Judo Basics: Tradition and Philosophy
Judo is a traditional Japanese martial art that emerged from jujitsu, a hand-to-hand combat technique of samurai warriors. The founder of judo is considered to be Dr. Jigoro Kano. He opened his first dojo (school) in Tokyo in 1882, called the Kodokan. Judo: competition through tradition and philosophy is not only a sport. But also a path of self-improvement, where respect for the opponent, discipline and harmony play a key role. Starting from 2011, October 28 (the birthday of the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano) will be celebrated annually as World Judo Day.
Thus, judo combines both physical prowess and deep philosophical principles, making it a unique art that transcends borders and generations.
Translated from Japanese, the word “judo” means “the way of unarmed combat.” However, traditional combat can hardly be called such: it requires significant physical effort. Dr. Kano combined the philosophical principles of judo with methods of physical, intellectual and moral education, while removing a large number of dangerous aspects of jujitsu. At the end of the 20th century, judo gained popularity in Europe, especially in France, and became the first martial art to be widely practiced outside Japan.
Judo is based on two main philosophical principles:
- Making the best use of body and spirit . This principle emphasizes the importance of efficient movement, control over one’s body and mind. The judoka strives to achieve harmony between the physical and spiritual aspects of his practice.
- Mutual assistance and understanding . This is one of the basic principles of judo. Which emphasizes the importance of cooperation and mutual support to achieve greater progress. This principle is applied both in training and in competitions. The main thing is to respect the opponent and adhere to the spirit of justice.
Place for judo classes
Tatami is a mat used as a floor covering in a traditional Japanese home. Judo competitions are held on tatami measuring 8 by 8 or 10 by 10 meters. Nowadays, for judo, tatami is made of molded foam rubber or pressed foam rubber chips.
Form for classes
Judo players practice and compete in ju-dogi ( “gi” – “clothes” ). Judogi consists of “uwagi” (Japanese: 大子, lit. “jacket”), “jubon” pants (Japanese: 大子, lit. “pants”) and “obi” belt (Japanese: 大子, lit. “belt”). The classic judogi is white, it is in white judogi that competitions are held according to the rules of the Japan Judo Federation. But in international and national competitions held according to the rules of the IJF, to facilitate the work of judges and observation by spectators, participants wear white and blue judogi. They practice barefoot on the tatami. But zari – light slippers are required to move around the hall outside the tatami.
Judoka (judoka)
Traditionally, judoka (Japanese: ju:do:ka, literally: one who practices judo) was the name given to a master of 4th kyu and above. In modern judo, the title ju-doka is used to refer to anyone who practices judo.
The role of a judoka and a sensei
The practice of judo requires not only physical effort. But also the development of moral and spiritual qualities. A judoka (one who practices judo) respects his opponent, and training is considered a constant process of self-improvement. A judo trainer or teacher is called a sensei. The word sensei comes from the words shin (to) and sei (life) – this is a person who passes on his knowledge and experience to students. Traditionally, this title was used for teachers who have 4th dan and above. Judoists with a rank below 4th dan were called Kenkyu-sei (trainee).
Sensei plays an important role in the life of a judoka. His role is not only to teach technique. But also to cultivate the moral qualities of his students.
Today, the term sensei is becoming a common term for addressing an instructor of any dan.
Judo in sports: Competitions and rules
The main goal in judo is to knock your opponent down on their back on the mat and immobilize them with a grab or force them into submission with a block or choke hold.
There are two types of scores in judo:
- Ippon is scored when a judoka uses strength, speed, and control to throw their opponent onto their back. Ippon can also be scored for a submission (when the opponent surrenders) or for holding the opponent on the mat for 20 seconds. If the judoka manages to execute an ippon throw, he immediately wins the bout.
- Waza-ari is awarded for a throw that is not clear enough to be an ippon (either because the throw lacked speed or power, or because the opponent landed on its side), or when the opponent is pinned to the ground for less than 20 seconds (but more than 10 seconds). Two Waza-ari in one bout are equivalent to an ippon, after which the bout is stopped.
Punishment
The first penalty, Shido, is a warning. It is only displayed on the scoreboard. Second Shido means giving the opponent a yuko score. The third Shido is a penalty that gives the opponent a waza-ari. The fourth penalty is Hansoku Make, which is an ippon for the opponent. In the case of Hansoku Make, the bout is immediately stopped.
Hansoku Make can be given immediately, in case of serious violations of the rules. In this case, the judoka who received Hansoku Make is disqualified for the entire tournament.
Judo competitions are held in different weight categories for both sexes. The bout lasts 4 minutes. The fight goes into overtime (Golden Score) if the score is equal after 4 minutes. In judo, penalties are imposed for passivity during the bout or behavior that is contrary to the spirit of judo.
The rules of judo are constantly changing, mostly to ensure the safety of athletes. Different rules may apply to different age categories of judoka, depending on their experience and skill level. The rules may vary slightly in different countries, clubs and competitions. For example, in the Olympics, international competitions and national competitions.
Olympic Games
Judo was first competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It became a permanent Olympic event at the 1972 Munich Games. Women’s competition was introduced at the 1988 Olympics as a demonstration. It was officially included in the program at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Since its introduction, judo has grown rapidly worldwide. In 2020, judo was competed by 128 National Olympic Committees in Tokyo.
Judo as a way of life
Although judo is a sport, its practice often develops into a way of life. For many judoka, judo becomes not only a fight. It is also a lesson for life. Education within the framework of judo promotes discipline. It also teaches honesty and mutual respect. Finally, it helps develop endurance. This art not only prepares athletes for fights, but also shapes them as individuals.
Conclusion
Judo is not just a sport. It is a path to self-improvement through tradition and philosophy. Moreover, from traditional Japanese principles to modern competitions, judo leaves an important mark. It impacts the lives of everyone who dedicates themselves to this art. Whether it is training or a duel, judo teaches mutual respect. It also develops the spirit and body. Finally, it creates harmony between a person and their environment.
Even more about Japanese martial arts in the article: Aikido the Way of Harmony: Philosophy of Self-Defense and the Art of Movement
Joke of the day from the site funster.top :
***
Two judokas are talking after training:
— Listen, why do you always bow to your opponent before a fight?
— Well, it's tradition, respect for the opponent.
— And I bow to see if his obi (belt) is tied properly.