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Practice
During
a typical class, students stretch and condition to warm-up and cool down,
practice methods of falling correctly called breakfalls,
throwing drills, and
methods of controlling their partner on the mat (holds,
armlocks and strangles).
Besides individual practice of basic movements, students also train using
two methods, randori and kata:
Randori
Randori is the practice of free exercise and thought. Although it is practiced
like a real fight or competition, there is no winner or loser. Rather,
partners are encouraged to try out movements and look for their partner's
weaknesses. Students are encouraged to keep an open but active mind, since
it is believed that the maximum amount of tranquility allows the maximum
amount of ability to be achieved. Partners can use any method in randori,
including throwing, choking, or holding, as long as they do not cause
injury or violate the dojo's rules.
Kata
Kata is a system of prearranged exercises, such as throws, kicks, and
punches. Training in these techniques is only performed in kata, since
each student knows which actions his partner will take beforehand. Some
kata involve breakfalls,
while others do not. Many of the kata are named after and resemble forces
of nature (e.g. waves against the rocks).
Classes are typically attended two to three times a week and each class runs between one to two hours. While many students practice Judo for competition, it can be used for recreational purposes as well.
Setting
Judo is practiced in a dojo, or training hall. The majority of (or entire)
the floor is covered with thick, padded material. This helps to protect
students when they fall or roll. Other parts of the dojo are used for
seating and ceremonial emblems are hung on the walls.
Etiquette
In Judo, students show courtesy toward their instructor(s), partners,
and judojo. Bowing is the primary way in which respect is shown. Bows
can be performed from the standing or sitting position and are used: before
entering and leaving the judojo, before and after class to the instructor(s),
before and after practice to one's partner, and before and after competition
to one's opponent.
Individually, students should also remember to:
- keep fingernails and toe nails trimmed
- maintain a neat appearance, wear a clean uniform and tie back long hair
- remove any jewelry and shoes so that the mat won't be damaged
- not talk loudly or disturb their peer
- refer to their instructors with formal titles such as Sensei, Master, or Mr./Ms.
The following are five oaths that early Judoka took at the kodokan:
-
Once admitted to the Kodokan, I shall not stop my study of judo without
good reason.
- I shall not dishonor the dojo.
- I shall not tell or show the secrets I have been taught to anyone, without authorization.
- I shall not teach judo without authorization.
- First as a pupil, later as a teacher, I shall always obey the rules of the dojo.
Like challenges? Take the Judo Quiz.
