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About Judo
Judo is a traditional Japanese art which
has developed into a very popular modern sport practiced all over the world.
The English translation of judo is “the
gentle way” and the sport is based on the principle of using an opponent’s
movement and strength combined with your own skill and technique to overcome
them.
Judo is a little different to most
conventional team sports in that it focuses on the individual, but is practiced
in a group situation. Players use a combination of controlled throwing and
grappling techniques which are practiced through repetition and free practice.
Players wear a white cotton judo suit and practice on a soft mat surface. It is
a great sport to develop physical fitness, strength and flexibility, but it
also exercises the mind. Students are encouraged to think about how and why the
various techniques are effective and what can be done to improve their own
performance. This is just one of the reasons why judo has become such a
successful sport all over the world.
Introduced as an Olympic sport in 1964,
judo can be practiced at a competitive level, or simply for the many benefits
it provides. It is inexpensive, can be practiced all year round and its
benefits can be enjoyed by both boys and girls from as young as 4 years old
through to seniors and beyond.