The choice of judo gi can make a lot of difference on the mat. Whether you decide to spend money on a designer brand or an affordable gi, it is important to choose something comfortable and durable. The gi can influence both your physical and mental development through practice. Here are some tips on choosing the right gi for you.
Kano’s emphasis on randori
The emphasis on randori is part of the tradition of Judo. It traces its roots to the philosophy of Kano, who stressed “the practice of randori,” which means “free practice”. Randori is the best way to learn a martial art, and Kano’s emphasis on it was a key factor in his enduring popularity.
The early Kodokan style of judo included a number of methods for randori. Some were very strict, focusing on certain techniques and principles, while others were more free-flowing. The latter included throwing techniques. These methods were very similar to kumite in karate.
While Kano is credited with developing the concept of randori, he did not invent it. There were other judo styles that predated it, such as the Tenshin Shin’yo ryu jujitsu. Those styles were known for using a great deal of throwing, and they also coined the word “randori.”
Gunji Koizumi’s influence on British judo
Gunji Koizumi is often credited with bringing judo to Britain, where he taught the sport at the Kendal Martial Arts School. He was also known as the “Father of British Judo” and was a prominent figure in the sport’s development. In addition to teaching the sport in Britain, Gunji was also the first person to introduce a new mat made of thick rubber. Judo is a contact sport, and a breach of either the major or minor breach will result in a disqualification. A minor breach is equal to one ippon, while a major breach will lead to an outright disqualification.
The British Judo Association was founded in 1948 and Gunji Koizumi was made President. He was a Chinese lacquer expert by trade and had studied judo and other martial arts, including the ancient Japanese art of kenjutsu, jujitsu, and Katsu. While he spent only a year in the UK, he remained a prominent figure in the British judo community. He would eventually become one of Britain’s best-known judoka and was awarded the rank of 5th Dan.
Theodore Roosevelt’s practice of judo
Theodore Roosevelt is considered one of the first US presidents to have taken judo lessons. He studied the sport under Japanese master Yoshiaki Yamashita. This judo master taught the future President several techniques and even let him practice them on willing victims. The president was fascinated with Judo and trained with Yamashita until he was awarded the rank of third brown in the art.
Roosevelt went on to lead expeditions to the Amazon and Africa. He was an avid reader, reading hours a day. He authored 38 books, including a biography of Oliver Cromwell and a history of New York City. He was also the youngest president in history.
During his early years as a political leader, Roosevelt preferred grappling over other sports. While serving as governor of New York (1899-1900), he also served as 25th Vice President of the United States (1901-1909) and President of the United States (1909). While serving in politics, Roosevelt hired a middleweight wrestler to train him.
