Best Martial Arts and Combat Sports Classes in Jacksonville, FL

Judo literally means "gentle way," and practitioners of the sport are expected to uphold a series of tenets to use their opponent's power against them. Judo competitors may use only the natural movements of their bodies to throw or pin their opponents onto the ground.

Both judo and jiu-jitsu are martial arts that focus on grappling and throwing. They also use a gi, although the judogi is usually heavier than the kimono worn in jiu-jitsu. However, while both rely on throws to defeat opponents, they approach the sport very differently. Judo is a competitive sport, while jiu-jitsu is more of a martial art that focuses on self-defence.

A judo match is called a shinai and is played by two competitors. Each competitor begins the match by forcing the other to the ground to score points by pinning them. The winner of the match is the one who scores the most points or achieves a more significant number of pins.

To get a black belt in judo, you'll need to be at least 18, and you'll need to be able to demonstrate many skills and knowledge. You'll be expected to have a good knowledge of the rules and etiquette of judo, to know how to ukemi - break falls and to be able to attack and defend. From the beginner to black belt judoka you will need at least 5 years.

Buying a new judo gi is a big decision for any serious judoka, as the right choice can mean the difference between comfort and misery while on the mat. Aside from fit and quality, another important consideration is the price. While some judoka may be willing to shell out top dollar for designer brands, others want a gi that will last through daily training and competition. It can be hard to tell which brands are worth the money, and which are better deals.