What is Judo?
Judo was founded by Prof. Jigoro Kano in 1882. The school he founded is called the Kodokan. The word Kodokan, translates to "Place of Learning the Way". Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting systems of feudal Japan; Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Ju-jutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms in his younger years. He took note that many people got hurt during the practice of Ju-jutsu so he took what he learned from the Ju-jitsu schools and integrated what he considered to be the most efficient (and some what safer) of their techniques into what is now the modern martial art and sport of Judo.
Judo is made up of two Japanese words JU - Gentle, and DO - Way. Judo literally means "Gentle Way". Judo takes from Ju-jitsu ("Gentle Art") the principle of using one's opponent's strength against him. Kano saw ju-jitsu as a disconnected bag of tricks, and sought to unify it according to some principle: he found it in the notion of "Maximum Efficiency". With that, he renamed his art "Judo", to indicate his view of it as a means of physical and spiritual development, as well as self-defense.
Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 for men and 1992 for women, and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world; second only to soccer in popularity and number of participants. The competitive sport of Judo does not involve striking techniques of any kind. Instead, opponents attempt to throw and/or pin each other for points. They can also employ submition holds such as chokes and joint locks in certain age groups.
More about Southwestern Pennsylvania Judo
What makes SWPA Judo different from the other martial arts schools in the area? It is the only school within 50 miles that teaches the "Real Judo" as seen in the Olympics 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. In 2009, Mrs. Russell competed in the World and Pan American Masters Championships receiving 2nd place at both. She was inspired by the level of competition and age of some of the competitors. At the World Masters, over 27 countries were represented during the 3-day competition with the oldest male competitor at age 82 and the oldest female at 73!
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 defensive martial art. It employs throwing, pinning, choking and joint locking techniques used against an aggressor or opponent. These techniques are learned through the use of Kata (forms) and Randori (free fighting) practice. Competitions are held for both Kata and Shiai. Shiai is a modification of randori practice where points are awarded based on the efficacy of the techniques. This has evolved into the "Sport" of judo.
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. JUDO IS FUN!!
Read The Greene Speak Article about SWPA Judo 
Help Support Your Club
Help SWPA Judo earn extra money with Interactive Sports. When you use this link
and click on SWPA Judo's "BUY NOW" button your club recieves a commission on every item you buy. Interactive Sports is currently offering a DVD series designed specifically for children between the ages of 5 to Teen. This is an interacive DVD that can can be used to supplament their Regular Judo Lessons.