ABOUT JUDO WHAT IS JUDO?  Judo is a competitive sport where children and adults can compete against people of their own age, ability and weight. The judo syllabus contains a vast number of throwing and holding techniques, which are practised at all levels, as well as joint locks and strangle holds, which are only used at senior level. HOW DID JUDO ORIGINATE? Judo has its roots in ju-jitsu, which extends over many centuries of Japanese history. In its past, Ju-jitsu was a brutal and often lethal method of self-defence and unarmed combat. In the late 1800’s, as director of primary education for the Ministry of Education, Professor Jigaro Kano was aware that physical education in his country was sadly lacking. So, in 1882 Professor Kano founded his Kodokan and Judo was established as a modern physical activity. It did not take long before Jujitsu masters began to question the validity of Professor Kano's system and it was decided that the matter could only be settled by arranging a tournament between the various schools. This Tournament was held in 1886 and the outcome was a totally victorious Kodokan. Japanese police officials had followed the proceedings with interest. Law enforcement in Japan was looking for an acceptable method of apprehending and controlling aggressive lawbreakers without having to resort to weaponry. To the police officials, Judo was the answer. Today, Judo is still used in Japanese police training.  Because of its success, Judo schools are now established in many countries. The first Judo club to open in Europe was the Budokwai, which was founded in 1918 by Gunji Koizumi who later became known as "The Father of British Judo'. This club is still in operation today. Since the inclusion of the sport in the 1964 Olympic Games, Judo has been regarded as a modern Olympic combat sport, although some followers still consider it very much an "art form". Professor Kano said that Judo is a teaching for life itself as with it we learn how to overcome the pitfalls and obstacles of everyday living. The British Judo Association now have more than 1000 registered Judo clubs in the United Kingdom. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JUDO? Judo training is an ideal form of physical exercise. It serves as a great cardiovascular workout, improving stamina, general health and overall fitness. Judo is great for juniors as the session is taught in a fun and exciting way, using games and exercises to develop many skills including balance, co-ordination and self discipline. IS JUDO THE COMPLETE SELF DEFENCE? There is no complete self-defence and it is foolish to make such claims. However, because of its close contact, Judo helps to develop a keen awareness of danger. Judo, more than any other sport, offers the best close quarter self-defence training of its type. DO YOU HAVE TO COMPETE? There are two sides to Judo: the competitive side, where players enter competitions and the social side, where you can just learn the holds and throws. Both are encouraged at V&E Judokwai. V&E (Cheshunt) Judokwai [Registered Club No. 361] is part of the British Judo Association Judo programme. V&E (Cheshunt) Judokwai is part of the V AND E YOUTH CLUB registered charity No. 302351 GOFFS LANE - WALTHAM CROSS - HERTFORDSHIRE - EN7 5QN     TEL: 01992 630219