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Judo is probably the best known and most widely practised Japanese martial art.
In the 1800s the prominent educationalist Jigoro Kano combined his training in Jujutsu with approaches to education to create a martial art which develops fitness and good character.
The ‘Ju’ of Judo is the same as in Jujutsu, which can mean gentle, soft or supple. Watching Judo however, it does not seem especially soft or gentle, instead ‘Ju’ refers to the idea of using the opponent's strength against him and adapting to the changing situation.
Judo uses throwing and grappling techniques to suit all shapes and sizes, and emphasises free-form practise.
As well as the enjoyment of practise itself, Judo has other benefits such as promoting increased confidence, coordination, balance, and falling and self-defence skills. It is also good for improving physical fitness as Judo training helps build aerobic capacity, flexibility and strength.
Judo became an Olympic sport in 1966 and there has been a Judo club at the Thanet Martial Arts Centre (Thanet Judo Kwai) since around the same time .
If you would like to know more about learning Judo please contact us.
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