MYTH OR FACT
Judo is not a typical martial art, and has MANY differences from other martial arts like tai kwon do and karate. There are many myths about Judo that we would like to straighten out for you.
WAVE YOUR MOUSE OVER TO SEE IF MYTH OR FACT
THE “JUDO CHOP”
Remember the Judo chop in Austin Powers? It must be real, right?
MYTH!
There is no such thing as a Judo chop. There is also no punching, kicking, or stick fighting. Sorry Hollywood!
2nd MOST POPULAR SPORT IN THE WORLD?
Judo is pretty awesome, but is it really THAT awesome?
FACT!
Judo is ranked second most popular sport in the world by athlete participation, with soccer being the first.
MANDATORY IN JAPAN
Could Judo be so important to the Japanese that they would make it a mandatory class?
FACT!
Judo is a mandatory class in every school in Japan.
THE 12 YEAR OLD BLACK BELT
Can a 12 year old recieve a black belt in Judo?
MYTH!
Earning a black belt in Judo takes years of hard work and mastering of the various techniques, as well as several hours spent teaching Judo, learning about the history, and a minimum age 16 years old. Coloured belts are for the kids!
BREAK A WOODEN PLANK
Do Judoka get to split a wooden plank in half using only their arm?
MYTH!
Judo is not about breaking boards with a limb. It is a hands on sport that involves a partner (and a lot less pain on the arm!)
99 YEAR OLD JUDOKA
How old is the oldest Judoka in the world?
FACT!
Judo is a versatile, dynamic sport that can be practiced at almost any age! Keiko Fukuda was one of the oldest Judoka, aged 99 and still teaching Judo. Not only was she the oldest, but she was also the highest ranking female Judoka in the world, reaching 10th dan.
KUNG FU PANDA?
Is a Judo Panda the same as a Kung Fu Panda?
MYTH!
Kung Fu is the martial art represented in Kung Fu Panda, and it is VERY different from Judo. Both are traditional martial arts, but kung fu is from China, and Judo is from Japan. The techniques and forms are also very different.
JUDO CAME FROM THE SAMURAI
Did Judo really originate from the samurai warriors?
FACT!
The origins of Judo come from the middle ages of Japan, and were developed from jiu jitsu, a martial art practiced by the samurai warriors.
CAN YOU DO JUDO BLIND?
What if a Judoka has no sight or cannot hear?
FACT!
Judo is very versitile and can be practiced by deaf or blind Judoka! Pier Morten was the world’s first deaf-blind black belt in Judo.
KNEEL WITH THE LEFT LEG FIRST
Does a Judoka always have to kneel with the left leg first?
FACT!
Kneel with your left first – FACT! All samurai were right handed, and therefore had to kneel with their left knee first, allowing them to draw their sword without cutting their leg off.
