Leisure Kicks - The essencial sport and leisure guide

Judo is a martial art with a rich history and a large following the world over. It is competed in both the Olympics and the Paralympics (by visually impaired athletes) and is also unique in that you can participate in the sport without needing to take part in competition, thanks to a non-competitive grading scheme. Britain has an extremely talented national squad, picking up silver and a bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games, a huge improvement on the zero Britain earned in 2008. 

Judo technique is characterised by throws, known as tachi-waza, and ground fighting techniques known as ne-waza. Like many martial arts there is an intense focus on discipline and sportsman-like behaviour as well as providing an excellent form of full-body exercise. It is a sport where a split second and a slight loss of footing could mean instant victory or defeat through ippon – the ultimate score that, when executed correctly, immediately ends the contest. Bouts last for up to five minutes that is split up by the referee’s calls. If the score is tied by the end, it will go into extra time called golden score which will end with the first successful throw or first penalty (known as shido). Judo is the perfect sport for someone looking to increase their strength and stamina, learn valuable self-defence techniques and enjoy the discipline that goes along with a world-class martial art.

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From beginner judoka to reigning champion