Judo Classes in Scranton

Scranton MMA offers Judo classes by highly trained instructors who have trained, competed, won, and coached at various national and international events. 

What is Judo?

Judo is a dynamic combat sport that involves both physical dedication and mental discipline. In a standing position, techniques allow you to lift and throw opponents onto their backs. From the ground, techniques allow you to pin opponents and apply various tactics until they reach submission. Although Judo is rooted in Jiu-Jitsu, the tactics differ.

Judo, meaning “Gentle Way” in Japanese, is a gentle form of combat that aims to cleanly throw, pin, and master the opponent by applying pressure to joints or neck. The goal is to reach maximum efficiency with minimal effort, invoking a code of mutual respect and good sportsmanship.

Judo aims to help students gain self-respect, confidence, and find healthy ways of expression through mastery using the natural laws of gravity, momentum, friction, and weight transmission.

Judo also blends together many of the same groundwork techniques from jiu-jitsu along with powerful throwing techniques such as the ones demonstrated by MMA Megastar Ronda Rousey and Two time Bellator tournament Winner Rick Hawn, which is why many of our students choose to train both judo and jiu-jitsu together, as they work hand in hand seamlessly.

Brief History of Judo

Judo was created in 1882 by Kano Jigoro Shihan in Japan. He was dedicated to integrating martial arts and transforming the traditional Jiu-Jitsu ideology of “defeating strength through flexibility” to “Maximum efficient use of mind and body.” In his personal life, he excelled in academics and overcame mental strain but fell short with his small physique. Kano felt as though this new discipline better met the needs of the modern fighter and most effectively used physical and mental strength.

Used as an educational method pulled from martial arts, Judo became an official Olympic sport in 1964. Judo is now recognized as an official combative sport internationally, with large followings in France, the US, and other European countries.

Benefits of Judo

• Builds and tones muscle
• Increases self-esteem and respect for others
• Reduces risk of chronic health issues like obesity, osteoporosis, and heart disease
• Nurtures trust, respect, better judgment, and mental resilience
• Promotes teamwork and leadership
• Helps those dealing with personal issues through lesser aggression, all while acquiring healthy coping skills and becoming more social.
• Develop core strength and improved balance

Judo vs. Jiu-Jitsu

Judo places emphasis on standing techniques compared to ground techniques. Jiu-Jitsu, on the other hand, is heavily focused on grounded tactics with standing for self-defense. The majority of your time training in Judo is spent on your feet learning takedowns. In Jiu-Jitsu, time training is spent on the ground learning survival, defense, and attack tactics.

Judo classes near me

Scranton MMA is located in Dunmore, PA near Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Dickson City, and offers Judo classes for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. If you are interested in trying out our gym, fill out our contact form for a free class and experience all of the benefits of Judo.