Is judo too rough on the body?

[Spartacus Maximus]

That is the truth I also believe. If martial arts could not be trained safely, then anyone practising would be crippled from cumulative injuries after just a few years. The risks of injuries should reasonably decrease in proportion to skill level.

[Archimoto]

The risks of injuries should reasonably decrease in proportion to skill level.

Totally agree. In fact an oft overlooked aspect of training is what one can learn while holding pads, getting hit, or being thrown. As one gains experience, if properly focused, so does the ability to "roll with it".

[mal103]

I've not tried Judo but had a go at BJJ, personally I prefer stand up training with only a small percentage of contact with others.

I have had some great bruises and lumps from contact work, mostly in free sparring where we both attacked at the same time. Getting injured is not why I train so I try to avoid this at all costs, I believe you can do plenty of partner work and increase skills without much risk, especially with a good partner who can control their attacks.

[Himokiri Karate]

I'd say that every MA has a safe value built into it, including Judo. Gravity shouldn't be a factor, whereas, gravity is a constant that can't be avoided; proper technique executes the mechanism, the entire mechanism!!

I understand what your saying to an extent.

For example, these are the safe value of the boxing and karate I have learned:

Boxing: I learned from my first and third/current coach the emphasis on proper footwork as well as developing a stiff jab ! I know many boxing gyms that LOVE to just go in to the ring and just brawl like lots of animals.

Sad to say, those guys usually fizzle out fast due to the wear and tear they receive from the style they chose to commit. But our current coach is like a martial artist. What I mean is, he won't allow any macho tough guy attitude infect his gym and if he sees you getting hit a lot, he will pull you out of the sparring and make you work on the basic or make you just do jab sparring.

I am also doing Kyokushin karate and our sensei gets us to do lots of body conditioning and core strength training. He also has specific drills like one round goes to checking kicks or another round is all about blocking punches.

I find that these type of methods help boxing/karate students to have longevity in their training but with judo. I have yet to find a judo class that focuses on basics or the right structure that allows student to have an injured free training sessions.

[sensei8]

Do instructors truly care about their students? If not, instructors won't go the extra mile to minimize injuries for their students. I don't believe Judo, through its teaching models, causes injuries in their students, and whereas, the fault is in the instructors, and NOT in Judo.

Imho!!

[Himokiri Karate]

Do instructors truly care about their students? If not, instructors won't go the extra mile to minimize injuries for their students. I don't believe Judo, through its teaching models, causes injuries in their students, and whereas, the fault is in the instructors, and NOT in Judo.

Imho!!

Well in all fairness, often times instructors do care for their student but they may not be well aware of the best methods to employ in order to ensure the safest and yet more efficient practice.

Some instructors might think that a rough training method will "toughen up these lads" while not being aware of the trauma the muscle experience which in a long run may result in physical dysfunction like losing range of motion or various injuries that would slow down someone's athletic abilities.

But back to judo, I suppose my one judo club experience has left me with an unhealthy amount of pessimism and conformation bias. However I will take your word for it because I have noticed in Kyokushin karate or different Japanese martial arts that, the teaching models are strongly structured and very organized.

[sensei8]

Do instructors truly care about their students? If not, instructors won't go the extra mile to minimize injuries for their students. I don't believe Judo, through its teaching models, causes injuries in their students, and whereas, the fault is in the instructors, and NOT in Judo.

Imho!!

Well in all fairness, often times instructors do care for their student but they may not be well aware of the best methods to employ in order to ensure the safest and yet more efficient practice.

 

Some instructors might think that a rough training method will "toughen up these lads" while not being aware of the trauma the muscle experience which in a long run may result in physical dysfunction like losing range of motion or various injuries that would slow down someone's athletic abilities.

But back to judo, I suppose my one judo club experience has left me with an unhealthy amount of pessimism and conformation bias. However I will take your word for it because I have noticed in Kyokushin karate or different Japanese martial arts that, the teaching models are strongly structured and very organized.

To the bold type above...

Then those instructors shouldn't be teaching, and those students should be seeking more qualified instructors; qualified instructors do exist!

From what you've said about your past experiences in Judo, I can completely understand your feelings! Hopefully, you'll find a Judo dojo that will be more to your liking!!

[mal103]

I know a "more qualified Instructor" and he matches a lot of the bold type above....

Many training years and lots of club locations with a fairly good history, quite a high Dan grade etc. A lot of Dan grades have passed through or have left once attaining Brown/Black belt due to missing aspects of this "Senior".

[sensei8]

I know a "more qualified Instructor" and he matches a lot of the bold type above....

Many training years and lots of club locations with a fairly good history, quite a high Dan grade etc. A lot of Dan grades have passed through or have left once attaining Brown/Black belt due to missing aspects of this "Senior".

Why I say...not all BB's can or should teach!!

[amolao]

Be cautious as to what mats the school uses Judo mats should be thicker than any other martial art besides Aikido where you get thrown a lot. Being older I found Ukemi the hardest its the core of Judo if you can't take the falls then is not for you.