Japan certainly has a lot of cultural and historical offerings for those interested in the country. Many people who come to live and work in Japan jump in head first to learn about the culture by taking on a Japanese hobby. Some people enjoy the great outdoors and join a hiking or running clubs. Others study calligraphy, Japanese tea ceremony or floral design. Some decide to take on the world of martial arts.
Expats in Japan have opportunities to study Karate, Jujitsu, Kendo and Akido to name just a few fighting styles. Many choose to study one of the most popular martial arts in the world, Judo.
In this episode of the Just Japan Podcast, host Kevin O’Shea talks to Robby Jones, an American expat living and working in Hokkaido. He has a black belt in Judo and has studied both in America and in Japan. They discuss the ins and outs of this martial art that involves mostly throws, chokes, submission holds and grappling.
Is there a difference between the way Judo practitioners train in America versus Japan? Is training in Judo a good way to learn more about Japanese culture and improve your language skills?
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Hey, Mr. Kevin O’Shea, very interesting and insightful pod cast. Really good to hear.
Thank you for your pod cast.
Just one small thing and please forgive me for being a bit of an anorak…
O-Soto-gari (big rear reap) isn’t an osaekomi technique but an ashi waza (leg technique). 🙂
Thanks again.
Just for info. In the early days of Judo’s development and still in traditional Kata, there are Judo Punches and chops and other Atemi (striking) techniques. Although, as you are likely aware, these are no longer allowed in Judo Competition / Randori.
well, I think that a singular diference between the judo and other martial arts practiced in america ( specially in Brasil ) is the freedom and criativity that we use to adapt or modify moves that are taught in classes. mainly in BJJ