HISTORY OF JUDO (Select these links for more detailed information on JUDO HISTORY, JUDO RANKS, & the BJC)

Judo is a discipline with its roots in the Japanese martial arts (Budo). Professor Jigaro Kano created it around 1870 in Japan. He extracted relatively safe techniques (throws, holds, arm locks, chokes and strangles) from a more dangerous art of Jujitsu and formed them into a comprehensive sport, which he called Judo (the gentle way). In 1882, Jigaro Kano studied these ancient self defence forms and integrated the best of these forms into a sport which is known as Kodokan Judo. The BJC Grading Syllabus is still closely based around these original teaching methods and techniques. Judo is a complete physical education; not just a game. although, self defence techniques are included in the training, emphasis is on using the techniques in a holistic manner.

Judo has a deep and lasting beneficial effect on a physique and psychology of children. It channels aggression and because of the close-contact nature of sport, teaches respect for ones fellow participants. The benefits of Judo training may be defined as 'The Seven S's of Judo':

SKILL, SPEED, STAMINA, STRENGTH, SUPPLENESS, SELF-DISIPLINE & SELF CONFIDENCE.

WHY JUDO?
Practicing Judo is a great and fun way of exercising. Here are some benefits:

1.Self Confidence
As children practicing Judo and become proficient in Judo they become more confident of their abilities. This increase in self-confidence is not limited to the dojo but through out their experience.

2.Exercise
Judo provides exercise for both the natural development of a child's musculature and cardio-vascular workout. the nature of Judo engages the mind as the child learns and practices the fighting strategies and throwing techniques.

3.Coordination
Judo is not about brute strength as the majority of the techniques used rely primarily on the practitioner's reflexes and timing. As the child practices and progresses in Judo this improvement in coordination extends beyond the dojo.

4.Respect and Discipline
Both these values of core attributes of Judo.

5.Equality
Judo teaches not only equality between the genders as boys and girls play and spar together but also encompasses those with special needs as they are integrated into the classes

6.Grading and Ranking
The junior grades are known as Mons. the first six Mons grades are graded in the club. the grading and ranking system defines milestones in the children's progress in Judo. This both helps build their self-confidence and provide a goal to motivate and encourage them. (Click here for more information on JUDO RANKS)