About Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art where the object is to either throw an opponent to the ground (nage-waza), immobilise an opponent with a hold (osaekomi-waza), joint lock (kansetsu-waza) or strangle (shime-waza). Judo develops strength, cardiovascular fitness, strategy and reaction time.
Judo techniques are practised individually to allow students to learn important points of each technique. Techniques are also practised in Randori - free-style sparring against an opponent. Randori is one of the main forms of training.

Ranking

Judoka are ranked according to their skill and knowledge of judo. The rank is reflected by the belt colours. Ranks are split into kyu grades (before black belt) and dan grades (black belt).
2011 National Grading Syllabus PDF

Dojo rules

  • Bow on entering or leaving dojo
  • Bow to all partners during training
  • Address all instructors as sensei
  • Do not leave the class without instructor's permission
  • Fingernails and toenails must be kept short and clean
  • Do not wear jewelery
  • No swearing
  • Senior grades are to respect lower grades
  • No violent behaviour, in or out of the dojo
  • No alcohol before the training

The Gi

Gis can be single, one and half or double weave. The thicker the weave the stronger the gi. New double weaves can be like cardboard to wear for a while.

Washing gis:
Always wash your gi in cold water and hang out to dry, do not use a tumble dryer. Washing in warm or hot water or using a tumble dryer will make the gi shrink - this is really a problem for the gi arms as they need to meet a minimum length for other judoka to grab.

How often should your gi be washed?
Some people like to wash their gi after each session. Usually once a week is OK if you have only trained for two sessions, or maybe even three sessions, particularly if it is not sweat-soaked. Always wash your gi if it has blood on it

Links to techniques

History

The founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, studied ju-jutsu and incorporated concepts from other fighting styles to develop a style of "maximum efficiency and minimal effort" Apart from being the founder of judo, Kano was a prominent figure in the Japanese Olympic movement.
Articles about judo history