Frequently asked questions

Gentle Way

Modern Judo is a martial art based on the traditional Jujutsu fighting and self defense techniques of Japan.

Judo is an Olympic and Paralympic combat sport and martial art practised by over 40 million people worldwide. Judo is a tremendous and dynamic combat sport that demands both physical prowess and great mental discipline. From a standing position, it involves techniques that allow you to lift and throw your opponents onto their backs. On the ground, it includes techniques that allow you to pin your opponent’s down to the ground, control them, and apply various chokeholds or joint locks until submission.

The practice of judo promotes teamwork, leadership and self confidence; it can also help prevent issues such as bullying, harassment, aggression and discrimination. Judo develops discipline, manners, punctuality, strength, stamina, perseverance, tenacity, and toughness. Judo builds healthy and strong muscles and improves cardio. The word judo consists of two Japanese characters, ju, which means "gentle," and do, which means "the way." Judo, therefore, literally means the way of gentleness. But, beyond the development of physical prowess and athletic ability, judo students learn much more. They learn how to control their feelings, emotions, and impulses though the judo moral code. They learn about values of perseverance, respect, loyalty, and discipline. Through their experience, they learn about politeness, modesty, and many other wonderful values that contribute to their development as successful citizens of society. Jujutsu is just a different branch of the judo tree, with a stronger emphasis in groundwork techniques.

The Judo Moral Code is a set of ethics created by the sport’s founder Jigoro Kano. He believed they were vital in the development of judo players and individuals both on and off the mat.

The code itself is made up of 8 parts: Courtesy, Courage, Friendship, Honesty, Honour, Modesty, Respect, Self-Control

Judo techniques are divided into three major categories: nage waza (throwing techniques), katame waza (grappling techniques, and atemi waza (vital-point striking techniques).

Nage waza are many and varied, their purpose being to unbalance an opponents posture and throw the opponent to the floor.

Depending on the rule set students are training for, but yes we often train with leg grabs.

Give us a call and we can arrange for a trial session. Following your trial session you are required to obtain a license and membership within 4 weeks.

Yes, we will need to get you back onto the mat with some gentle practise to get you 'judo fit’

No!

We are an affiliated club of the British Judo Association.

Yes, we also have our own 'mini comps' for kids to attend. these are a great chance for Kimura junior squad members to practice new techniques and gain some gentle competition experience. Everyone is welcome to come and cheer on! Medals are awarded.

Building grit, determination & resilience every week a student steps onto the mat, the mini comp is a chance to put all the hard work into practise under competition rules!

Yes, judo is highly functional martial art that can be adopted very easily to real life scenarios.