Judo practitioners have a wide array of belt options to choose from. Each belt color represents a different level of proficiency and mastery in the art of Judo. This comprehensive guide explores the different belt options, their meanings, and how they are earned.
Read moreJudo’s Musical Connection: Exploring the Intersection of Martial Arts and Music
Judo and music may seem like an unlikely combination, but the connection between the two runs deep. From training routines to competition rituals, music has played a significant role in the history and practice of this martial art. In this article, we will explore the intersection of judo and music, examining the ways in which these two seemingly disparate disciplines have influenced and enriched each other over the years.
Read moreJudo Takes Center Stage: The Impact of Television Coverage
Judo has gained significant exposure due to its television coverage in recent years. The sport’s inclusion in major international events, such as the Olympics and World Championships, has helped to attract a wider audience. As a result, more people are discovering the technical and strategic aspects of Judo, leading to increased participation and interest in the sport. The increased visibility and accessibility of Judo on television has also helped to promote its values of respect, discipline, and sportsmanship. With continued coverage, Judo is poised to remain a prominent force in the world of sports.
Read moreIntroduction to Judo: A Beginner’s Guide
Judo is a martial art that focuses on throwing, grappling, and submission techniques. It emphasizes using an opponent’s strength against them, making it a great option for self-defense. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover the basics of Judo, including terminology, techniques, and etiquette. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or improve your fitness, Judo is a great sport to try.
Read moreOsoto Gaeshi (Major Outer Reversal) Technique
Osoto gaeshi is a counter throw to the always popular osoto gari attack. It is deceptively simple and is an important throw to learn early, maybe as your first counter throw. It is common to face weak osoto gari attacks when you are new and osoto gaeshi can be used to turn such attacks to your advantage. Knowledge of osoto gaeshi prevents your attacker from performing osoto gari without complete control because the position will be reversed and the attacker will be thrown instead.
Read moreOuchi Gaeshi (Major Inner Reversal) Technique
Ouchi gaeshi is a counter throw applied when uke is attacking with ouchi gari. There are several ways to apply the throw in different directions. The most basic and common method is explained here.
Read moreKosoto Gari (Small Outer Reap) Technique
Kosoto gari is a small reap applied to uke’s foot at the moment uke is stepping forward or backward. Timing is essential in this throw, along with good kuzushi so that uke’s posture is captured and he is unable to escape.
Read moreKosoto Gake (Small Outer Hook) Technique
Kosoto gake is similar to kosoto gari, but is usually applied when uke has more weight on the foot you are attacking so it is not easy to reap the foot out. After hooking his leg, you can either lift uke and scoop the leg out or trap his leg and lean on him until he falls.
Read moreHiza Guruma (Knee Wheel) Technique
Hiza guruma is the second throw in the standard teaching syllabus (gokyo no waza) of Kodokan Judo. It was a favorite throw of Dutchman Anton Geesink who was the first non-Japanese judo competitor to win the World Championships (1961) and Olympic Gold Medal (1964).
Read moreSukui Nage (Scooping Throw) Technique
The basic principle in sukui nage is to use your hands to scoop uke’s legs out from under him as you rotate his upper body to the ground. The classic version described here is well suited for self-defense, but there are newer versions that are used in competition and randori. One such application is sometimes called te guruma but is classified as sukui nage by the Kodokan.
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