COMBAT JUDO: ATHLETIC ATTRIBUTES

In order to be good at judo you have to realize there are a lot of atheltic attributes that make up judo as a martial art, a self defense sytem and a combat sport. A Judoka needs to do complete full body exercises, they also need grip strength, pulling strength, power and explosiveness. Along with this they need strong core muscles focusing on rotation above all others. Another aspect of training is co-ordination of both hands and feet.

DON'T DO JUDO TO GET IN SHAPE, GET IN SHAPE TO DO JUDO

There are individuals who are fit for their chosen sport or activity and then there are those who are fit for fighting. Whether its judo as just recreation, or self defense or the advaanced athlete, the Judoka definitely falls into the latter category. Judo uses finesse and as mentioned before, judo requires a high degree of other attributes like strength, power, endurance, speed, etc.  You cannot be successful in judo and be out of shape.

The physical demands of Judo are unique and rather complex.  A Judo fight is too long to be pure anaerobic effort, but too intense to be aerobic purely. Part of what makes judo so tough is the fact that rounds require five minutes of constant contact between competitors. Judo is a rigorous and demanding physical activity. In practice you can give 100 percent and engage with your opponent constantly using everything you have physically in randori/free practice.

In judo there are no rounds or periods or rest. A Judo match can consist of five to ten-minute time frames, when compared to other sports activities, the aerobic demands of judo are quite intense. The demands on the grip are very high Judo players pull and tug on each other’s jackets incessantly. Grips, grip strength and grip fighting remain constant and consistent through out the match, not allowing the judo competitor to rest or "coast" during a match to pace themselves. High tension, powerful and explosive moves are to be expected and performed at almost any moment.Be it just a recreational practitioner or even a decent local level player both need to be able to do five to seven minutes of frequent high intensity bursts. 

Wear and tear on the body is an issue, one that will pervade all aspects of a judoka's training. While one of the best ways to train for judo competition is to hit the mat, not everyone has the body to withstand such a high number of hard falls each day from the dynamic throws found in Judo. In addition, judo requires at least one willing partner who is able to absorb the same, if not more punishment from the player. You become tough with Judo physically and mentally.

It is also important to acknowledge that strategy and tactics must be thought out and carefully crafted. You must study strategy and tactics and be prepared to use them knowing that many require the other attributes such as good fitness and technical ability.

 Attributes for a good judoka:

1.      Aerobically fit

2.       Anaerobically fit

3.       Able to defend your opponent’s attacks 

4.       Technically sound; have good execution of throws, submissions and pins in randori/competition

5.       Have Full body strength-endurance

6.       Have Maximal strength

7.       Be flexible enough to bend/twist your way in and out of  grappling situations-throws  and escaping and countering submissions, holds/pins

8.       Be Mentally strong; able to withstand tough sessions as well as training day in and day out everyday

9.       Possess a Tactical mind

Barron Shepherd is a 3rd degree black belt instructor and coach in Judo, a certified boxing coach and certified NASM Sports Performance Enhancement Specialist.