Background
![Mr. Eugene Kim, godan with his father Mr. Kyu Ha Kim, kudan](images/meetmastersphoto.jpg) |
Mr.
Eugene Kim & Mr. Kyu Ha Kim
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Judo is a
Japanese “martial way” founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano
in
Tokyo
,
Japan
. It is practiced the world
over as a method of self-defense, for physical fitness and as
an Olympic sport. In 1964, it was introduced at Tokyo Olympiad
and in 1972 became a regular medal sport. Women’s judo became
a medal sport in 1992. Judo is second only to track and field
in participating nations at the Olympic Games.
Judo
literally translates as “the gentle way” and is based on
two main principles: Seiryoku Zen’yo, Maximum Efficiency, and Jita Kyoei, mutual benefit.
Judo is a systematized set of
throwing techniques (nage
waza), grappling
techniques (katame waza)
and striking and blocking techniques (atemi
waza). You will
learn all of this and more during the coming semester.
Your head
instructor, Mr. Kyu Ha Kim, has been studying judo for more
than 50 years. Originally from
Korea
, Mr. Kim is a Korean National Champion and world renowned
teacher of the martial arts including judo, taekwondo, jujutsu
and aikido. In May 2000, Mr. Kim was promoted to ninth-degree
black belt or kudan by the
Korean Judo Federation and is one of the highest ranking judoka
in the world.
Mr. Kim's son, Eugene Kim, is a fifth-degree
black belt or godan and has been studying the martial arts
since he was five years old. Mr. Eugene Kim is also an
accomplished instructor and has won many national tournaments. The
syllabi and course
guide are available here:
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