Intersection of Traditional Asian Martial Arts

Intersection of
Traditional Asian Martial Arts

Japanese Martial Arts


Chinese Martial Arts


Okinawan Martial Arts


Filipino Martial Arts


Kodokan Judo

    Judo is both a martial art and an Olympic sport.  The complete art employs throwing, grappling, joint locking and strangling skills.  Self-defense applications of the techniques, along with some strikes and blocks, are included at advanced levels.  The spiritual discipline aspect of the original judo is generally lacking in the sport version, although few martial arts can compare with either way of practicing judo for teaching balance skills and for sheer physical exercise.


    Judo was created around the turn of the century by Professor Jigoro Kano, who combined the best techniques from several styles of jujutsu (drawing primarily from Tenshin Shinyo Ryu, Kito Ryu, and Yoshin Ryu, among others) and from sumo wrestling.  He developed a martial art that was founded upon the idea of efficient use of physical energy, cooperation for mutual benefit, and character development through training the body and mind.  The art became popular in Japan, then spread around the world, and is widely practiced today.  It is a living, dynamic art, constantly evolving as new competitors try to gain an edge over their opponents, but the foundations of the art remain vital to a proper understanding of judo.

    We concentrate on the martial art, rather than the sport, which means that our students must learn the correct classical ways of performing techniques, and must understand the principles on which the techniques are based.  We emphasize cooperation in practice in order to facilitate learning, but encourage our students to take part in matches as a means of measuring progress.  An important characteristic that we try to develop in our students is a deep respect for hard training and the rewards it brings.  Students who develop this characteristic find that they can apply it in their everyday lives, as well as in the dojo.  Judo ranks can be certified by the Shudokan Martial Arts Association (SMAA) and the Kokusai Budoin, IMAF.

For more information, please contact Nickalus Suino Sensei at info@japanesemartialartscenter.com.

Classes Held at
JMAC
Japanese Martial Arts Center
Ann Arbor, MI
Monday 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday Noon - 1:00pm
Wednesday 5:00pm - 6:00pm (Youth)
6:00pm - 7:00pm (Adult)
Thursday Noon - 1:00pm
Friday 5:00 - 6:20pm (Grappling)
Saturday 10:30am - 11:30am (Youth)
11:30am - 1:00pm (Adult

For Private Lessons in Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido in the Ann Arbor, Michigan or Lansing, Michigan area, please contact Dan Holland Sensei at dholland@itama.org.