Judo | Active Summary

Objectives

1. 屢 Identify and explain the main rules of judo, including permitted and prohibited techniques.

2.  Understand the judo belt system and how it reflects the progress and skill of practitioners.

3.  Explore the history of judo, highlighting its origin, evolution, and the main events that contributed to its global dissemination.

Contextualization

Did you know that judo, besides being a sport, is a form of martial art that emphasizes using the opponent's strength against them? Created by Jigoro Kano in Japan at the end of the 19th century, judo was designed as a practice that involves not only physical skills but also mental and moral aspects. This principle of 'the gentle way' (translation of judo) highlights the importance of technique over strength, both on the mat and in everyday life, making judo a discipline that promotes values such as respect, self-control, and personal growth. By learning about judo, you are not just mastering a sport but also internalizing a philosophy of life!

Important Topics

Judo Rules

Judo is a combat sport based on techniques of throwing, pinning, and strangling. The rules of judo are fundamental to ensuring the safety of practitioners and define what is allowed and what is prohibited during fights. Techniques targeting areas such as the spine, neck, and joints are generally prohibited due to the risk of injury.

• Scoring: Matches are decided by points, which can be obtained through throwing, pinning, or strangling techniques. The cleaner and more effective the technique, the higher the score.

• Fighting area: The fight takes place in a demarcated circular area, and athletes may be penalized for leaving this area, indicating a lack of combativeness.

• Dress rules: Practitioners wear traditional kimonos (judogis) that must comply with specific standards to ensure safety and respect for the sport's traditions.

Belt System

The belt system in judo is a way to classify the level of skill and experience of practitioners. It starts with the white belt for beginners and progresses to the black belt, which is divided into several dans (degrees). Each belt and dan has its own examination requirements, including demonstration of techniques and knowledge of judo's moral and ethical code.

• Progression and examinations: To advance from one belt to another, judokas must pass exams that test their technical skills and theoretical knowledge, as well as their attitude and respect on and off the mat.

• Moral code: Judo has a strong moral code that includes respect, modesty, sincerity, maximum effort, and self-control. These values are emphasized and expected from all practitioners.

• Psychological benefits: Progressing through the belts and dans can increase practitioners’ self-confidence and teach principles of discipline and dedication that are transferable to other areas of life.

History of Judo

Judo was created by Jigoro Kano in Japan in the late 19th century as a response to the jiu-jitsu training of the time. Kano developed judo as a safer form of combat training, eliminating the most dangerous techniques and emphasizing the physical and mental development of practitioners. Judo was introduced into Japan's physical education curriculum and later spread worldwide as a martial art and an Olympic sport.

• Philosophy and principles: Kano incorporated principles of maximum efficiency with minimum effort and mutualism, where the judoka must use the opponent's strength against them.

• Global expansion: Judo has been introduced in over 200 countries and territories and has become one of the most practiced sports in the world, with a strong presence at the Olympics.

• Social impact: Besides its sport benefits, judo promotes values such as mutual respect, friendship, and overcoming challenges, becoming a tool for education and social inclusion.

Key Terms

• Judo - A martial art and combat sport created by Jigoro Kano in Japan, based on techniques of throwing, pinning, and strangling.

• Belts - Classification systems of skill and experience used in judo, starting with the white belt for beginners.

• Dan - Degrees of black belt in judo, indicating advanced levels of skill and knowledge.

• Kuzushi - Off-balance, a fundamental principle of judo involving manipulating the opponent's balance to facilitate the execution of techniques.

To Reflect

• How can the practice of judo influence the development of leadership and teamwork skills?

• In what ways can the values of respect and self-control taught in judo be applied in everyday situations?

• What is the importance of judo's history and philosophy for current practitioners, both in sporting and personal aspects?

Important Conclusions

• In judo, we learn much more than defense and attack techniques. This sport teaches us values such as mutual respect, discipline, and personal growth, which are essential not only on the mat but in all aspects of our lives.

• We explored judo's fascinating history, from its creation by Jigoro Kano in Japan to becoming a global phenomenon, influencing countless practitioners worldwide.

• We discussed the rules governing judo, understanding the reasons behind each and how they promote safety and respect among athletes.

To Exercise Knowledge

Create a judo diary! For one week, note how you applied the principles of judo (respect, maximum effort, self-control) in your daily situations. This can be at school, at home, or with friends. Reflect on how these principles can improve your interactions and decisions.

Challenge

Kata Challenge! Choose a judo technique and create a tutorial video explaining and demonstrating the technique to a friend or family member. Try to be as detailed and clear as possible, applying the judo code of ethics during the explanation!

Study Tips

• Watch documentaries or read biographies of great judo masters to understand more about the philosophy and practice of the sport.

• Practice meditation and breathing exercises to improve your focus and concentration, essential skills in judo.

• Join online forums or discussion groups about judo to share experiences and learn from other practitioners and enthusiasts.