The Daily Benefits Of Judo

A Brief History of Judo

Judo's origins could be traced back to 19th Century Japan. Its principle developer was Jigoro Kano who formed the concept of Judo from the combined teachings of Jujitsu, Sumo Wrestling, and Karate. He developed Judo because he felt that Jujitsu, meaning gentle art, was not as gentle as the name implied. He would often notice advanced students recklessly disregard the welfare of the beginner students by not using restraint during practice. He thought this could injure the beginner physically as well as lower his confidence in the sport. "He taught  his advanced students that it was a disgrace to hurt someone less skillful then themselves. He insisted that each Judo player become 'his brother's keeper'" (Bruce 17). Judo quickly spread throughout Japan and after World War II it spread to America and other countries around the world. Today Judo is the second largest sport in the world.

A major aspect of Judo as a sport is the tournaments that take place. They range from local to international competitions. Tournaments usually have multiple competing mats where a referee calls two contenders to begin Shiai or contest. Each side has a designated color of gi, blue and white. They are used to distinguish between the fighters if they possess the same belt ranking. Either side will approach the mat and then be called forth by the referee. Next they bow to each
other and begin the match. The winner is designated by a certain amount of points which are gained based on the falls taken. Points are given to a throw if it was done intentionally and if the opponent is thrown on his back. Points are also given for the holding of one participant if their back is at least halfway on the mat and is held there for at least 30 seconds.

Purpose

Judo Club Member is thrown

As a college student, many opportunities become available to you throughout your career in higher education. During this time one is subjected to increased stress and a need for social interaction. To both alleviate stress and fulfill the need for social interaction, students seek out extra curricular activities whose topics cover a diverse range of subjects. One popular option is the study of a martial art such as Karate, Kendo, and Judo. Judo is special in this group because it does not focus on striking the opponent and limits itself to the use of trips, throws, and grapples. It is due to this unique quality of Judo that it was selected as the topic for our research. The goal of this research is to discover the benefits of practicing Judo in everyday life.

This is important because as college is a difficult time for many people, the availability of a student organization with significant benefits to ones life would be seen as highly desirable. Such benefits may include: decreasing stress, the development of discipline, and the undertaking of healthy lifestyle choices. These things can greatly impact the life of a college student in a positive way and have the potential to be a building block of their college experience.

Methodology

Judo Club members congratulate one another after practice

Research of the Ball State Judo club was conducted over three weeks, with a total of six meetings attended. Our research team met 15 minutes before practice to discuss our plan for observations that day. The first three meetings we took hand-written notes of the practice. This ranged from our general observations of the practice space to subjective observations of the members conduct and attitudes toward one another. Over the next two meetings we filmed portions of the practice including setup, drills Randori or free practice. At the final meeting, notes were taken, due to a lack of participants for practice that night practice ended early. The Judo club members ranged widely among various points of mastery in the sport. There were white belts, green belts, brown belts, and black belts in attendance. The club was predominately male with some female members. Members were all in different points in their college careers. They seemed relaxed and determined to do their best.

After the meetings were observed, on two separate occasions interviews were conducted. The subjects of these interviews were the Sensei John Hampton, and the President Adam Vang. They were asked similar questions from a predetermined list and follow-up questions. These interviews were conducted at the subjects convenience. They were selected as our interview subjects because we believe they provide a wide spectrum of knowledge on the club and the practice of Judo.

Research into the history of Judo was conducted at a group meeting held at Ball State's Bracken Library. Although the collection of books detailing the history of Judo were few at Bracken, two books were found. These sources were combed through for relevant information on the subject. Information gained here combined with information gleamed from subject interviews was used to compile  data on the history and general practice of Judo.

Results

After observing the Ball State Judo club we found their comradery, stress allievement, and sociability teachings to have notable benefits in one's daily life. Comradery can be found in the way that members speak to one another, they are seen to be very supportive. They are willing to provide tips and repeated demonstrations as necessary for the benefit of the student. They seem to be very comfortable with each other and speak informally.
Encouragement; Encouragement 2; Repeated Demonstrations

Judo provides an outlet for emotions and stress. This is done through the intense physical activity and specific actions taken such as throwing one another, drills, and grappling exercises.
Judo Exercises


Members are incredibly sociable, one motto of Judo promotes mutual welfare and benefit which has implications for their ability to communicate with other people and become more tolerant. An appreciation for other cultures is gained through the repeated use of Japanese terminology during practice.
Judo as a way of life;

Discussion

After multiple observations of the Ball State Judo club it is clear that there are multiple benefits when considering Judo in everyday life. A sense of comradery is an important aspect of life that every person longs for. Stress management is another benefit Judo can provide in the form of physical activity. Sociability is an necessary skill which can be gained through respecting others which is another thing that Judo provides.

The feeling of friendship in a group setting is something that every person strives for. The Ball State Judo club is great place to receive this sense of belonging. They have shown on multiple occasions that they are a family that supports each other. If someone is showing signs of struggling, someone can always be seen cheering that person on. The tournament aspect of Judo can also provide a sense of being on a team. The benefit of comradery is important because it also raises one's self esteem and confidence knowing there are people that believe in them. Having confidence and self esteem can lead to a positive self image which is needed when put up against a difficult task.

Stress is a negative part of life that all people experience. It can have wide spread effects on a person which include effects on the body as well as the mind and can be the cause of  many physical and mental illnesses. Being able to keep stress levels low can reduce the negative effects it has on us. Judo is a great way to relieve stress while participating in a constructive activity. The intense drills they did made many of the members exhausted and the one on one Shiai matches are a great way to channel negative emotions  and redirect them into a healthy alternative for self improvement.

Sociability is an important skill to have in everyday life. Being sociable could be the deciding factor in a job interview and it is a great way to make new connections with other people. This includes being more tolerant of people and treating them with respect. The idea of mutual welfare and benefit promotes equality and well-being. Judo provides this benefit by showing respect to people who have lower rank and being under the authority of a mentor. Going with the flow can add a sense of adventure by making one more open to new experiences in life.

References

Bruce, Jeannette, and Don Madden. "The History and Growth of Judo."Judo: A Gentle Beginning. New York: Crowell, 1975. N. pag. Print.

Harrington, Anthony Patrick. Every Boy's Judo. Buchanan, NY: Emerson, 1978. Print.