Jaclyn Figg

Staff Writer

First founded by Jigoro Kano with the vision of citizens working towards making the world a better place, Judo is a Japanese martial art that has found its way into communities across the world, including ISU.

Judo focuses on throws aimed to take the opponent down, devoid of punching or kicking, the fight is mostly on the ground.   

“I feel like I’ve had a unique opportunity with the judo club,” said Kyle Metcalf, president of the judo club, and majoring in psychology, “it’s helped me a lot.”

Maximum efficiency with minimum effort is a principle regarded in judo to avoid wasted efforts  used in all aspects of life and technique as well.

“There are some guiding principles that govern the way people learn and study judo and the attitudes they should have,” said Moses Collier, a junior organizational learning and performance major.

There are textbooks written on judo philosophy; and those who practice and study these philosophies apply it to their lives.

Judo is a physical activity but the main goal is not to just be good at fighting but to better people as a whole.   

“Martial arts practice isn’t always just a physical thing. It’s an academic thing, you often are studying history, culture and philosophy as well as actual technique,” Collier said.

As an instructor and coach at ISU, Collier takes on a mentor role sharing his experience in judo. 

Mutual welfare and benefit is another main philosophy of judo Collier shares through his classes and encourages people to share the same concept of being useful and productive in society.

“Stress, anxiety, those things are a waste of energy so it teaches us to maximize our efficiency, and not just in fighting, we can use that in our daily lives,” Metcalf said.

Minimum effort is encouraged in judo when an opponent is pushing another opponent that energy is what powers the throw rather than wasting energy to hurt them. 

“Judo translates into ‘the gentle way’ and what it means by gentle is when we take down an opponent we’re not using our strength, we’re using their strength,” Metcalf said.

Not much equipment is required for Judo aside from the participant; the tatami or mat is used to practice on, and the judo gi is the outfit worn, usually white or blue, consisting of pants, a top and a belt with color depending on level of skill.

Although it is not required to be part of the club, some of the members travel to compete in tournaments.

To help with funding, the club  hosts its own annual tournament at ISU for participation of all ages with an entry fee.

ISU offers Judo classes as a one-credit, introductory level course for students interested and a portion of the proceeds from these classes goes to the judo club.

The judo club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays at noon in room 236, their dojo (meeting place) in Reed Gym.

According to Collier it’s not important the judo club is the oldest sports club on campus, or often times it’s one of the largest, he thinks students will get a lot out of it, not only comradery and friends but self-confidence, fitness physically and mentally.

“I think it’s fun,” Metcalf said. “The biggest thing for me is being able to find an outlet to meet people and relieve stress form school work.”