WWU Judo Club
About
The sport of Judo first began in 1882 when Jigoro Kano founded his school, the Kodokan, after studying Jujutsu for 11 years. It was here, at the Kodokan, where Kano would begin to turn Jujutsu from a martial art, to a way of life. Kano believed that through the teachings of Jujutsu, students could find physical and spiritual benefits. It was through this goal of “mutual welfare and benefit for all” that Kano began to refine the teachings of Jujutsu, streamlining the education of techniques, and promoting safe competition that the sport of Jujutsu grew to be more than a martial art, and became “Judo”, a way of life.
Judo competitions are held around the world, and have been a part of the Summer Olympic Games since 1964. Judo practitioners perform grappling techniques using their opponents gi, a standardized Judo uniform, in an attempt to throw each other to the mat, or secure a win by submission or pin. If performed successfully these techniques will win a competitor the match outright. Since match times are only 2-4 minutes depending on division and the grappling technique win conditions, Judo matches are often fast paced and high stakes with players under constant pressure to win or lose in a moment. At our club we focus on teaching competition Judo in line with the current rule sets of tournaments, though we do not require club members to compete, and have no skill barrier for entry: everyone is welcome! Though modern competition Judo is a sport, it still strives to meet the philosophical ideas of social welfare established by Jigoro Kano, as well as the martial principles and techniques established by the masters who came before them. Truly anyone can participate, and find purpose in Judo, be they competitive athletes, martial artists, or those hoping to learn self defense skills, or grow emotionally and spiritually through the practice.
At our Club here at Western, we strive to make the practice of Judo available to the whole community inside and outside Western. We have current members consisting of students, alumni, members of the community, and even instructors from WWU. We strive to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Learners of all skill levels and backgrounds are highly encouraged to try Judo, and we hope you will join us!
Interested in visiting our practices, organizing carpool to the dojo, or contacting us? Join our club discord! You must “thumbs up” our rules before being able to see the rest of the channels.
Club practices are currently held at the Whatcom Wrestling Academy in Unit 209 at the Bellis Fair mall, just down the hall from Macy’s.
You are welcome to come down and attend our practices to try it out! Loaner Gis are available for you to use if you don’t have one.
Year-round:
Monday 6-8pm Judo class
Wednesday 6-8pm Judo class