Basic judo concepts

Physical education and training

The ways in which persons train their bodies are many and varied, but they fall into two general categories: sports and gymnastics.

It is difficult to generalise about sports, since there are so many different types, but they share one important characteristic: they are competitive in nature.

By contrast, gymnastics rate highly as physical education. Practice is not injurious to the body, is generally beneficial to health, and promotes the balanced development of the body.

Three types of training

Tandoku-renshu (practice by oneself): Practicing movements without a partner. Sotai Renshu (Partner practice): Practicing techniques with another person. Shiai (competition): Competitive form of judo that is held under strict rules and regulations.

Training the mind

Both kata and randori are forms of mental training, but of the two, randori is the more effective because randori in to engage in a complex mental-physical relation between contestants.

In randori, one must search out the opponent's weaknesses and be ready to attack with all the resources at his disposal the moment the opportunity presents itself, without violating the rules of judo. Practicing randori tends to make the judoka earnest, sincere, thoughtful, cautious and deliberate in action. At the same time, he or she learns to value and make quick decisions.

Ethical training

Judo can help people who are easily angered by teaching them to control their temper.

Judo can help people who lack confidence by teaching them to focus on finding the best possible course of action and that worrying is a waste of time.

Judo can help people who always blame others for their problems by teaching them to take responsibility for their actions and choices.

Aesthetics

Doing judo brings many pleasures. It feels good to exercise muscles and nerves, and it's really satisfying to master new moves. There is also the beauty of performing or witnessing graceful, meaningful techniques. This is the essence of the aesthetic side of judo.