Are you tired of your work out routine? Do you like challenge? Are you looking for a new way to stimulate your mind an energize your body? Do you enjoy competition? If so, then come join us at the dojo where you can learn judo.

Judo is the gentler version of Jujutsu. It employs similar techniques without the harmful intent associated with Jujutsu.

Judo provides excellent body conditioning by promoting strength, stamina and endurance. In addition, it builds character through mental and moral discipline. Moreover, it relieves stress and anger.

Judo also involves many rituals. Judo techniques are performed on a mat. Students bow when stepping on and off the mat in honor of Master Kano, the founder of modern judo. Likewise, students bow to each other and thank each other for the opportunity and honor to practice the art of judo. In addition, students learn the Japanese terms for the various techniques and moves. Judo requires commitment. You must approach it with your whole body, mind and spirit.

Students wear a uniform called a gi. It consists of pants and a jacket. Different colored belts denote rank. In executing techniques, Students grasp the lapel and sleeve of the opponent's gi.

Classes usually meet twice a week for approximately two hours at a time. They begin with warm up and stretching exercises to loosen up all the body parts. Exercises include push ups, sit-ups and forward, back and side falls.

Students then proceed to the second phase of training called kata. This is a system of pre-arranged movements and techniques that teach the fundamentals of attack and defensive moves. Students learn holding, throwing, and grappling techniques. These techniques aim to break your opponents balance and to use your opponent's strength against him, and to your advantage. Such techniques use leverage and body parts such as the hip as a fulcrum to throw your opponent.

After practicing these techniques, students engage in randori which means free practice. , Students pair off to practice their techniques with each other. They assess their opponent and attack their opponent when an opportunity presents itself.

At the same time, students also defend themselves against their opponent's attacks. If a technique becomes too intense, students may tap their opponent or tap the mat to indicate their surrender.

Such practice requires alertness, attention, observation, concentration, strategy, and decisiveness as well as quick thinking and quick reflexes.

The sessions end with ne waza which means mat work. Here, both students are on the ground with one trying to pin the other down with certain techniques while the other tries to escape with escape techniques. Classes end with cool down exercises and bowing rituals.

Besides learning judo techniques, students practice self defense techniques, such as, how to escape a choke hold and, in turn, how to put your attacker in a choke hold.

After a two hour Judo session, you feel tired and sore. At the same time, you feel energized and satisfied with your accomplishments and your ability to compete against a worthy opponent.

So if you want to get in shape both mentally and physically and you have the discipline and dedication to learn a new sport, come join us at the dojo!