Judo -- self defense

[drocb]

why isn't Judo more recognized as a good self defense art ?

we all know the problems with kung fu/karate/tae kwon do/aikidio/ etc, when it comes to self defense, and you really don't want to go to the ground if you don't have to (bjj). With Judo you use good standup grappling and kuzushi to control your opponent, and the throws can be devastating. Hitting your opponent with the biggest object around, the ground, is the best bet.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Judo is a sport. It is organized and taught almost exclusively as a sport.

You can take some of the throws and use them in self defense situations.

The workout and ability to hit the ground safely are very valuable in the realm of self defense.

Understanding the principles and applications of said principles can be conveyed into the realm of fighting or self defense.

So yeah, you can use it for self defense.

One of the keys factors that Judo is missing is adrenaline management.


I train in an Amalgamated Jujutsu style, and I compliment my training with Judo and BJJ (and anything else I can incorporate).

But taking a brown belt straight out of a Judo class is similar to all the other arts you mentioned.

Spanky

[RobertG]

Originally posted by Szczepankiewicz
Judo is a sport. It is organized and taught almost exclusively as a sport.

You can take some of the throws and use them in self defense situations.

The workout and ability to hit the ground safely are very valuable in the realm of self defense.

Understanding the principles and applications of said principles can be conveyed into the realm of fighting or self defense.

So yeah, you can use it for self defense.

One of the keys factors that Judo is missing is adrenaline management.


I train in an Amalgamated Jujutsu style, and I compliment my training with Judo and BJJ (and anything else I can incorporate).

But taking a brown belt straight out of a Judo class is similar to all the other arts you mentioned.

Spanky

I'm not quite sure what you mean by adrenaline management. But I'd say that any art that is based on competition will teach you a thing or two about adrenaline management (as I understand it). Most people gas out rapidly during their first few tournaments because the adrenaline kicks in the second they step out on the mat. With time you learn to relax and you're adrenaline doesn't kick in so much. At least I assume that is what you mean by adrenaline management--the ability to stay calm under duress. This is not unique to judo--any combat sport is going to teach you this. If you don't learn to calm down in a match you're going to loose everytime (unless the other guy freaks out more than you...). So I'd say any martial art that forces you to compete, forces you to get hit and/or thrown a lot, and forces you to try your technique against a complete stranger is going to teach you to stay calm when you need it most (e.g. self-defense situations).

[Szczepankiewicz]

Was there really a need to quote my entire post?

Adrenaline management in a controlled situation is not the same thing as adrenaline management in an uncontrolled sitatuation that may result in loss of life.

I understand what you're saying, but going on the mats is not the same thing as being shot at.

There is no subsitute for real life combat, but other types of training better prepare you than Judo competition.

[drocb]

if you look at it on an individual technique basis, I think Judo has the best foundation for self defense.
the throws are arguably the most devastating technique of any martial art. Kicks and Punches? I would rather take them, then get thrown. Being brought to the ground and pretzeled up? a dangerous idea, I would rather that happen then get thrown, etc.
if you can conform judo to self-defense rather than sport, which I'm sure has been done, I think its top-notch for self-defense. also don't forget judoka's can grapple.

[Szczepankiewicz]

I see... You only asked the question so you could use it as a pretense for enlightening us on your own opinions?


Ok, let's see if I can play that one...

How many of these arguably devastating techniques have you witnessed (or better yet executed) against a sweat stained 'attacker' wearing a cotton t shirt?

Personally, I've never done it nor have I witnessed it done. But then again I don't go picking fights with Judo masters either.

Uke nolt cooperare?

[Lizard]

Actualy he asked why Judo WASN'T considered good self defense, then put foward an argument as to why it SHOULD be good for self defense.

[Szczepankiewicz]

You tell 'im Lizzy.

I take it all back. Judo is THE shiznet for self-defense.

[Lizard]

Originally posted by Szczepankiewicz
You tell 'im Lizzy.

I take it all back. Judo is THE shiznet for self-defense.

Well it's nice to see you have an open mind about these things

[RobertG]

Originally posted by Szczepankiewicz
Was there really a need to quote my entire post?

Adrenaline management in a controlled situation is not the same thing as adrenaline management in an uncontrolled sitatuation that may result in loss of life.

I understand what you're saying, but going on the mats is not the same thing as being shot at.

There is no subsitute for real life combat, but other types of training better prepare you than Judo competition.

Yes, I was too lazy to quote part of it.

[Tom Yum]

Robert, you're right about adrenalin in competition!! You sprint for the first 2 rounds and by the 3rd you're gassed. A jiujitsu guy had a similar post earlier where he tapped too early more or less due to the same reason.

Regarding the post, I think Judo is a great form of self-defense. Causing someone to loose their balance on the asphalt can do as much if not more damage than a kick or punch, especially if they do not know breakfalls, but even then it will do definte damage.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Yeah, what Yumsfield said.

[Tom Yum]

Its YumsFELT, dernit!

[Thai Bri]

A good judoka is fit, strong and has an arsenal of good throws and ground techniques that will take a great many people out. But it is too sporty for its own good as far as self defence is concerned.

If you grab someone in real life he will be poking you in the eyes, striking your throat and subjecting you to all kinds of unpleasantness. This does not happen in competition. So, to make the best use of Judo you must adapt it.

In fact the original Kodokan Judo WAS excellent self defence. You merely need to undue the adaptions that turned it into a sport. Easier said than done.

[RobertG]

Originally posted by Thai Bri

If you grab someone in real life he will be poking you in the eyes, striking your throat and subjecting you to all kinds of unpleasantness. This does not happen in competition. So, to make the best use of Judo you must adapt it.
[/B]

This actually happens quite a bit, at least when we randori. Not to mention the headbutts, getting kicked in the nuts, elbows, etc. Judo is full of incidental contact (and perhaps not so incidental contact). And you've got the same chance of being subjected to unpleasantness with a judo throw as with any other technique. If you're good the other guy is meeting the ground head first before he's even got time to eye poke you. If you're not, well, it wouldn't matter if you're trying to strike or throw, you're going to get hit. I'm not saying Judo is the best, but that its limitations are not unique.