During Japan’s Tokugawa period (1603-1867), jujitsu schools focused exclusively on training for combat and specialized in particular methods of fighting such as striking, throwing, choking, joint locking, etc… Recognizing a need for a martial art that could be practiced not only for self-defense but also for self-cultivation and the betterment of society, Jigoro Kano established Kodokan judo in 1882 as a modern martial art based on scientific and educational principles. In developing judo, Kano’s aim was to develop a style that promoted physical training, mental training, and ethical training. The two methods of instruction in judo are kata (forms) and randori (free practice), with randori being further sub-divided into tachi-waza randori (free practice involving throwing only) and ne waza randori (free practice involving grappling only).

Tachi-waza randori is a crucial element of judo training and occupies a third of each practice at Team Academy Judo. Through practicing tachi-waza randori, judoka improve functional strength and stamina (physical training), develop strategies for attempting particular throws in particular circumstances along with the timing required to execute throws (mental training), and they cultivate character by employing virtues associated with judo training (ethical training). The ethical aspect of judo is often overlooked, however when judoka are learning to face their fears, when they are patiently taking falls for a partner who is learning a technique, when they tailor their efforts during randori to match their opponent, they are doing more than getting a good workout; they are becoming better persons, which was Kano’s ultimate aim in creating judo.

To incentivize judoka to practice regularly and make continual progress, Kano also introduced shiai (competition). There are several ways to win a match: by throwing, by pinning, or through submitting by choke or armbar. However, the ideal way of winning is by throwing for ippon (full point), which immediately ends the match. It corresponds to a knockout in Thai boxing  or a submission in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Scoring ippon means the winner threw with complete control, full force, and threw his opponent squarely on his back. At Team Academy Judo, judoka train with an aim of perfecting technique and developing strategies to score ippons in randori or shiai. In short, the judo we practice is ippon judo.