I watched a judo class tonight, and am thinking of joining. Seems allot different than my kung fu classes though, and I’m a little hesitant. Very informal, and in a fitness center where everyone and their brother apparently goes to. Very strange feeling when you’re used to practicing in a more private setting.
Do you guys think that cross training in judo has helped you as a martial artist?
[QUOTE=naja;889252]I watched a judo class tonight, and am thinking of joining. Seems allot different than my kung fu classes though, and I’m a little hesitant. Very informal, and in a fitness center where everyone and their brother apparently goes to. Very strange feeling when you’re used to practicing in a more private setting.
Do you guys think that cross training in judo has helped you as a martial artist?[/QUOTE]
Judo will teach you quite a bit about what goes on when someone grabs you, truly grabs you, with the intent to take you down.
And it will teach you balance in a way not typical of striking systems.
It will be a fine addition to your arsenal and allow you to understand how to deal with those kinds of attacks and how your fighting ability can be exploited by someone with judo training.
In short, its a win-win situation.
I guess I was a little taken back by the informal attitude of the class. I thought about it some more last night, and I think I’ll give it a shot. One other thing that kinda had me worried was that it is a mcdojo. The classes are free, you just have to buy your GI and sign a waiver. I guess I figured if it was worth it, then it would cost at least something… I’m gonna try it though and see how it goes.
If they are affliated with the Kodokan, the curriculum is standard and they should be going to regular competitions, after all, judo is a competitive sport, the whole point is to compete.
Its hard to be a “McDojo” in a competitive sport, unless you don’t compete…
Unless of course they are teaching “combat judo” or something like that, in that case it should be more “rough and tumble” with lots of strikes also.
This is from their website at http://johnsoncityjudo.com/
“We are affiliated with USJI and a USJA Charter B club”
They have a “tournament and results” page, which lists future tourneys…
I talked to the instructor after class was over and he mentioned that sometimes he has to tone it down a little when he gets younger guys in there, because they tend to be a little too rough. I think he was saying that because he doesn’t want it to be seen as a rough sport, since it is in such a public place.
Judo is about as real an encounter that one has when engaging an actual opponent because in all, if not most instances, your ‘enemy’ will alway try to grab you.
[QUOTE=naja;889351]This is from their website at http://johnsoncityjudo.com/
“We are affiliated with USJI and a USJA Charter B club”
They have a “tournament and results” page, which lists future tourneys…
I talked to the instructor after class was over and he mentioned that sometimes he has to tone it down a little when he gets younger guys in there, because they tend to be a little too rough. I think he was saying that because he doesn’t want it to be seen as a rough sport, since it is in such a public place.[/QUOTE]
Looks perfectly fine.
Remember, judo, like any MA, gives you what you put into it.
I think it’s mostly culture shock for me. The idea of practicing in front of 200 strangers is a little unsettling for me, I’m a pretty private person.
I’ll get used to it though.
[QUOTE=naja;889366]I think it’s mostly culture shock for me. The idea of practicing in front of 200 strangers is a little unsettling for me, I’m a pretty private person.
I’ll get used to it though.[/QUOTE]
Here’s an issue for you, don’t forget to empty your bladder and bowels before a class, you don’t wanna get choked out and lose control of them.
:o I bet no one would mess with me after that!! until I got a shower that is…
I’m kinda excited about starting, but also nervous because it’ll be so much different in applications and training than what I’m used to. I’m a little guy, 5’6" 160lbs. I’ll probably get thrown around like a rag doll!!
[QUOTE=naja;889387]:o I bet no one would mess with me after that!! until I got a shower that is…
I’m kinda excited about starting, but also nervous because it’ll be so much different in applications and training than what I’m used to. I’m a little guy, 5’6" 160lbs. I’ll probably get thrown around like a rag doll!![/QUOTE]
I am 5-6 and 170 myself so, yes, you will be thrown around a bit, just remember your “rooting training” and it will help a bit, though not for long !
eh, maybe I’ll use my short stature to uproot them!!! ::evil laugh::
or I’ll just get thrown on my @ss.
McDojo for a while.
But I do Jiu Jutsu along with my Kung Fu now and will likely be doing Judo if I move to Prince George.
And short guys: I am annoyed by your low center of gravity. So if I can’t throw you I’ll clinch and then try to just haul you to the ground.
[QUOTE=SimonM;889398]McDojo for a while.
But I do Jiu Jutsu along with my Kung Fu now and will likely be doing Judo if I move to Prince George.
And short guys: I am annoyed by your low center of gravity. So if I can’t throw you I’ll clinch and then try to just haul you to the ground. :D[/QUOTE]
The ground? BAH !!
That’s like 3" away from a deep horse stance !!
[QUOTE=SimonM;889398]
And short guys: I am annoyed by your low center of gravity. So if I can’t throw you I’ll clinch and then try to just haul you to the ground. :D[/QUOTE]
I was wondering if us shorter guys would have an advantage at all.
Well, not that being hauled to the ground is an advantage but you know what I mean. I think. 
The toughest opponents for me to wrestle with are invariably short and stocky.
Big and tall guys like me: not too many in my circle but when I have faced them most have balance issues. I don’t have bad balance but that’s down to years of working on it. A bit harder to manage on the ground unless they get worn down.
Tall lanky guys: EASY to throw… frequently the most dramatic throws are on tall lanky guys. Easier on ground than the big guys.
Short skinny guys: Very light, thus easy to throw and easy to dominate on ground due to weight differential… but gotta be careful got climbed by a short skinny guy like a monkey in a cliche tree once and choked out.
Short, stocky guys: Low center of gravity, heavier, hard to throw, also harder to get in arm and leg related locks on the ground. In my experience slightly easier to pass guard on short, stocky guys. I generally try to get cross body, mount or top body and try for a choke.
This is based on personal experience only and YMMV. My opinions on the matter should not constitute any sort of absolute.
Well, I’ll be the shortest guy in the class. Most of them are somewhat stocky as well.
I may have my work cut out for me, but I’m fine with that. I’ll end up a better fighter/grappler in the end.
That’s the idea.
I did a training seminar with Mike Swain. It was one of the best seminars I have been to. He was the nicest guy and watching his skill was unbelievable. I was thinking of going Judo after attending the seminar, but couldn;t find any place close enough.
Went to my first class last night. I am sore! Didn’t think it would take that much out of me. It was very fun though, and it really brought to light how much of a ground game I didn’t have.