Archive for July, 2009

A sensei is a judo teacher.  With the western culture, the teachers are referred to as a “dan grade sensei”.  It used to be used only for a certain group, but now it can be used for anyone that teaches judo.

Practitioners wear a judogi, which is a white uniform that is worn when performing judo.  There were uniforms that looked similar that came along after the first one came out.  The uniform is made of cotton and the pants are usually white and blue.

The pants come with a drawstring so the waist can be adjusted.  The top is actually a white or blue cotton jacket that is quilted and is accompanied by a belt.  The belt is used to close the jacket.  The belt will be a certain color to signify rank.  The jacket is used to endure grappling, which is why the uniform has more thickness than a uniform used for karate.

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Judo

Judo actually came from Jujitsu and was out of sync for a while.  However, there are people that still incorporate judo as a martial arts technique.  It does not rely on tactics that involve karate, kicking or punching.  Judo does not rely on throwing and grappling, either.

With judo, you grip your opponent and place them off balance.  Kuzushi is used to supply a small amount of energy while engaging in judo.  Even though judo was birthed from jujitsu, there are some differences between the two.  Kuzushi happens when the opponent is hit along the weak line.  There is also twisting, grabbing or poking of the points of the atemi (pressure points).

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Jujitsu is considered a soft art.  It uses balance, leverage and momentum against an attacker’s opponents.  This is different than hard methods, such as karate.  Hard methods tend focus on power, speed and strength.  When learning jujitsu in a class, there are similar factors that apply:

• The students learn traditional jujitsu methods by looking at the instructors and doing what they do.

• Atemi can focus on weak parts of the body.  It breaks up a balance for a lock, throw or a take-down.

• The body of the defender can take full advantage of the weakness of their opponent.  In the meantime, they can choose to use some openings or weak spots.

• An attacker’s momentum is increased to put a joint in a difficult position.  For a take-down or a throw, the balance is broken.

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