Ground phase
Related Terms
Black belt, grappling, ground phase, Jigoro Kano, jujitsu, karate, Kodokan Judo, martial arts, ranks, standing phase.
Background
Judo was founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano. Dr. Kano studied jujutsu and took from it what he thought were its best techniques and adapted them into what is now called judo.
Judo was introduced to millions in the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by many throughout the world today.
Judo is practiced by all age groups as well as people of both sexes. It is an inexpensive and year round sport. It provides means for learning self-confidence, concentration, leadership skills, physical coordination, power and flexibility.
Practice
Judo is governed by a strict set of rules developed by organizations that ensure the participants are neither unfair nor injured. Judo consists of two battle phases: standing phase and ground phase.
Judo utilizes throwing techniques, grappling on the ground, specialized pins, control holds, arm locks and various choking techniques while emphasizing safety and full physical activity that provides for the most physical conditioning.
Judo created the system of "ranks". This system recognizes the person's degree of knowledge, ability and leadership and is utilized in most other martial arts today. There are separate ranks for juniors, who are under 17 years of age, and seniors. These ranks are identified by colored belts and advanced grades of black belts.
If a person is interested in learning judo, they usually attend group lessons.
Theory / Evidence
While the effects of judo have not really been studied, judo is practiced by millions of people across the world today.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
Do Judo! 11 May 2006.
United States Judo Association. 11 May 2006.