Judo
Judo Clubs in London
What is Judo?
Judo has its roots in ju-jitsu, which goes back many centuries in Japanese history when is was a brutal and often lethal method of self-defence and unarmed combat.
Judo was established as a modern physical activity when in 1882; Professor Jigoro Kano founded his Kodokan Judo. Responsible for education he was aware that physical education in his country at that time was sadly lacking. Jealous ju-jitsu masters began to question this system and the matter could only be settled by arranging a tournament between the various schools.
This was done in 1886 and the outcome was a totally victorious Kodokan. Japanese police officials had been watching the proceedings closely; they were looking for an acceptable method of apprehending and controlling aggressive law-breakers without resorting to weapons.
To them Judo was the answer and it is used in Japanese police training to this day. From that time, Judo schools were established in many countries and the first Judo club to open in Europe, the Budokwai which still operates today, was founded in 1918 by Gunji Koizumi who became known later as "The Father of British Judo". There are now nearly 1,000 Judo clubs registered with the British Judo Association in the United Kingdom.
Since the inclusion of Judo in the 1964 Olympic Games it has been regarded as a modern Olympic combat sport although some followers still consider it very much an "art form". Kano said that Judo is a teaching for life itself and with it we learn to overcome the pitfalls and obstacles of everyday living.
How can I join a club?
It is most important to start correctly with a qualified Judo Coach. The British Judo Association is the official Governing Body for Judo in the United Kingdom.
Where do I obtain a Judu suit, etc?
Most sports shops and many of our Members Clubs supply Judogi (Judo suits) at reasonable rates and second-hand kit is often available from clubs. The Judogi is reinforced in all the right places and consists of a jacket, trousers and belt. The only other personal equipment required would be a pair of zori, which are Japanese style slippers and are needed for walking to and from the training or contest mat (a lot of people use flip-flops for this purpose).
Useful Links
Contacts
British Judo -
Email: bja@britishjudo.org.uk
Telephone: 01509 631670
London Contacts:
Karen French – London Development Manager
karen.french@britishjudo.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 928 0888
Tim Edwards - London Development Officer (Club Development)
tim.edwards@britishjudo.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 928 0888
Luke Farrugia - London Development Officer (London University Sport)
luke.farrugia@britishjudo.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 928 0888
