Judo FAQ

1. How is judo different from karate, taekwondo and so on?
A key differentiator between judo and many other martial arts is that judo does not involve striking or kicking. Instead, judo players throw and grapple.

2. Is judo expensive? What do I need to buy?
In most countries around the world, and certainly in Malaysia, judo clubs are run as a labor of love and are not profit centers. As such, training fees are generally lower than would be the case for commercially-run martial arts clubs for Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA and so on. In terms of equipment, you basically need a judogi (uniform). It's advisable to also get knee pads and groin guards (for the guys). But at its most basic, all you need is a judogi.

3. Can I wear a taekwondo/karate or BJJ gi?
Taekwondo and karate gis are not designed for grappling so they are very thin. They will tear if worn for judo training. BJJ gis are made of the same material as judogis but they are generally tighter and shorter than regulation judogis (which are required to be looser so that players are able to grip properly). If you are serious about training in judo, you have to get a proper judogi.

4. What's the difference between a single weave and a double weave judogi?
Single-weave judogis are thinner and lighter at about 450 gm while regulation double-weave judogis are 750 gm. Some heavy-duty training gis can go up to 900 gm but these are not suitable for competition.

5. What's the difference between a white and a blue judogi?
Competitors are supposed to have a set of white and blue judogis as one player wears white while his opponent wears blue. Typically, blue judogis are slightly more expensive than white ones. If you are not a competitor and are doing judo just for recreation, you don't need a set of white and blue judogis. Just one color (either one) would do fine.

6. Which came first, Jiu Jitsu or Judo?
Jiu-jitsu is an ancient martial art from Japan which has elements of throwing and grappling but also striking and kicking. It wasn't a sport but a system of fighting. Dr. Jigoro Kano, a physical education professor and member of the International Olympic Committee, adapted jiu-jitsu by removing the striking and kicking elements, removing the dangerous locks and combining it with some western wrestling techniques to create judo. What is known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ) however, came from judo. As its name implies, it originated in Brazil and was started by a bunch of judo experts from Japan. It was then popularized by the Gracie family who promoted it all over the world.

7. What's the difference between judo and BJJ?
Mainly the rules. What's allowed and not allowed are very different and the scoring system is very different too. It's also true that judo players tend to prefer standing techniques and BJJ players tend to prefer groundwork, although there are exceptions in both cases.

8. Is it true judo is 80% standing and 20% newaza?
Not as a rule although that may be the case for some players who prefer standing. At KL Judo club it's really 50:50. Our technical training sessions are two hours long with one hour devoted to newaza (groundwork) and one hour to tachi-waza (standing techniques). Our randori is one hour long and again, it's split with 30 minutes for newaza and 30 minutes for tachi-waza.

9. How many types of judo are there?
Many martial arts are fragmented with multiple global federations vying for supremacy. Even in boxing there are different federations involved. But in judo there is only one global governing body, the International Judo Federation, so judo rules and regulations are standard throughout the world.

10. Do you need to learn Japanese to do judo?
Judo has its origins in Japan so the terms used are in Japanese, including the names of throws and the scores and penalties. If you want to learn judo properly, you have to learn these terms. But of course you don't have to learn how to speak Japanese. Just memorize the terms.

11.  Is judo good for MMA?
A person who wants to learn judo for use in MMA will have to adapt judo to MMA. There is no real direct application. For one thing, judo players wear judogis, which is not the case in MMA. Although many MMA fighters look to judo for throwing and grappling techniques, judo in its natural form is not geared towards MMA-style fighting. There's no punching and kicking in judo, for instance. And certain rules like no leg grabs would not be suitable for those training to do MMA. But certainly there are some throws, armlocks and chokes that could be applied in an MMA combat situation.

12. Is judo good for self-defense?
Again, judo is not geared specifically for self-defense. Since 1964, judo has been an Olympic sport and judo's development has been guided by that fact. Judo players are first and foremost athletes. So the focus really is on how to win a sports contest, not how to win a bar brawl or street fight. That said, judo players have instincts and moves that would be useful in a self-defense situation. But judo is not like Krav Maga, which was designed for self-defense.

13. What is the youngest age to learn judo?
Some players start very young, as early as 5 or 6 but in general children cannot really focus on learning judo proper until they are about 9 or 10. Even then you have to incorporate a lot of games in order to keep them interested. Most kids really start to develop a real interest in learning judo proper when they enter their teens. It's around that time that they decide within themselves whether they want to develop further as a competitor. Those who do will train more seriously and those who don't will probably eventually drop out. So, it doesn't hurt to start your kids early just so they have the exposure but it's only when they are 12, 13 or 14 that you can really tell if they are going to be competitors.

14. Are there lots of injuries in judo?
Judo is a combat sport. As such there are bound to be some injuries. Most are minor -- sprains and bruises -- but sometimes dislocated or even broken bones are known to happen. That's the reality of a combat sport. Anyone who tells you otherwise, is whitewashing it. That said, judo is a sport with a lot of regulations specifically designed to avoid injuries from happening. Any moves that are dangerous are prohibited, so much so that some "martial artist" types complain that judo is no longer a martial art. Well, judo is a sport and sport has regulations. As a combat sport, judo is pretty safe. But you can't take part in a combat sport and not expect to have any injuries.

15. How can I compete in tournaments?

For Malaysian citizens there are Junior Nationals (below 21) and Senior Nationals which are held every year. Those under 21 can also represent their state in SUKMA. University and college students can compete in SUKIPT. For non-Malaysians, the options are limited but there are some states which organize competitions where participants don't have to be Malaysians. There are also competitions open in neighboring countries like Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand that Malaysian residents can take part in.