Judo is a Japanese martial art that divides combat into two stages – the initial standing stage, and the final ground stage. Each stage of combat requires its own separate training and conditioning. In the standing stage of combat, Judo students learn to implement a variety of powerful throws, sweeps, and takedowns to get their opponents on the ground where they can be much more easily dealt with. Once on the ground, the Judo practitioner can apply joint locks and choke submissions to control their opponent and end combat.

     One of the main tenets of Judo is to make the most efficient use of physical and mental energy. Judo translates as “The Gentle Way” – which means that Judo student does not meet force with force, but will give way first, allowing his opponent to lose balance and become vulnerable. Judo submissions also rely on leverage rather then brute strength. Combined, this allows a Judo student to easily overcome an adversary much stronger than themselves.

     Judo techniques are divided into three categories: ukemi, or falling techniques; nage-waza, or throwing techniques; and katame-waza, or grappling techniques.. Students test out their abilities through Randori, a type of Judo sparring.