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Shihan Keyhan
The Story of the Judo
Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a
discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of
self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.
Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal Japan.
Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial
art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo,
studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of
their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.
Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is
practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice
Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and
for many other reasons. But most of all, people do Judo just for the fun of it.
Judo is Fun!
As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs
competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo
offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to
national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions
for men and women, and boys and girls.
Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but
also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins,
control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety,
and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special
mats for comfort and safety.
Judo is unique in that all age groups, both sexes, and most
disabled persons can participate together in learning and practicing the sport.
Judo is an inexpensive, year-round activity, that appeals to people from all
walks of life. Many people over sixty years of age enjoy the sport, as well as
very young boys and girls.
Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others.
Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, and
leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility. As
a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body
control, fine ɋ balance, and fast reflexive action. Above all, it develops a
sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with the same kind of body. Judo training
gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises.
The Judo Rank System
Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial
arts, that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership.
There are separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and seniors. Judo ranks are
identified by colored belts, and ten degrees of advanced grades for black
belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more.
Principles and Goals of Judo
Judo, which is translated as the "gentle way", teaches
the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the
flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance
of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the
use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For
example, in Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force,
to overcome a stronger opponent.
The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum Efficiency" and
"Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used in our dealings with
others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum
extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute
something of value to the world.
History of the I.R.IRAN JUDO/JUJITSU
Martial Arts in Iran has first been started and practised in the
Army and Police forces same as in other countries. Judo was started in some
kind of self-diffence ( Jujitsu) in the Police department of Iran, Tehran.
There are several stories about the founder of Judo ( Jujitsu) in Iran but
almost all do agree that Major Anoushirawan Shahidy was the founder of Judo in
Iran and he had visit Japan in the early years of the Kodokan Judo.
The first Judo Club and Dojo was established by the Iranian Police department
in Police Academy Tehran. These Judo lessons were just for Iranian Military and
Police forces and no civil persons could enjoy these courses. But later the
Officers and Personals of the forces slowly started to teach the Judo technics
outside of Military zone.
One of the great Japanese Masters. Sensei Yanagidai, 9th Dan was also teaching
Judo in early years in the Police Academy.
The Iranian Judo Federation was also founded by Officers of Army and Police
forces which had enjoy the first Judo classes in the Police Academy in Iran and
then later they became themselves as leader and teachers of the Iranian Judo.
Sensei Shahidy died very young from cancer and one of those people who
continued his way was Colonnel Behruz Sarshar.
He became later president of Iranien Judo and Martial Arts Federation until
Iranian Revolution.
The first President of Iranian Judo and Martial Arts Federation was Mr.
Mohammed Mehraien. Since Revolution and beginning of the Islamic Republic of
Iran he was almost always the president of the Federation.
Today in present time, Mr. M. Drakhshan is the president of Iranian Judo
Federation.
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