SELF DEFENSE THE GENTLE WAY
Southwestern Pennsylvania Judo (SWPA Judo) provides a safe, friendly and professional learning environment for children and adults ages 5 & up. We offer instruction in Traditional Kodokan Judo (Kata, Self-Defence, Rondori, Shiai).
What makes SWPA Judo different from the other martial arts schools in the area? It is the only school within 60 miles that teaches the "Real Judo" as seen in the Olympic Games and practiced around the world. But judo is more than just a martial sport like wrestling or boxing. It is first and foremost a Martial Art that can be practiced throughout one's lifetime.
Judo is a modern form of the Japanese martial arts of ju-jitsu developed in the late 1800's by Dr. Jigoro Kano. The term Judo literally means the way of yielding or gentleness. It is based on the principals of Maximum Efficiency (of ones body and mind) and Mutual Benefit and Welfare. By studying and employing these principles, judo can teach someone to throw and control a much larger person. Judo is primarily a grappling martial art. It employs throwing, pinning, choking and joint locking techniques used against an aggressor or opponent. Competitions are held for both Kata and Shiai. Shiai is a modification of rondori practice where points are awarded based on the efficacy of the techniques. This has evolved into the "Sport" of judo.
First Lesson is FREE!!
If you are not sure if you would like to learn Judo, come and watch a few classes or take a lesson for free. All you need to start is to sign our waiver form and wear a t-shirt & sweat pants to your first practice.
GET ON THE MAT!!--Judo can't be learned by watching videos or reading books. Much like learning to play baseball, you can't learn to hit or catch the ball by watching others play the game. Judo may look dangerous and painful to some, but when practiced correctly and under the supervision of qualified instructors judo can be a very safe activity. New students begin with the basics of learning to fall correctly so they don't get hurt when thrown and learning to control their own bodies and their opponents. Usually after a few classes, students are comfortable with the basics and can really begin to employ the principles of Judo. People practice judo to excel in competition, to learn self-defense, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for many other reasons. What ever your interest or motivation.......
