Kodokan Judo
History of Judo
In Feudal Japan, the only weapons were hands (jiujutsu ), knives, clubs, staves, swords, spears, and bows and arrows. Use of these was taught and practiced with scientific and often deadly skill. Teachers held official positions and were highly regarded. Their teachings were promulgated in the many schools that developed.
Toward the end of the Tokugawa era (1576-1876) a great changed occurred in the types of weapons and methods of fighting. The old martial arts fell into rapid disuse and interest diminished accordingly. The (jiujutsu) masters lost their official positions and were forced to seek employment elsewhere. Many turned to wrestling and to exhibitions at fairs. One man, Jigoro Kano, a student of many of the old masters, realized that the arts were disappearing. He set out to revive, organize and systematize a course of instruction in them. In June, 1882, he established the Kodokan in Tokyo. Today's sport of Judo is that system as developed by Kano in the intervening years.
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| Jigoro Kano |
Judoka are classified in two general groups, the beginners and graded or black belts. The beginners are called kyu. There are ten grades, tenth through first.
| Jukyu | ..... | 10th kyu | ..... | White belt |
| Kyukyu | ..... | 9th kyu | ..... | White belt w/1 yellow tips |
| Hachikyu | ..... | 8th kyu | ..... | White belt w/2 yellow tips |
| Shichikyu | ..... | 7th kyu | ..... | Yellow belt |
| Rokyu | ..... | 6th kyu | ..... | Orange belt |
| Gokyu | ..... | 5th kyu | ..... | Green belt |
| Yonkyu | ..... | 4th kyu | ..... | Blue belt |
| Sankyu | ..... | 3rd kyu | ..... | Brown belt |
| Nikyu | ..... | 2nd kyu | ..... | Brown belt |
| Ikkyu | ..... | 1st kyu | ..... | Brown belt |
A graded Judoka wears a black belt. There are ten grades, called dan, first through tenth.
| Shodan | ..... | 1st dan | ..... | Black belt |
| Nidan | ..... | 2nd dan | ..... | Black belt |
| Sandan | ..... | 3rd dan | ..... | Black belt |
| Yondan | ..... | 4th dan | ..... | Black belt |
| Godan | ..... | 5th dan | ..... | Black belt |
| Rokudan | ..... | 6th dan | ..... | Red and White belt |
| Shichidan | ..... | 7th dan | ..... | Red and White belt |
| Hachidan | ..... | 8th dan | ..... | Red and White belt |
| Kyudan | ..... | 9th dan | ..... | Red belt |
| Judan | ..... | 10th dan | ..... | White belt |
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Kids Classes
Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Beginner Classes
Tuesday and Thursday 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Advanced Classes
Tuesday and Thursday 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Student Comments
"I love Judo, the work-out is amazing." Tracie
"Judo is more than an amazing sport! Mr. Mike Schmidt will help you "Get A Grip" on physical health, self confidence and help train your mind for a strong, focused life." Don