Judo is a relatively modern martial art. Born in 1882 thanks to the work of Professor Jigoro Kano, it has its roots in Ju-Jitsu, the original martial art practiced by the Samurai. Kano wanted to create a form of ju-jitsu that could be practiced without the risk of getting seriously injured and thus Judo was born. In short, it is a set of unarmed fighting techniques where the aim is to grab the opponent and beat him, placing him on the ground on his back and making him remain on the ground for at least 25 seconds or performing a strangulation or joint lever technique until he surrenders.
Steps
Step 1. Find a Judo course in your area
Check for other people of the same height and weight as you. You learn best by training and practicing with people with the same physical characteristics. Also make sure the coach is a black or red belt, especially beyond 1st rank (dan). Having an experienced teacher is very important, for the quality of teaching and also for your own safety!
Step 2. Purchase the judo outfit
Get the "gi" (more improperly and commonly called "kimono"), the judo uniform. The upper part is made up of a sturdy jacket for training and being able to best grip, while the pants are wide and comfortable to move. You can buy it on the internet, in specialized sports stores or through your gym and club (ask anyway for advice to find the right size).
Step 3. Learn to perform falls
Learning ukemi (falls) will be what keeps you from getting hurt when you fall; without being able to do them correctly, you will reduce your bruised purple and black very quickly. If you do the ukemi properly, however, getting launched should hardly hurt at all.
Step 4. Learn a few moves and practice making it perfect as well as learning new ones
Learning new moves and techniques will be what will keep your motivation high; however, don't forget to stay firm on the fundamentals. Observe the pros and Judo masters: their tournament repertoire often does not exceed 5-6 tricks. It is much better to perform a few moves very well than a lot of moves with the wrong technique.
Step 5. Practice
Conditions may seem a little boring at times, but you will feel much better on the competition mat if you do just a few simple exercises for balance, alertness and responsiveness on a regular basis during your free time.
Step 6. Learn ground fighting techniques, which means being able to immobilize on the ground and, for adults, also perform strangulations and joint levers
Chokes and joint levers can win you a fight immediately if done correctly. Remember, most (real) fights are won on the ground. Practicing Brazilian ju-jitsu is a great way to improve judo ground fighting techniques!
Step 7. Learn a few words in Japanese
When your classmates shout "do ippon-seoi-naghe !!" you will know what they mean.
Step 8. Learn the rules
In competitions and rankings this will work in your favor; for example if you grab the opponent's leg with your legs while you are pinned to the ground, you break the grip.
Step 9. Train consistently
There is no alternative to constant practice and training, no amount, however impressive, of judo reading will ever replace actual practice. Stop being lazy and get to work!
Step 10. Eat and drink properly
Sugary drinks and French fries certainly won't make you a good judoka.
Step 11. Don't be afraid to ask questions
Those big thick black and red belts are normal people like you, and they'll just be happy to help you learn and improve in their favorite sport.
Step 12. Learn the most common counterattacks and throws
When your opponent performs a grapple, you will be able to use it to your advantage.
Step 13. Practice both right and left hand grips
Many judokas are used to fighting only with right-handed grips and are unable to defend themselves and cope with left-handed grips - if you are left-handed you will already start with a good advantage!
Step 14. Learn to make combinations
This means that even if your first move is anticipated, you will be able to quickly switch to another. A sudden change of direction can be very useful to unbalance even the most experienced opponents.
Step 15. Practice moving from standing (tachi-waza) to ground (ne-waza) techniques
Knowing how to land with a ground lock, choke or joint lever directly after a throw or ground will greatly increase your combat advantage.
Step 16. Learn and understand the ceremonies and history of judo
Although the sporting sides of judo are greatly emphasized in current practice, learning the history of martial art and understanding its evolution over time will greatly expand your horizons.
Advice
- Learn the falls (ukemi), it may seem boring but it is of fundamental importance to you and to others.
- Different countries and organizations can have different degrees. If you want to learn judo, be sure to choose a dojo with a high-ranking judo sensei (teacher). In Italy, the red belt is the highest rank in judo.
- Judo represents the "way of compliance", therefore, being thrown by an experienced judoka is much safer than being thrown to the ground by a beginner. A typical habit of beginners is to use greater physical strength to make up for technical skills; a poor execution of a throw therefore risks hurting and giving rise to an injury. Focus on technique and ukemi (falls) to reduce the risk of injury, yours and your teammates.
- Buy the suit and learn how to tie your belt.
- Learn the various types of greetings and how to say "sorry" in case you make an accidental mistake in practice.
- Learn and improve a variety of techniques.
- Train regularly with a number of people.
- Understand both the sporting and martial arts aspects that make up judo.
- By training with different people, you will improve always your skills.
- Participate in races and rankings as soon as possible.
- Order of belts and ranks in Italy (in ascending order):
- 1. White
- 2. Yellow
- 3. Orange
- 4. Green
- 5. Blue
- 6. Brown
- 7. Black (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th dan)
- 8. Red White (6th, 7th and 8th dan)
- 8. Red (9th and 10th dan)
Warnings
- Don't brag about your skills; humility is part of the moral code of judo (and besides, there will always be someone better than you ready to take that little smile off you!).
- You may get bumps, bruises and various pains after the first few training sessions, but don't worry. They've all been there, it goes by and gets better quickly, it won't be that long.
- Resist the temptation to train with family or friends who don't do judo. They will have no way of knowing how to defend themselves and could seriously injure themselves.
