Judo

Judo means "the way of adaptability." The art was founded by Kano Jigoro Sensei in 1882, based on techniques from the Tenjin Shinyo-ryu, Kito-ryu, and Yoshin-ryu styles of classical jujutsu. Judo will help you capture the true Japanese budo experience by getting you in extraordinary physical condition, getting you used to fast-paced, challenging techniques, and making you tough!

Our judo class trains as a study group under the guidance of Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Director, Japanese Martial Arts Center). Through our relationship with Suino Sensei and the JMAC assistant instructors, we enjoy access to instruction at the highest levels of the martial arts. The JMAC approach to judo is great for men, women, and teenagers—join the study group to help build our collective expertise and bring Suino Sensei's dynamic and fascinating approach to judo training to central Pennsylvania.

Judo includes three major components: randori, kata, and shiai. Randori (free practice) is similar to sparring. You will learn nage-waza (throws), katame-waza (grappling), osaekomi-waza (pins), shime-waza (chokes) and kansetsu-waza (joint locks). Many students of judo consider randori to be like "play," because it's so much fun. At the same time, a lot of serious conditioning takes place when you practice with your classmates. Judo is based on the philosophical principles of ju yoku go o seisu (gentleness controls strength) and sei ryoku zen yo jita kyoei (maximum efficiency and mutual benefit).

Kata means "form," and is a set of prearranged moves, including throws, pins, joint locks, strikes, and weapons. The kata of judo are physically and mentally challenging, and will help you develop a profound understanding. As you master kata, you become stronger, more focused, more calm, and more disciplined—both in the dojo and in life. Dedicated practice will help you experience the mindset of a true student of Japanese Samurai philosophy.

Shiai mean "match" or "competition." Judo is an Olympic sport practiced by millions around the world. You can compete in tournaments if you choose. Your aim is to use your physical and mental strength effectively, to develop yourself as a person, and become stronger, more effective, and more focused.

Our dojo is equipped with a $25,000 custom-designed, integrated floating spring-floor mat system from Fuji Sports—it is the most sophisticated and comfortable training surface in central Pennsylvania.

Starting in early 2025, judo practices will be held Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Saturdays will be a combined, "open mat" practice with Nihon Jujutsu, with individualized instruction.) Use the contact form on the homepage to reserve your place in the class.

Prospective students of judo must be at least 14 years of age. Training equipment required to start is limited to a proper uniform, a judogi and zori (sandals), which can be obtained through the dojo.