Japanese Judo symbol in white

JUDO

The Gentle Way

Definition of judo

WHAT IS JUDO?

From Japanese Judo translates to "the gentle way". One of the principles of Judo is not to oppose strength to strength. When you are attacked by the enemy you do not oppose him. Instead you yield to him, just like the matador yields to the bull, and you use his strength to bring about his downfall.
"It is not important to be better than someone else, but to be better than yesterday."
Jigorō Kanō, The Founder of Judo
A profile picture of a founder of judo - Jigoro Kano.
Benefits of judo

JUDO BENEFITS

If you are one of these people who are very excitable by nature and you allow yourself to become angry for the most trivial of reasons judo can help you learn self-control. Through training, you quickly realize that anger is a waste of energy, that it has only negative effects on you and others.

Judo helps develop social and problem solving skills. During training we teach you how to deal with obstacles and overcome them by finding the best solution. One that is in line with the next judo philosophy. 

Maximum efficiency with minimum effort! One of the main principles that all judo practitioners understand and live by. Helping you not only while training, but in everyday obstacles, to achieve the best results with little energy spent. 

Balance is a key! By practicing Judo you develop a better connection between your body and mind.  Moving you towards finding your inner peace.

Judo is not only an end in it, Judo develops values like respect, discipline, and perseverance.Not only that, it boosts the confidence and self-respect of players.
white icon of handshake
The practice of Judo promotes teamwork, leadership, and confidence.
It can also help prevent issues such as bullying, harassment, aggression, and discrimination.
white icon of teacher next to the board teaching
Judo emphasizes balance and staying on your feet. Judo teaches you concepts of time and distance to establish a point of control over the opponent or an obstruction.
icon of the stopper
Northampton Judo Club junior members in 1980s
Vintage black and white group photo of Northampton Judo Club players.
members of Northampton Judo Club standing next to blue wall in 1990s
Northampton Judo Club junior class with the Eddie Coach before he retired
History of judo

THE HISTORY

The history of judo starts with Jigorō Kanō. At the time of his adolescence Kanō stood 1.57 m (5 ft 2 in) but weighed only 41 kg (90 lb). He was frequently bullied at school due to his small size and his intellectual nature to the point other students dragged him out of the school buildings to beat him. He wished he were stronger in order to defend himself and a family friend recommended jujutsu, a martial art practiced by the Samurai.After Kanō showed interest in pursuing the teachings of martial arts, his strict father allowed him to do so under one condition - that he would strive to become a master.

Kanō started looking for a jujutsu teacher at Tokyo Imperial University in 1877. While training, he formulated his own opinions about martial arts. In 1882 this eventually led him to develop a martial arts style all his own - Judo. In principle, this style sought to utilize an opponent’s energy against him and eliminated some of the jujutsu techniques he deemed dangerous.

Children around the world practice judo safely and yet still emphasis effective technique during sparring sessions. Kanō espouses mutual welfare and maximum efficiency that includes looking after your partner and ensuring that the techniques are efficient, but more importantly – safe.

In 1886, the Tokyo Police department held its famous tournament to determine which martial art was superior in a true fight. Judo or JuJutsu? Kanō’s disciples defeated the rival school with a decisive thirteen out of fifteen matches and established Judo as the premier Tokyo Police’s training system. This association remains till this day. All new police recruits in Japan must have a black belt in Judo, allowing them to use Judo philosophy and movements, during everyday service, before reaching for the weapon.

Vintage judo lesson with multiple pairs executing throws on the mat.
Vintage judo photo of Jigoro Kano lecturing students.
Vintage judo photo of Jigoro Kano throwing.
Vintage photo of competition judo contest in Kodokan.
Benefits of judo

FEEL EMPOWERED!

After taking a few classes you can expect seeing changes in both your physics and mindset. You will feel empowered knowing that what you’ve learned can help you protect yourself. You will be captivated with your new abilities to defeat a bigger opponent, by applying just a few judo principles.

Judo session is a full body workout, which is nowhere near tedious. While taking consistent training, you will notice a positive change in your body - either losing a few pounds or getting generally stronger.

You will not only feel better about yourself, but also gain knowledge, that will help you in other aspects of your life. You will benefit from better problem solving skills, having a mindset of maximum efficiency with the minimum effort, higher self-esteem and general mind and body strength.

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