born.
Strikes and thrusts by hands and feet as well as weapons defences are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata, 形) and are not allowed in judocompetition or free practice (randori, 乱取り).
Yes. Break-falls are taught at the very beginning. These are a fundamental way to fall in a way so as not to get hurt. Principles of safety are maintained at all times in training and competition. In comparison to may other contact sports the safety record of judo is exemplary.
With consistent training, break-falls become second nature – learning to fall properly without injury. This is a valuable skill not just in judo but in every day life, as you never know when you might slip, trip or fall off something.
*For peace of mind and safety, always check the Judo Australia website to verify Dan grade qualifications at https://www.ausjudo.com.au/gradings
The head coach, Boris Ansons formerly of Victoria, has been doing judo for over 40 years, has an NCAS Level 2 nationally recognised coaching accreditation, holds a Queensland Working with Children Blue Card and is world ranked by the International Judo Federation (IJF) OJU/AUS/3287 . Other coaches who instruct from time to time are either under supervision of the head coach or have a high ranking (some 6th Dan or above) and have formal recognised coaching accreditation.
Judo Kenkyu Noosa takes boys and girls from the age of 6.
There is no age limit to start judo. At Judo Kenkyu Noosa we tailor a program to suit your needs, ability and goals. Many people who train in judo are well into their 70’s and 80’s.
You are never too old to start!
Click on the ‘JOIN NOW’ tab at the top and fill in a ‘Judo Kenkyu Noosa Club Membership Application’ and a ‘Judo Federation of Australia Queensland (JFAQ) Membership Application’