Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Judo classes are instructed by
Val Larralde
2nd Degree Black Belt (Judo)
Brown Belt (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)

                                    

What is Kodokan Judo?

Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.

Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.

Judo is a tremendous and dynamic combat sport that demands both physical prowess and mental discipline. It involves techniques that allow you to lift and throw your opponents to the ground with great force. Once on the ground, assuming the fight is not already over, you will transition to pins, chokes and joint locks to control the situation or win the fight.

Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for self defense.  Judo is one of the most popular sports worldwide today.

What does the word Judo mean?

The word judo consists of two Japanese characters, ju, which means "gentle", and do, which means "the way".  Judo literally means the way of gentleness. Although the gentleness may not be immediately apparent to newcomers who see bodies fly through the air and students tapping out to chokes and armbars.

 Any questions contact me at; 
azgrappler@yahoo.com
480-253-1103