Judo has been translated as the gentle way, or just the way. That is as good a place as any to start a discussion about Judo. No two people will have identical journey. There are many factors that affect the players you become. The following are some of the factors that shape your path; Age you start, how long you play, do you compete, how often you practice, how your recover from injuries (on and off the mat) and how much your regular life limits all these.
The purpose of judo is inflicting your will on your opponent. This is done several ways: throw them flat on their back, pin them on their back for 20 seconds, or get them to submit to an armlock or choke.
Like many sports we warm up to start practice with exercises and stretching. We practice falling to prepare for play. We move onto instruction of techniques used in play. We then drill techniques on each other for real experience. We may do a variety of techniques, sometimes seeming disconnected, but over time the flow of the game will be apparent. Class usually ends with Rondori (life sparring). This is a gradual process allowing practitioners to acclimate to the intensity and physical nature of the game.
Two challenges that will need to be over come are. One, this is an up-close sport. You will grab and pull each other, bodies collide, and it is sometimes uncomfortable and scary. Americans as a society are used to social distancing, personal space. A small proportion of PR actioners find this a challenge. Two, you are going to fall, A LOT. Learning to fall is critical. You most likely will not Rondori until you can fall instinctually. What ever athleticism you bring will benefit you greatly.
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