Understanding Judo: It May Be More Than You Think

Understanding Judo: A Quick Guide

Judo is a dynamic martial art that combines physical skill with mental discipline. Below are two videos to help in your understanding of Judo. The second Video is by Mark Gilston, a 4th-degree black belt in Judo from Cleber Luciano, who teaches judo techniques for use in judo and BJJ. The First video is "A Quick Guide to Judo by the International Judo Federation." It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand the basics of this fascinating sport. Presented by former World Champion Neil Adams, it covers essential elements such as rules, scoring systems, and judo etiquette.

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From The Neil Adams Video:

Judogi: The Judo Uniform

Every judoka wears a judogi, which consists of a jacket and a belt. The judogi is designed to withstand the rigours of training and competition. It is crucial for practice sessions and tournaments alike. Competitors must wear the correct judogi to adhere to international standards during matches.

Scoring Techniques in Judo

Scoring is a fundamental part of judo matches. The highest score, known as ippon, leads to an immediate victory. A judoka can achieve ippon through various techniques, such as throwing their opponent onto their back. Hold-down techniques require a competitor to control an opponent on the mat for 20 seconds, while strangle techniques force the opponent to submit. Understanding these scoring techniques helps spectators and participants appreciate the sport's complexity.

The Golden Score Rule

In judo, matches that end in a draw can enter a "Golden Score" period. During this time, the first judoka to score wins the match. This rule adds exciting tension to closely contested bouts, making every move crucial. Competitors must stay alert and strategic in the Golden Score phase to secure a victory.

Judging and Penalties

Judging in judo is objective and based on specific criteria. Competitors earn points for effective techniques, and the judges evaluate their performance accordingly. Conversely, penalties like shido (minor infractions) can impact a judoka’s score. Familiarity with judging criteria helps athletes navigate their matches successfully.

Emphasizing Judo Principles

The "Quick Guide to Judo by International Judo Federation" emphasizes the importance of respect and fair play. Participants are encouraged to show respect to their opponents and officials. Adhering to these principles enhances the spirit of judo and promotes a positive training environment.

Whether you are a beginner or someone with experience, understanding the basics of judo through this guide can significantly enhance your appreciation of the sport. Dive into the world of judo and discover the discipline and excitement that awaits.

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From The Mark Gilston Video:

What is Judo?

The second Video (below) is by Mark Gilston, 4th degree black belt in Judo, and BJJ black belt under Sean Cooper and Cleber Luciano, who teaches judo techniques for use in judo and BJJ. The video showcases judo's importance in both judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Key Moments:

Key Points	Description & Time Stamp
History	Judo has a rich history that emphasizes its development as both a martial art and a competitive sport. @ 0:34
Olympic Judo	Judo is featured in the Olympics, showcasing both individual and team competitions. @ 1:48
Standing Throws	Techniques focused on throwing opponents from a standing position. @ 2:59
Entry and Execution	It is important to enter throws effectively and execute them properly. @ 3:36
Hand Throws	Techniques specifically involving the use of hands during throws. @ 3:47
Hip Techniques	Throws primarily utilizing the hip to leverage physical strength. @ 4:07
Leg Techniques	Techniques that incorporate the legs in throws, offering different strategies for takedowns. @ 4:26
Sacrifice Techniques	Methods that involve sacrificing one's position to achieve a throw or submission. @ 4:50
Pinning Techniques	Techniques used to immobilize opponents on the ground. @ 6:26
Hold Downs	Keeping an opponent in a controlled position to score points or gain control. @ 6:59
Joint Locks	Techniques focused on immobilizing an opponent through joint manipulation. @ 8:39

Corrections

There are some corrections that I think should be mentioned, to the Mark Gilston video: Grabbing the legs was, according to my understanding, not removed from Judo competition (called sport judo in the video) because it gave an advantage to players with experience in other grappling sports. It was removed because the Olympic committee were looking at eliminating Judo from the Olympics. To them, with the leg grabs in the contest, it looked too similar to the Greeko-Roman wrestling that was still in the Olympics at the time. It was therefore decided that the best way to distinguish Judo was to eliminate the leg grabs. Ironically, I am now told that Greeko-Roman wrestling itself was almost eliminated from the Olympics because it was not popular enough outside the USA.

Still, the no-leg grab rule remains in force. Partly because it is argued, that its elimination has made Judo more spectacular visually. As a traditionalist, I have misgivings about this but it is what it is and it in no way stops coaches from teaching all the other techniques in the club. As long as competition players know they cannot use them in a contest.

Chokes Across The Windpipe And Standing Arm Bars

From my perspective chokes across the windpipe and standing arm bars were always rare in contests. Honestly, they were always hard to get and the time spent going for them can be more efficiently spent in other ways. It's not like an MMA fight where you have rounds. In Judo you only get one round of 4 minutes. No one wants to waste time. Even in MMA standing armbars are rare because they are so hard to get.

Judo's striking techniques: 当身, あてみ

Judo's striking techniques are discussed under Atemi Waza and Self-Defence: Potent Points - Atemi Wasa - Striking. Also these Atemi Waza books will give a lot more detail and history of striking in Judo.

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard
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