A Japanese Martial Art-Judo

Judo, meaning "gentle way", is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either site one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by applying a choke. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet) - as well as weapons defences - are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice. While throwing opponents to the floor wins most matches, it is the only Olympic sport where submission holds allow choking an opponent or breaking an arm.

The Judo Rank System

Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts, that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts, and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more.

Principles and Goals of Judo

The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world.

Judo as a Sport

In 1964, Judo became the first martial art to be sanctioned as a medal sport in the Olympic Games. Judo competitions are also held throughout the world. Points are awarded for throwing an opponent, holding an opponent on his back while on the mat for a designated amount of time, or forcing an opponent to submit via "tapping out" to an armlock or choke or rendering the opponent unconscious with a choke. A match is won with a "perfect throw" called an Ippon, two near perfect throws called Wazari, holding an opponent on his back on the mat for 25 seconds, a combination of one Wazari and holding an opponent down for 20 seconds, or submitting an opponent with a choke or armlock. Members of the Notre Dame Judo Club are registered as amateur athletes in the State of Indiana through the state judo governing body, Indiana Judo Inc. Members are offered frequent opportunities to compete. However, competition is not necessary for membership in the club.

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Exercising After Baby

So you did it! You went through labor and gave birth to your pride and joy. Now you are left with the aftermath. Most women, especially those who have had their first baby, are not fully prepared for what to expect after delivery. Some are under the impression that they will be back into their pre pregnancy clothes the day they leave the hospital. However most of us second time moms know what to expect. We know that our bodies might never be the same and need a little bit of extra work after delivery to go back to normal. Especially if you have gained more than the recommended weight.

The first thing to keep in mind, is no crazy exercise for at least six weeks for a normal delivery, eight if you had a c-section. Your doctor will give you a list of exercises that you can do during the post partum period. Some of them include walking. You will find that slow walking will get your body ready for a higher intensity workout. Yoga might be another exercise your doctor gives you the ok for. It gets your blood flowing and it helps reduce stress, which trust me you might experience a lot of after you bring your baby home. Some of the poses will have to be avoided but you will be able to do the basic moves. You might even be able to find a postnatal yoga class at a gym. As long as you had a normal birth, your doctor should give you the ok to do pelvic tilts. C-section moms might have to wait a little longer before they do any sort of abdominal exercises.

Other things to keep in mind, is to listen to your body. Do not push yourself or your body during your postpartum period. You are not going to be able to go right back to the exercise routine you might have done before you got pregnant right away. Once you are ready though, there are so many site to exercising to lose your baby weight. You are going to have a whole slew of new physical demands such as carrying around a baby who is only going to gain weight and get bigger and also loading car seats into cars and lifting strollers in and out of trunks. Exercise will help strengthen you for those new demands.

Exercising or at least keeping up with your walking in your post partum period will give you extra energy which you are going to need and has been shown to help decrease symptoms of post partum depression or the baby blues. Your endorphins kick in and you will get what some people call a natural high.

Remember to stick to a routine when you are working out. You want to try and get in at least thirty minutes three days a week. If the weather is warm, you can take your baby out for a walk. Not only is this good exercise but you might just meet another new mom along the way.

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