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| Judo |
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Were you the child in gym class that had trouble with the forward roll? Have you trouble getting the lids off yoghurts? Perhaps you have a hankering to wear natty white pyjamas in public. Whatever your problem, judo is the martial art for you.
Judo is based on the ancient Japanese martial art of ju-jitsu, where the goal was the decisive subduing of enemies, sometimes resulting in their death. However, one man, Jigoro Kano, thought it might be nice to have a cup of tea and chat with an opponent after a bout, instead of waving their head around on a stick. He came up with judo, meaning the gentle way, and opened the first judo school in 1883. Unfortunately, the ju-jitsu adherents weren't too impressed by Kano's innovation, and he had to undertake a series of challenge matches, demonstrations and lecture tours before judo became accepted by the Japanese public.
Before you start busting some moves in class, it's important to understand the judo philosophy: "You should avoid conflict and seek harmony." "The safest battle is the one that is never fought." "It's your turn to make the tea." Once you have accepted these precepts, you can move on to learning some deadly strangle holds and joint locks.
Judo involves a lot of spectacular throwing, but there's also a fair amount of grappling on the mat. You can win a bout by throwing, immobilising, arm locking or strangling your opponent. Once your opponent submits, you have won. If time runs out, then the winner is decided on accumulated points.
Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most martial arts, that recognises a person's degree of knowledge, ability and leadership. It uses the kyu, or coloured belt system to differentiate grades. First kyu is the white belt, and you can work your way right up to the seventh degree of the black belt grade and beyond.
Like football, judo isn't just a sport, it's a way of life. Judo teachings include modesty, self-control and courtesy. To truly learn the gentle way, you must avoid anything that will reduce your mental growth and physical health. Judo Christmas parties tend to be low-key affairs.
Etiquette is very important in a traditional judo class - etiquette that would perhaps not be out of place in an S&M parlour. Your sensei (teacher) will enjoy a little light bowing and scraping, unquestioning loyalty and total obedience before, during, and after practice. In return, you should begin to feel, as one judo site puts it, 'like a tranquil pool of water in the woods'.
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