What are your thoughts/insights/experiences with Judo

[TamaraSavannah]

Originally Posted by baystater

I'm going to ask some semi-specific questions....but...don't feel that this thread is only limited to just answering the question I'm asking. I would enjoy any and all comments on/about Judo.

So let me open with some questions.

1. What do you think about Judo as a sport?

2. What do you think about Judo being used as a self-defense art?

3. What to you make of the new Judo rule about not being able to grab at the legs in any way shape or form? Do you think the moves involving touching the legs should still be taught?

4. When? Or do you think students of Judo should be taught strikes (ex. judo chop)?

1. It's how I started as a child. Did it through college, was one of the things which probably helped me earn college scholarships.

2. While there was an Army instructor once or twice when I was 13, other people started training me starting at 18. Such as the US Maritime Service and then a few more years down the road, the Marines and the FBI, at least (may have been others as well). Having such a long experience with judo, it made it not only easier, but probably made it close to instantaneous for their teachings to be absorbed.

So from that angle at least, yes, as a self defense art. In the "classic" definitions, further, there is a reference to judo being used as a method of physical training.

Have I ever used it in "defense"? Yes, both in instant blocks, during military police duties, and in training anti terrorism troops, if informally, in its use. By informally I mean there was a need to get people trained in hand to hand, the Captain essentially said, "Cassandra, you're experienced, get it done," so I got out the books, taught them landings, and which moves would work best for them in my judgement. As far as using it it during military police duties, it was automatic, I didn't think about it, I just did it.

3. I have not competed since college, way back during the Cold War, so I don't know about these rules. FURTHER, since my training and experience has moved past judo as a sport and has become an actual weapon, I don't think I could compete even if I wanted to.

4. I don't know. My training, my life, if not unique, then was certainly outside the main stream, and probably should not be used to answer such a question.