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Judo is a great
sport for everyone, from school age to past
retirement, from fully able to special needs.
Here are some frequently asked questions that we
receive on our website. Click on the question to
read the answer. If you need more information
please contact us.
What is
Judo?
Judo has its roots in Ju-Jitsu, which goes
back many centuries in Japanese history when it
was a brutal and often lethal method of
self-defence and unarmed combat. Judo was
established as a modern physical activity when in
1882, when Professor Jigoro Kano founded his
Kodokan Judo. Responsible for education he was
aware that physical education in his country at
that time was sadly lacking. Jealous Ju-Jitsu
masters began to question this system and the
matter could only be settled by arranging a
tournament between the various schools. This was
done in 1886 and the outcome was a totally
victorious Kodokan. Japanese police officials had
been watching the proceedings closely. They were
looking for an acceptable method of apprehending
and controlling aggressive law breakers without
resorting to weapons. To them, Judo was the
answer and it is still used in Japanese police
training this day.
From that time, Judo schools established in many
countries, and the first Judo Club to open in
Europe was the Budokwai. This club, which still
operates today, was founded in 1918 by Gunji
Koizumi who became known later as 'The Father of
British Judo', There are now almost 1000 Judo
clubs registered with the British Judo
Association in the Untied Kingdom. In addition
there are many more clubs that are registered
with other Judo associations like the Amateur
Judo Association and the British Judo Council.
Since the inclusion of Judo in the 1964 Olympic
Games, it has been regarded as a modern Olympic
combat sport although some followers still
consider it very much an 'art from'. Kano said
that judo is a teaching for life itself and with
it we learn to overcome the pitfalls and
obstacles of everyday living.
How can I join a Judo
club?
How can I be sure I'm
getting quality coaching?
Where can I obtain a
Judo Suit?
How old do you have
to be to do Judo?
What are Mon, Kyu and
Dan grades?
Why do I need a
licence?
Does Judo get you
fit?
Is Judo the complete
self-defence?
Do women do Judo?
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