JUDO FOSTERS SKILL, PHYSICAL FITNESS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28104, 20 October 1956, Page 5

JUDO FOSTERS SKILL, PHYSICAL FITNESS

With the steady growth of Judo clubs throughout every country, including New Zealand, there are still many people who are not quite familiar with the nature of judo technique as it differs from the old system of Japanese ju-jitsu. According to Mr F. A. O’Connell, a Christchurch judo exponent who has qualified as a first dan black belt, judo is a more sportsmanlike modification of ju-jitsu. It is also a Japanese creation, he says, and can be described as a modern form of ju-jitsu with many of the crude and dangerous features eliminated, including, instead, a set of conditions to make it more acceptable in the world of sport. Special Jackets The practice of judo leads to a state of physical fitness of the highest order and its character is such that it can be used for the purpose of self-defence if necessary. It is because of this selfdefence possibility that a jacket or judogi is worn in judo practice, and practically all judo throws eventuate from holds on the lapel and sleeve of the jacket. These jackets have no pocket or buttons but are held in position with a fabric belt of a colour which denotes the grade of the wearer. A judo man, or judoka as he is called, is classified by grades and not by weight as in boxing and wrestling. Beginners after a reasonable amount of practice can be graded to the sixth kyu (white belt) and proceed to the higher grades after examination.

Grades after the sixth kyu are fifth kyu (yellow belt), fourth kyu (orange belt), third kyu (green belt), second kyu (blue belt) and first kyu (brown belt). Usually after years of study and practice of judo a student can graduate to wear the black belt of the dan grades and become a teacher and an examiner on a grading panel. Art of Falling During examination through the various grades, a large variety of throws and holds are used including shoulder throws, hip throws, leg throws and ankle sweeps. In the early stages pf training, a student must master the art of the break-fall, a technique of striking the mat or tatami with the fleshy part of the arms to cushion the shock effect of a throw.

Judo experts when manoeuvring to gain a throw usually refrain from the exertion of any strength that would sap their energy during a contest. A characteristic of a judo expert in action is his state of relaxation before his attempt at a throw. This relaxation not only allows flexibility of movement and speed but allows a reserve of all nature’s potentials that may be required in a contest friendly or otherwise.

A judo throw is executed more by the rhythm of movement than by sheer strength and portrays a graceful action of the whole body structure. This technique explains the fundamental difference between judo and ordinary wrestling.