About Training in Judo

On Training

Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.

Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient Japanesemartial art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.

If you train in the grappling arts of SAMBO, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or even Japanese Jujutsu your style has been influenced powerfully by the techniques, principle and training methodologies. Even many Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestlers crosstrain with us to improve their abilities in their sport. The ideas, moves and wrestling techniques that one learns in Judo will benefit any martial artist and can give the practitioner extraordinary benefits.

Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for many other reasons. But most of all, people do Judo just for the fun of it.

Recent Judo Training inside Kokusai Budokan

Shihan Jin Iizumi

After starting his training at the age of eight, Iizumi quickly became a serious student at the Kodokan learning directly from Jigoro Kano's finest pupil - Kyuzo Mifune. Mifune Sensei guided Iizumi through his training. Iizumi Sensei today is one of the treasures of Judo.

Watching him you will understand the authentic dynamics of his softJUDO. He breaks down the techniques to give details rarely seen in the world. Iizumi Sensei has developed many champions throughout his fifty years teaching softJUDO.

Sensei Nick and Chris Mechling

Instructors in the fifth largest Judo school in the USA, Nick and Chris Mechling give students detail and perspective from their experience learning from one of modern Judo's greatest teachers: Shihan Jin Iizumi.

They have conducted softJUDO seminars for Judo Instructors as well as martial artists interested in diversifying their knowledge. As third and second degree black belts in Judo with the United States Judo Association they have fought with national and international competitors.

The Mechling Brothers have distinguished themselves with their knowledge of the principles and techniques of Judo. As teachers of the "fine points" of Judo they give students as well as advanced practioners of the martial arts the knowledge, skills and drilling practice that enable them to apply the techniques of Judo against even much larger opponents. The brothers have also produced an instructional DVD set "softJUDO" which is now available internationally.

Sensei Charlie Baek

Mr. Baek is an internationally renowned Judo athlete that has won a Bronze medal in 11th Asian Games in Beijing in 1990, a Bronze medal in the Goodwill Games for 1990, a Silver medal in Pan-America Open International Judo Competition in 1988, a gold medal in the 2nd selection Second Selection Match for competing in the 14th World Judo Competition in 1985, a gold medal in Selection Match for competing in the 3rd World Youth’s Judo Competition in 1982, and a gold medal in International Goodwill Judo Competition in Kuwait for 1982. Far from those above, Mr. Baek won many national Judo competitions in South Korea such as the 29th National Judo Competition in 1990 and the 68th National Sports Competition in 1988.

Since he retired from a National Judo Representative, he was appointed as the President of a Judo Association in Korea and participated in many Judo competitions as a referee.

When he moved to New Zealand, he instructed New Zealand National Judo Team as a coach as participating in International Judo Competitions as well as instructed students in Western Judo Academy Inc. Team located in Wellington, New Zealand . Five of his Judo students won medals in many International Judo Competitions, such as Todd Godfrey, Lee Calder, Gareth Carter, Neil Carter and Reuben Goh.

In the United States, Mr. Baek continues to instruct American Judo students as a coach at the Kokusai Budokan in San Diego, California.

Kodokan Judo Masters in the Headquarters of World Judo with Iizumi and Mechling Sensei

Classes at Kokusai Budokan
Classes at the Kokusai Budokan - San Diego, California

Influences and Other Teachers

The school makes great efforts to bring students into the world Judo community as such ISDC Judo Center members have been given through the school the opportunity to train with fighters and instructors such as (in no particular order) -

The Great Masters of JUDO -

The Founder of Judo - Jigoro Kano (Left) and his most reknown Grandmaster Kyuzo Mifune (right)
The center photo is K. Mifune with J. Kano

Influences, Friends and Other Teachers

Daigo Sensei - Grandmaster Kodokan Judo

Osawa Sensei - Grandmaster Kodokan Judo

Rules and Guidelines

The attitude is friendly and open.

Wear loose fitting clothes like shorts or warmup pants and a t-shirt

Come in 15 minutes early to go through some fundamentals.

In order to help the positive experience, please be respectful to all instructors, participants and observers...

You can register online at soon at www.ISDC.net

Still photography is allowed from off the mat (no flashs during seminars)

No video cameras

By participating in the classes you release your image if it is filmed or recorded on that day.

Getting More Information

Contact Info

To get to the school please check out the directions below.

ISDC - Kokusai Budokan
Chief Instructors - Jin Iizumi, Nick and Chris Mechling
(858) 748-5829 - internationalselfdefense@gmail.com
12657 Poway Road, Poway CA 92064

About Judo

What is Kodokan Judo?

Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.

Judo is Fun!

Mechling Sensei and one of the Masters and the Kodokan in Randori As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls.

Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special mats for comfort and safety.

Judo is unique in that all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled persons can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive, year-round activity, that appeals to people from all walks of life. Many people over sixty years of age enjoy the sport, as well as very young boys and girls.

Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility. As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, fine balance, and fast reflexive action. Above all, it develops a sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with the same kind of body. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises.

The Judo Rank System

Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts, that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts, and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more.

Principles and Goals of Judo

Judo, which is translated as the "gentle way", teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For example, in Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent.

The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world. According to the American College of Sports Medicine: Judo is the safest contact sport for children under age 13. Judo is the second most practiced sport worldwide.

Links to Friends and Resources