FAQ’s

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.