About Us

The EMU Judo/Jujitsu Club of Eastern Michigan University was founded to promote and support the art, science, and sport of Kodokan Judo, as well as to foster Local, Regional, National and International amateur competition in the Olympic Sport of Judo. This organization strives to make Judo a character building and educational experience for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, sex, or national origin. The club is designed to familiarize students with the Judo techniques of falling, throwing and grappling and is based on traditional Jujitsu of old Japan. The goal of Judo is to develop both mind and body. It is one sport where a person of small size and strength can defeat a much stronger opponent and is therefore an excellent form of self-defense.

What Is Judo

Judo is a martial way that is predicated on nage waza (throwing techniques), and katame waza (grappling techniques- holds, chokes, and joint locks). Often called a "soft-style", Judo literally means gentle way. One does not meet force with force but rather moves around his opponents force in order to use it against him. Each technique involved epitomizes the idea of seiryoku-zenyo (maximum efficiency). This enables the well trained Judoka (Judo practitioner) to defeat his opponent with minimal use of energy.

A strong philosophical aspect is emphasized as Judo is a "way" rather than an "art." One is expected to live up to the ideal of jita kyoei (mutual benefit) at all times. For instance, when you practice a throw with a partner, he must practice his falling techniques every bit as much as you practice your throws. Though this sounds simple enough, it is an aspect of a martial way that is often overlooked and consequently young Judoka miss out on the unique opportunities to learn from their partners and/or opponents.

In 1964 Judo was added to the Olympic Games as a full-medal event. It is now a major sport and young men and women train constantly to compete in local, regional, national, or even international events. Though the club will travel to neighboring colleges to compete for EMU, we try to put an equal emphasis on the sport aspects and other traditional aspects of Judo.

Judo Club Training Times

Location: Warner Gymnasium

Thursday 6:00 PM — 10:00 PM.
Saturday 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM.
Sunday 1:00 PM — 3:00 PM.

Some Common Questions

How is Judo/Jujitsu different from Karate?
We use the planet to strike our opponent, not our hands or feet.

Does Judo work "on the street"?
Extremely well.

How long will it take to get a black belt?
10 minutes and $6.00 at the martial arts store.

Can a woman ever beat a man?
Yes, and they do on a regular basis!

Is Judo the ultimate martial art?
No! Thermo-nuclear weapons are, but Judo is pretty good.