There are both specific and general aims of Judo, each with their obvious benefits.
In general, Judo aims to promote both physical and mental strength. The sport is a challenging one that requires concentration and balance, and as such any one who practices the sport will find themselves quickly becoming stronger. Judo also improves the stamina of those which practice it, as both freestyle training and competitions can involve long periods of physical and mental concentration. Other benefits which are noticeable amongst students are an improvement in flexibility and balance, as well as faster reflexes and better posture.
Of course the more specific aims of Judo are the submission of one’s opponent in competition (without unnecessary striking). In order to be awarded an Ippon score (which ends the match), one must throw their opponent to the ground or completely immobilise them. Other moves may include grappling, choke-holds or joint-locking moves. All the moves allowed in Judo competition are aimed at preventing the movement of the opponent, but are not intended to do any physical harm.
There are also the mental and moral benefits of Judo, which are produced through the strict teachings of Judo coaches. The founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, strongly believed in having a code of ethics which taught students to be respectful both in success and failure, and to always display exemplary behaviour. Poor conduct both in and outside of the Judo arena could often end in the expulsion of the student. More generally, Judo is supposed to increase self esteem and confidence, and promote a sense of inner calm.
In general, Judo aims to promote both physical and mental strength. The sport is a challenging one that requires concentration and balance, and as such any one who practices the sport will find themselves quickly becoming stronger. Judo also improves the stamina of those which practice it, as both freestyle training and competitions can involve long periods of physical and mental concentration. Other benefits which are noticeable amongst students are an improvement in flexibility and balance, as well as faster reflexes and better posture.
Of course the more specific aims of Judo are the submission of one’s opponent in competition (without unnecessary striking). In order to be awarded an Ippon score (which ends the match), one must throw their opponent to the ground or completely immobilise them. Other moves may include grappling, choke-holds or joint-locking moves. All the moves allowed in Judo competition are aimed at preventing the movement of the opponent, but are not intended to do any physical harm.
There are also the mental and moral benefits of Judo, which are produced through the strict teachings of Judo coaches. The founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, strongly believed in having a code of ethics which taught students to be respectful both in success and failure, and to always display exemplary behaviour. Poor conduct both in and outside of the Judo arena could often end in the expulsion of the student. More generally, Judo is supposed to increase self esteem and confidence, and promote a sense of inner calm.