Judo was founded in 1882 in Japan by Jigoro Kano (left), who modified the more dangerous techniques in ju-jitsu and developed Judo from a martial art to a sport. He also gave Judo a physical education emphasis and a strong moral orientation.
The word “judo”, which originates from the Japanese language, means “the gentle way”.
Judo is unique in that people of all ages, sexes, and abilities 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 the age of sixty can enjoy the sport as well as very young children. Sessions are conducted on authentic Tatami (Judo mats).
The two guiding principles of Judo are “Maximum-efficient use of energy” and “Mutual welfare and benefit towards all”.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, Judo is the safest contact sport for children under age 13. Judo is the most widely practiced martial art in the world, and Judo is the second most practiced sport worldwide (soccer is #1).
Kodokan Judo has been an Olympic sport for men since 1964. Women’s Judo was made an official Olympic sport at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Judo is always one of the first Olympic events to sell out of tickets, and more countries participate in Judo than all other Olympic sports except Track and Field. There are 197 member nations in the International Olympic Committee and 182 of them are members of the International Judo Federation. The Red and White Judo tournament was started by Jigoro Kano in 1884 and continues today as one of the longest running sports events in the world, predating the Modern Olympic Games by 12 years.
Additional Club Information
Club Promotion
As with other martial arts, Judo has a belt system to recognize proficiency. All beginners start with a white belt and progress through yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and eventually to black belt. Tests are given at each level. There are no fees associated with Club promotion tests or belt promotions.
The Spruce Grove Judo Club will register all promotions with Judo Alberta, supply the new belt, and pay for your promotion certificates. (Note: a student – who misses too many classes, may have his/her promotion test delayed. Additional classes will also be required if a student chooses not to obtain the recommended competition points.)
Competition
As registered members of Judo Canada, Judo Alberta and EYJS, you can attend/compete in tournaments throughout the year. Judoka (students) who compete in tournaments obtain competition points that are used toward their grading exams. It is important that judoka be encouraged to go to competitions as either competitors or volunteers because tournaments provide a fuller knowledge and understanding of all the aspects of Judo that cannot be affectively taught in the dojo (class). Extra precautions will still be followed to ensure judoka stay health & safe. (e.g.: frequent mat cleaning)
Spruce Grove Club History
Ryu Senshi Judo Club is currently in accordance with the principles of the Long Term Judoka Development Model (LTDM), Set forth by sports Canada.
- 1995 – Gary Hubka started the Spruce Grove Judo Club
- 2005 – Club celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary with Gary Hubka as Head Instructor
- 2006 – Teresa Yamata takes over Club as Head Instructor, due to retirement of Gary Hubka
- 2008 – Parent Executive Established
- 2010 – Spruce Grove Judo Club becomes an Association and changes name to Ryu Senshi Judo Club
- 2010/2011 – Teresa Yamada becomes the Zone 5 Representative for Judo Alberta
- 2012 – Spruce Grove, Stony Plain & Parkland County are hosts for the 2012 Alberta Winter Games
- 2014 – Teresa Yamada becomes EYJS Treasurer
- 2020 – Club moves into new location celebrates 25 Anniversary