Judo as a self defense system

[elbows_and_knees]

I'm referring to trained people as well. If you and I fight, but neither agress, then where is the fight? at some point in time, somebody will agress. Such is the nature of fighting. without engagement, there is no fight.

[Sam]

that was my mistake .... so sorry for the confusion

[ravenzoom]

Good posts E MacP, nice to hear about some personal experiences when you had to use your Judo

[Sam]

So i guess again the general consensus is that Judo can be effective and is generally effective as a Self -defense system so long as you train properly

[Hansen]

In its entirety, Judo is a very useful art. It is not just about throwing but also includes ground grappling, chokes, joint locks, strikes, and defenses against armed opponents. However, since the 1950s it's become so sport oriented that most schools today primary focus on the throws. I've heard that things are changing in some schools due to the popularity of MMA. But if you stick with the art, I'm sure you'll learn all of its components.

As for street application, I think even sport Judo is useful. First, it gives you opportunities to practice against a live, resisting opponent. I think this is the most important element of training if you are looking for a practical martial art. Second, since a high percentage of real fights start in a clinch or near clinch position, you are already in range to execute many Judo throws and takedowns once you become good. Third, if you do execute a good throw, the fight may be over. A man landing hard on a concrete surface or table edge will not be too quick to get back up on his feet. Fourth, the clinch range is perhaps the most key range to master, in my opinion. It is at this range where a fight is determined to either go to the ground or remain standing. So the master of the clinch is likely to make that determination, and many Judokas are masters at this range. I also think wrestlers are good here too. Of course, don't neglect striking or ground grappling, but I think Judo will play a useful role in your endeavor to learn a street practical martial art. In fact it is so useful that many BJJ practitioners have formally studied the art, including Rickson Gracie and Mario Sperry, and Murilo Bustamante. But what they think of Judo relative to BJJ is another matter.

[Enviroman]

I've always been turned off to judo due to its sport aspect, but I do think that it has many applicable defense techniques.