Tulsa Judo Club

Competition and Self Defense

Judo is a highly effective self defense martial art that is practiced world wide as an Olympic sport.

Tulsa Judo Club offers two parallel programs, Competition and Self Defense to allow the student to develop both aspects of the complete Judo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: First, what exactly is "competition?"

A: In Judo tournaments, Judoka compete in two different ways: Shiai, which is one Judoka fighting another in an elimination or pool sequence and Kata competition where pairs of Judoka perform sets of Judo techniques before a judging panel.

In this FAQ, "competition" generally refers to Shiai (one Judoka fighting another).

Q: What's the difference between Self Defense Judo and Olympic Competition Judo?

A: The only distinction between the programs is that the Competition track focuses on how to win in Shiai competition, the Self Defense track on how to avoid, escape and if trapped, prevail in self defense scenarios. Self Defense is another aspect of complete Judo. It is complimentary to Shiai competition.

The Self Defense program at Tulsa Judo Club is based on the same core Kodokan Judo techniques as the Competition program. Breaking grips, throws, strangles, arm locks are basically the same in both.

In a Shiai tournament there are specific procedures used befure, during and after the matches. Players must know the tournament procedures and rules to win. On the other hand, many, if not most, self defense issues can be avoided through awareness and precaution. If attacked you don't wait for the Referee to call Hajami, you deal with the situation and get away!

Promotion requirements, testing and belts are exactly the same in both programs. Some members train in both programs. Competing, while not required will make you a better Self Defense student.

It is really a matter of emphasis. A would-be mugger would likely get a very nasty surprise after making the mistake of attacking a Judo competitor; by the same token, a Judo self defense student should fare well in tournament competition and is fully encouraged to do so.

Q: What is the difference in practice sessions?

A: Most of a typical self defense practice session is focused on the same Judo techniques used in the Competition program, the rest of the time is devoted to defense instead of tournament scenarios.

For example, in the Competition program we might spend a week on "playing the edge" of the competition area. This strategy provides a tool to increase your chances of scoring by forcing your opponent to worry about a penalty for going out of bounds. This same week in the Self Defense program might be spent on how to avoid getting clocked with a pool Que.

Some of Judo's self defense techniques are too dangerous to permit in tournament or randori and are instead practiced in kata form. For a quick overview see Nage No Kata and Kodokan Goshin-Jutsu. Although primarily a tool for learning, students can also compete with these katas against other teams in kata tournaments for medals and points.

We also have library materials specific to avoidance, escape and prevailing when attacked.

Q: Do I pay more for training in both programs?

A: No, as a member of the club you may practice Self Defense or Competition or both.

Q: Is the self defense program OK for kids?

A: No. The program is designed for older teen agers and adults (seniors). However, a junior that competes in Judo is going to be a lot safer on the street than one that plays only video games and well prepared to enter the Self Defense program when they become a senior.

Q: How do I enroll?

A: See: Getting Started.

Q: When are the practices?

A: See Time-Location

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