Judo
The Gentle Way
History
Judo was founded in 1882 by Professor Jigoro Kano, who refined the most effective techniques from traditional jujitsu into a modern martial art and sport. WWMAA has a proud and direct connection to American judo history through O-Sensei Phillip S. Porter, widely known as the "Father of American Judo." WWMAA has published "The 65 Throws of Kodokan Judo" as part of its ongoing commitment to preserving this traditional art.
Philosophy
Kano Sensei established two core principles: "Seiryoku-Zenyo" (maximum efficiency, minimum effort) and "Jita-Kyoei" (mutual welfare and benefit). Judo teaches that yielding to force and redirecting it is more effective than direct opposition — a philosophy with profound applications both on and off the mat.
Training Areas
Nage-Waza (Throwing Techniques)
65 recognized Kodokan throws divided into hand, hip, foot/leg, and sacrifice techniques. Proper kuzushi (off-balancing), tsukuri (entry), and kake (execution) are developed systematically.
Ne-Waza (Groundwork)
Control and submission techniques on the ground, including holds (osaekomi-waza), chokes (shime-waza), and joint locks (kansetsu-waza).
Kata (Forms)
Formal paired exercises that preserve classical technique. The Nage-no-Kata and Katame-no-Kata are foundational; advanced practitioners study Koshiki-no-Kata and others.
Key Techniques
- O-soto-gari (major outer reap)
- Ippon-seoi-nage (one-arm shoulder throw)
- Uchi-mata (inner thigh throw)
- Tai-otoshi (body drop)
- Kesa-gatame (scarf hold)
- Juji-gatame (cross armlock)
- Hadaka-jime (naked strangle)
Rank Progression
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