Judo is the major style practiced within Japanese karate. Judo developed from its ancestor, Ju-Jitsu. Judo is considered a sport, an art, a discipline, and an incredibly competitive and effective self-defense style.
It is best known for the incredible throwing techniques that are used, and as well it involves considerable grappling and wrestling moves that take place down on the mat. Judo techniques can bring an opponent to submission very quickly and effectively. When you watch extreme martial arts fighting on television watch for the Judo techniques.
Some of the Judo techniques include:
* Control holds
* Arm locks
* Choking techniques
One of the most important things to recognize about Judo is that it is a martial arts style that emphasizes full physical activity for top conditioning.
One other thing that is great about this form of Japanese Karate is that all age groups, genders and even disabled people are able to participate, and it is incredibly effective for developing self discipline and respect for oneself and others. It also provides a means for learning self confidence and self esteem.
What About Aikido?
Aikido is another of the most commonly practiced styles of Japanese karate, and it is a relatively modern and non-competitive martial art form that relies primarily on the use of techniques combined with energy in order to control and redirect an opponent's force. It is one of the most comprehensive and effective martial art forms that provides an excellent basis for both physical and spiritual development.
And Karate?
Karate is yet another of the most well recognized Japanese karate styles, and one of the most widely practiced as well. It is a martial art of Japanese origin, one which deals with attacks through evasive body movements and blocking.
As a self defense system karate teaches a set of principles that can be applied in almost any situation, and the sporting element of karate is what allows people of a sporting inclination to be able to test their own karate skills against others.
There are literally hundreds of different martial art forms that are practiced around the world, and although each is certainly different in its own way, either in regards to the history behind it or the techniques and movements used within it, all martial art forms actually share the same basic ideal, which is to promote self defense and protection techniques. Japanese Karate is no different.
If you are interested in learning one or more of the styles of Japanese Karate pick up a phone book or go on the Internet and hunt around for a local dojo near you. However, you need to make sure that the style is taught in its traditional method.
Also make sure the karate instructor has very good credentials, such as a black belt of at least the fourth degree and that they have actually gone and studied in Japan.
