1. A Gentle Form of Wrestling
Based on fighting techniques used in ancient Japan, judo blossomed as a sport when a university president adapted the precise and gentle wrestling moves into the sport of modern judo. It involves a series of techniques including throwing, grappling, pinning, arm locks and choke holds, which take place on special mats. The sport first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1964. Men, women, boys, girls and even the disabled can participate in judo. Since there are so many different positions for combatants to choose from, people of any strength or skill level can benefit from judo.
2. Throw It Down
Judo emphasizes flexibility, balance and technique instead of strength. The International Judo Federation separates throws, pins, chokeholds, grappling and arm locks into different, formally named categories. For example, when a fighter throws his opponent over his back and he lands on the mat, it's called Uki Goshi, one the most popular throwing moves. In the Tai Otoshi, a fighter grabs his opponent by the arm and shoulder and throws him to the mat, lower body first.
3. They Can't Do This In WWE
Pinning techniques (Osaewaza) include the Kami shiho gatame (North South) position, in which one participant lies on the other's chest and faces downward towards his opponent's feet. Other pinning moves include the Makura-Kesa-Gatame (pillow scarf hold) in which the dominant opponent pins the other fighter crossways over the chest. A Kuzure kesa gatame takes place when a thrower (tori) tosses a receiver (uke) to the ground and wraps his arm around the fallen man's waist. Chokehold techniques must be administered carefully to prevent injury, your judo teacher or (sensei) can instruct you on the safest way to perform this technique. Perform the Kata-juji-jime, a cross choke hold, on an opponent by crossing your hands and placing them on either side of his neck.
4. You Got Me in a Stranglehold
Joint Locking Techniques or Kansetsuwaza involve locking your arm underneath the opponent's elbow, leg, arm or neck. Attempt a neck armlock only if you and the other fighter are skilled Brown Belts or above.
5. Only One Point Wins the Match
In competitive judo, a participant needs to score a full point to win the match. A referee scores the bout, much like a wrestling match. A fighter wins the competition by holding a pin for 15 seconds or by throwing his opponent on the back cleanly and quickly. Participants can also win by performing a stranglehold or arm lock that the referee deems effective.
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