Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
Home
Classes
Instructor
History/Philosophy
Belts/Ranks
Tournaments
Links
 

History and Philosophy of Judo

A Brief History of Judo

    Judo was created in by Professor Jigoro Kano (1860-1938). He had studied jujutsu at an early age and adapted Judo from it. He founded the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan in 1882. He selected various jujutsu techniques that may be practiced for self-development, physical education and sport allowing Judo to be practiced with full force and complete safety. Jujutsu retains more dangerous self defense techniques. Jujutsu is commonly recognized as a Martial Art while Judo is a Martial Sport, however, many of the techniques learned in Judo are very applicable in a self defense situation.

    Judo was first introduced to the United States in 1902 when Professor Yamashita taught the sport to President Teddy Roosevelt however the sport was practiced mainly by Japanese Americans on the West Coast. This situation was altered very rapidly following WWII when many US Armed Forces athletes stationed in occupied Japan began to study Judo. These pioneers brought the sport back to the US opening a scattering of clubs around the country. However a real leap forward occured when General Curtis E. LeMay and Mr Mel Bruno of the Strategic Air Command of the US Air Force introduced Judo as a mean of training combat bomber crews in unarmed defense. Thus beginning in 1952 the USAF had highly experienced Judo coaches located at up to 70 SAC bases throughout the United States.

    Also, in 1950 the Amateur Athletic Union was persuaded to add a subcommitee for Judo. In 1954 the Amateur Judo Association of the US was created however in 1955 it was renamed the Judo Black Belt Federation of the US. The United States Judo Association was born as the SAC Judo Society in Omaha in 1954...it grew so rapidly that in 1961 it was renamed the Armed Forces Judo Association with the influx of members from other branches of the Armed Service. As often happens as the organizations grew so did a diversity of opinions and views as to the best way further the sport of Judo and this eventual lead to the creation of the USJA in 1969. Judo became a full Olympic medal sport for men in 1964 and for women in 1992.

The Philosophy of Judo

    Judo is usually translated from the Japanese as the "gentle way" or perhaps the "yeilding way". Its purpose is to develop the character, mind and body of individuals so that they can better fulfil themselves as individuals and have a greater capacity for successfully contributing to society. While we have Judo teams and learning Judo definitely requires cooperation, Judo is nonetheless a very individual sport. The main principles in learning Judo are jita kyoei (cooperation)...that is working for mutual welfare and benefit and the principle of seiryoku zenyo (maximum efficiency)...using the least amount of effort to achieve the greatest results.

    We have a saying in Judo that is repeated over and over again and very much sums up the heart of Judo training, it is, "You and Me Shining Together!"

 


THE FOUR PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING
by Sensei Phillip Porter

Victories come automatically from adequate training.
Therefore, accomplishing the training itself is the prime objective, not winning. Winning takes care of itself, concentrate on the training.

Adequate training occurs only when the athlete follows a complete training plan.
If the plan is not adequate, victories will not result. Therefore, frequent revisions of the training plan may be necessary in the light of victories achieved. A complete training plan must include at least:

  1. Physical training including strength, flexibility and stamina training.
  2. Technical training to automate the desired techniques.
  3. Tactical training to include the development of an integrated attack system, the ability to follow the encounter system and the ability to effectively employ the five tactical variables: Grip, edge, direction, posture and tempo.
  4. Strategic training to include timing and peak periods.
  5. Mental training to achieve mazimum performance.
  6. Spiritual training to develop depth of character and ki.

Each technique in the training plan, from the most important technique onward through the plan, must be automated and made reflexive in turn.

Home
Classes
Instructor
History/Philosophy
Belts/Ranks
Tournaments
Links
             
If you have any questions about Judo Classes at the SRJC you can email us.

If you have any comments about this site or encounter any broken links, etc. please contact  Zardoa Love .

This page last updated: 1/06/02.