| Judo | | | | looking to test their skills will enjoy the competition |
| The martial art style Judo can mean a lot of things to | | | | levels, which range from club meets to national |
| different people. In reality, it is a fun and exciting | | | | tournaments, and on up to the well known and best |
| sport, an art, a discipline, an activity, a way to | | | | level of competition - the Olympic Games. |
| protect yourself, and quite simply a way of life. | | | | Judo is known best for it’s amazing throw |
| Although you may hear many different meanings, the | | | | techniques. What many aren’t aware of, is the |
| word Judo actually means all of the above and | | | | fact that Judo is more than just throws. It also |
| several more. | | | | involves grappling on the ground, controlling holds, |
| Original founded back in 1882, Judo comes from the | | | | arm locks, leg locks, and even choking techniques. |
| feudal Japan fighting system. Upon founding, Judo | | | | Judo teaches all aspects of self defense, from a |
| was a refinement of the martial art jujutsu. Jujutsu | | | | grappler’s standpoint. |
| is one of the oldest martial arts styles, dating back | | | | Another great thing about Judo is the fact that |
| hundreds of years. | | | | anyone can study, male or female, and even those |
| Judo made the biggest impact in 1964 when it was | | | | that are disabled. Judo is also inexpensive to |
| first introduced into the Olympic Games. Now, it is | | | | participate in, taught throughout the year, and it |
| practiced by millions of people all across the world. | | | | appeals to everyone. This martial art is also unique |
| Judo can help students stay in shape, excel in all | | | | in the sense that even the elderly enjoy practicing it |
| areas of competition, stay protected with self | | | | on a daily basis. |
| defense, and several other things. For a majority of | | | | Judo also helps students learn and develop respect |
| students, Judo is practiced just for fun. Although it | | | | and self discipline. It offers the chance to learn self |
| starts out as fun for many, it quickly turns into a | | | | confidence, leadership skills, power, flexibility, and |
| way of life, a burning passion if you will. | | | | physical prowess. Judo has evolved quite a bit over |
| Similar to other martial arts styles, Judo has rules that | | | | the years, going from a fighting art to competition |
| ensure the safety of those competing in the | | | | status. These days, there are separate Judo ranks |
| competitions. Students of Judo who are | | | | for kids, adults, and seniors. |