Judo

Judo was derived from Jiu Jitsu in Japan by Jigaro Kano in the late 1800’s. At this time, many different forms of Jiu Jitsu were being practiced.

In 1868 Japanese Imperial rule was restored (Meiji Restoration) and the decline of the Samurai class started along with a rapid decline in all martial arts. Although the government did not officially ban the martial arts, people were not encouraged to learn or practice them since the state was considered more important than the individual. Jiu Jitsu literally fell into disuse. What was once the glory of the samurai was now looked down on and many well established Jiu Jitsu schools began to disappear.

If the Jiu Jitsu and budo concept was to survive the Meiji Restoration, it had to change and become a tool to cultivate an individual and make him a better person for the good of all. As a result budo found a home in physical education and sport, and ultimately, the sport of Judo.

Although self defense techniques were included in the training, emphasis was on using the techniques in a holistic manner. Dr. Jigoro Kano is credited with Jiu Jitsu's survival of the Meiji Restoration. He took Jiu Jitsu and adapted it to the times. His new methodology was called Judo.

The focus in Judo is on throwing while wearing the gi. Bryan Guidry began his martial arts training in Judo at age 13 with Grand Master Bong Yul Shin.

In July 2000, the board of experts at The International Judo Federation promoted Mr. Shin to 9th Degree Grandmaster. At age 62, he was the youngest person ever to be promoted and certified to 9th Degree Grandmaster. Mr. Shin is certified by the Kukkiwon in Korea as a 9th Degree Grandmaster in Tae Kwon Do. He is also certified by The Korean Hapkido Federation as a 9th Degree Grandmaster in Hapkido.

"Judo," says Grandmaster Shin, "is strength and discipline." All of the martial arts taught by Grandmaster Shin are very heavy on strength, discipline, and endurance. There should be no distinction between the techniques taught to the experienced person and those taught to the inexperienced one. The object in learning the techniques is to defeat an opponent. Martial art is just that an art, not aggressive action, but when confronted with a conflict it can be used as a tool for self-defense.

Bryan Guidry currently studies Judo with Ron Mirikitani, 8th degree Judo black belt and head wrestling coach at Meramec junior college. Coach Mirikitani has been the coach at Meramec for 37 years and has the most victories in junior college history. The 2007 team is currently ranked 2nd in the nation.

North Broadway has 1 Judo class per week, Thursday at 7 pm. If you sign up for Judo, you can also attend the Wrestling class at 7 pm on Tuesday.