The basics
Created by Jigoro Kano, judo is a byproduct of force-manipulating martial art, jiujitsu. The physical and mental discipline, which translates to ‘‘the gentle way’’ in Japanese, relies on the philosophy: maximum efficiency from minimum effort.
Rather than flying kicks, breaking boards and the mythical ‘judo chop’, it hones in on the skill of body position and movement to effortlessly get an opponent off-balance – taking an attacker’s force, multiplying it against them and finding the weakest point.
It is the most widely practised martial art worldwide, and believe it or not, the second most practised sport behind football.
Giving it a bash
At Auckland’s University Judo Club, they integrate first-timers into classes alongside experienced participants to keep things challenging and interesting. This particular class was a mix of brown, blue, orange and white belts. A warm-up kicked off with some light running, commando rolling, groundwork as if sliding under a fence, and falling with generous arm slaps on the floor – revealed by our mentor (or judoka) Paul Sisson as a safe falling technique.
As the regular class moved into drills, Sisson took the judo novices among the group aside to run through basic techniques to get your opponent off-balance and ready to throw. He explained that the foundation grappling holds are based around the four points of a compass, and that by gripping your opponent by the lapel or collar and elbow you can lead them to any bearing like a ragdoll.
A few dummy runs proved that the grip is very effective. Once your opponent is off-balance, the next task is getting them to the floor for submission. Step by step, we worked through a shoulder throw (seoi nage) and the classic leg sweep (osoto gari) until tipping point. Slight differences in body position made it far easier for leverage and gravity to do their thing.
The drill section of the class finished with a technical ground manoeuvre that moved from a leg escape into a finishing strangle. Randori or free-form sparring is where you get to test your skills on classmates. Beginners were also thrown in the deep end with experienced members in the first kneeling position.
While not entirely sure about how to achieve submission, my newfound grappling basics appeared to, at least, delay the assault. Three tap-outs later and my heart rate had increased rapidly; my opponent remained zen, however. It appeared that instead of employing the judo philosophy, I had created my own: minimum efficiency from maximum effort.
Why you should try it
Judoka Sisson suggests the greatest benefit from judo is courage and the determination to keep going despite challenges to reach your goal.
‘‘The effort you put into it is rewarded many times over. It’s also why anyone, of any age, gender, body shape, physical capability can successfully use judo.’’
The free form practise is similar to what you may have experienced during high-intensity interval training – short bursts of high-energy exercise with short periods of rest – of which the health benefits are significant.
Step by step, we worked through a shoulder throw (seoi nage) and the classic leg sweep (osoto gari) until tipping point. Slight differences in position made it far easier for leverage and gravity to do their thing.
Risk rating
Like any combat sport, there is a risk of injury with judo – from this particular class you’d only need to look at a blood-speckled judogi or the disappearance of skin from the top of my toes. Despite the surface scrapes and bumps, Sisson says the risk of serious injury is ‘‘very rare’’ due of the structure and the care of the coaches, who all have safe practice qualifications.
Safe falling and fighting techniques are also taught to each member.
Find out more
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