Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on throwing your opponent to the ground. Judo also employs many grappling, joint lock and submission techniques. There are several basic principles of judo that are consistent for all students of the martial art, from beginner to master.
Falling
The most important thing judo students learn is how to fall. The study of this is called "ukemi." Judo involves plenty of throwing. It is therefore essential that students know how to be thrown without getting hurt. Beginners spend much of their time learning ukemi.
Throwing
Judo students learn a series of basic throws during their training. Forty of the throws are traditional and date back to the origins of the martial art. Twenty-seven other throws have been added since 1982. The basic principles of throwing are consistent for all of them. Superior control, leverage and weight distribution can help any student throw a larger and stronger opponent.
Counters
For every judo throw there are judo counters. These enable the judo student to avoid being thrown and transition to positions where they can throw their opponent. The basic principle of a judo counter is the same as that of a judo throw. Through superior control, leverage and weight distribution, a judo student can avoid being thrown by a larger and stronger opponent.
Grappling
An important part of judo is grappling with an opponent on the ground. The study of pinning an opponent to achieve victory is called "osaewaza." This involves the use of arms, legs and the uniform to hold an opponent down.
Choking and Joint Locks
Judo employs choking and joint lock techniques to submit opponents. Chokes utilize different holds to cut off an opponent's air supply. Most judo joint locks attack the arms and bend them in the opposite direction that they are supposed to go. There are a few judo joint locks that attack the legs and neck.
Member Comments