Judo Explained
Judo literally means in Japanese, “the gentle way.” It is a form of self-defence in which you use your mind and body to protect yourself. It is not aggressive or meant to be used to attack others. Instead, you can protect yourself or subdue an opponent. Because you use both your mind and your body, you get a workout of both and find yourself in a state of calm while you are practicing judo.
Judo is the number one sport in the world – inn terms of national organisations with more than 40 million people practicing judo across 184 countries! Judo is growing in its poularity in Australia and is expanding throughout Australia as it has in Asia, Europe, and both North and South America.
Judo is astoundingly popular, around the world, and for good reason. There are more than 50 million judo players across 199 nations! At UTS Judo, we see judo not only as a sport, but as a ‘way of life’ that crosses boarders, languages, cultures and other boundaries like no other sport on the planet!
Judo had its beginnings in Japan in 1882 founded by Jigoro Kano, and is today known as an Olympic sport. It was created by combining jujitsu (a form of wrestling) with mental discipline.
“For one thing, Judo in reality is not a mere sport or game. I regard it as a principle of life, art and science. In fact, it is a means for personal cultural attainment. “
Kano Jigoro
Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, was quoted as saying, “We often talk about judo as more than just a sport. Yes, it is an artful way of life, just as much as a scientific approach, to live life.” When translated from Japanese Judo means “the gentle way” which is its ‘unique’ point of difference. At UTS Judo we have two Sydney based locations, at UTS Ultimo and Blackman Park, Lane Cove where you can experience ‘the gentle way”.
Yes, it is a form of self-defence, in which you use your mind and your body to protect yourself. And yes, it is not aggressive, nor is it meant to be used to attack others. Instead, you can defend yourself or subdue an opponent. Because you use both your mind and your body, you find yourself in a state of calm, whilst you are practicing judo.
To quote wforwoman.com that ranks ‘Judo’ as the best martial art for women, and to quote them “Judo is a system of martial arts that focuses on throws and submissions rather than strong punches or fast kicks. This helps you avoid focusing too much, on building a strong steely body, and instead pays attention to simple moves that helps you pin or slam you opponent to the ground”.
At UTS Judo, we subscribe to that philosophy, and it drives what we teach. Judo is more than simply learning to knock the other person down. It is a philosophy, not only of self-defence, it is also a philosophy of self-control, and importantly, discipline. You or your child will become more aware of your environment, and understand how things happen, so you can become proactive rather than reactive. That is how you follow the “gentle way” and become a better person through judo.
When we teach our children – discipline, (which is often difficult for parents) all of a sudden children begin to grow, to excel and to achieve. After all, we hear this for all achievers whether its sport, music, reading, or public speaking. Success comes from practice, practice and more practice. The ability to apply yourself to – this practice’, comes from the skill of discipline, for without discipline, you will never achieve the pinnacles of success. Children who follow this simple process will begin to mature (more often than not, at a faster rate than their peers) and begin creating new habits, the foundations of learning, and the fundamental ‘pillars of success’. At UTS Judo we follow this simple yet highly effective process.
How do we create a New Habit?
We practice the new positive activity for 30 days and it then forms a habit. Being able to apply yourself for 30 days comes from the discipline.
Of course we need to remember that we can create bad habits as well as good habits in the same way, this is where parents, family and teachers play such an important role to guide children toward the ‘good habits’. Encouraging you child to begin this process, we believe, will be one of the greatest gifts you can give your child early in their lives. We can do this through judo.
In the whole world, only football is more popular than judo – and we’re seeing its popularity continue to increase throughout Australia, as it has in Asia, across Europe, and in North and South America. And it’s perfect for all ages, too. Judo is the best sport a child can learn, as well as adults who find themselves out of shape and want to increase their overall health. Nothing is better for the body than judo!
UTS Judo was founded by three-time Olympian Semir Pepic, and our Club President Roman Gari. We have two dojos one at UTS, Ultimo and the second at Blackmans Park in Lane Cove. We offer judo training in an environment that is friendly, fun, safe, and challenging. With the increasing popularity of grappling sports, it is a reputable way to learn throws and takedowns from highly experienced teachers. Students will also learn how to fall safely and improve their spatial awareness.
Semir’s jovial and friendly nature belies his vast experience and technical knowledge. He can show what will work for the untrained beginner as well as the seasoned professional. And together with UTS Judo President Roman Gari, they have brought our students and the UTS Training Crew alike, to their greatest heights.
We believe that in an age where children seem addicted to screens, judo offers an alternative and a chance for your child to interact with other kids
9male and female) and the real world. They can make new friends, set new goals, and live their lives to the fullest. Judo will help them unlock their full potential and enter the world full of confidence, strength discipline and self-control.
