Judo with Sensei John Pickering...

What is Judo?

Jigoro Kano

Judo (gentle way) has its roots in ju-jitsu, an ancient and brutal Japanese self-defence system used by the samurai. In 1882 Jigoro Kano created Judo from Jujitsu as a modern martial art and combat sport. In competition the object is to either throw or takedown the opponent to the ground, immobilize or subdue them with a grappling technique or force them to submit by joint locking or applying a strangle hold or choke. The art of judo (but not the sport) also contains hand and foot strikes as well as weapon defences. These are demonstrated and practiced through kata (pre-arranged forms).

Judo is suitable for all age groups, abilities and genders. It is a very popular martial art and the British Judo Association has over 1000 clubs registered with it, including the Washington Judo Club…

Who is John Pickering?

John Pickering (bottom)
with some students!

John Pickering (2^nd dan) is the founder of the Washington Judo Club which was started in 2002 and a small group of parents. The club is based at Harraton Community Centre, in Washington and over the years it has grown in size and produced several judoka champions at National and International level. As an inclusive Club, it welcomes students of all abilities and their Special Needs students train alongside the mainstream players. They too have gone on to compete at home and abroad. They are a community based Club and regularly undertake fundraising activities that benefit the community - they are regular participants at the Boxing Day Dip!

Washington Judo club at the Boxing Day Dip!

At Marfest….

Expect John Pickering and his students to put on an inspiring and entertaining demonstration. Last year his special needs students showed that disability is no barrier to learning. He also has several judoka champions in his group so expect to be wowed as well. This is one demonstration not to be missed…

http://www.washingtonjudoclub.co.uk/4556.html

20th June 2012 - Important update: The judo demonstration will now be led by sensei John Simpson and Dale Fenwick - see post update here