I might get crucified for this, but that judo needs to focus on its martial roots and not just the sports aspect of it. I'm all for the sports of judo, but I see too many people "gamify" it and do things that would in fact be dangerous for yourself outside of a sporting context. The sport should serve the martial aspect, not the other way around. This was why Jigoro Kano created judo, and the peak that a lot of the pioneers strived for, a lot of us nowadays have forgotten that.
I would say this for all arts! The rules of the sport allow it to be done safely/add fun etc - but that doesn’t mean you can’t “play” while being aware of the origins and aims of the art are for.
I do BJJ (at a school that puts a lot into standup/teaching what would now be considered judo) and I find it far more enjoyable and purposeful rolling while keeping myself protected from strikes - even when we’re not incorporating strikes.
But I guess as soon as you make competition, people will become obsessed by the end goal of a win. Meaningful or not.
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u/luke_fowl Jun 07 '25
I might get crucified for this, but that judo needs to focus on its martial roots and not just the sports aspect of it. I'm all for the sports of judo, but I see too many people "gamify" it and do things that would in fact be dangerous for yourself outside of a sporting context. The sport should serve the martial aspect, not the other way around. This was why Jigoro Kano created judo, and the peak that a lot of the pioneers strived for, a lot of us nowadays have forgotten that.