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The Gentle Way

Judo

Founded on the principle of maximum efficiency with minimum effort

The art perfected by O-Sensei Phillip S. Porter, known as the Father of American Judo

WWMAA has published "The 65 Throws of Kodokan Judo" as part of our commitment to preserving this traditional art. Our Judo program follows the authentic Kodokan curriculum while honoring the legacy of O-Sensei Phillip S. Porter, who revolutionized Judo training in America.

Judo emphasizes using leverage, balance, and technique to overcome opponents of any size or strength. Through disciplined training, students develop not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude, respect, and character.

Core Principles of Judo

The philosophical foundation that guides every technique and training session

Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Effort

The core principle of Judo - using leverage and technique rather than strength

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Mutual Welfare and Benefit

Training partners help each other grow and improve together

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Gentle Way

Using an opponent's force against them through skillful technique

The 65 Throws of Kodokan Judo

Master the complete throwing curriculum organized by technique category

Te-waza

Hand Techniques

16 throws

Examples: Seoi-nage, Tai-otoshi

Koshi-waza

Hip Techniques

11 throws

Examples: O-goshi, Harai-goshi

Ashi-waza

Foot & Leg Techniques

21 throws

Examples: O-soto-gari, Ko-uchi-gari

Ma-sutemi-waza

Back Sacrifice Techniques

5 throws

Examples: Tomoe-nage, Sumi-gaeshi

Yoko-sutemi-waza

Side Sacrifice Techniques

12 throws

Examples: Yoko-gake, Tani-otoshi

Published by WWMAA - Available to all members

Belt Ranking System

Progress through the traditional Kodokan Judo belt system from white to black belt

7

White Belt

10th Kyu

Beginning student - fundamental techniques

6

Yellow Belt

9th Kyu

Basic throwing and grappling techniques

5

Orange Belt

8th Kyu

Intermediate technique development

4

Green Belt

7th Kyu

Advanced technique refinement

3

Blue Belt

6th Kyu

Pre-advanced preparation

2

Purple Belt

5th Kyu

Advanced technique and competition readiness

1

Brown Belt

4th-1st Kyu

Final preparation for Shodan

0

Black Belt (Shodan+)

Dan Grades

Master level - continuous improvement

Judo Tournaments

Test your skills in competition and gain valuable experience

Shiai (Competition)

  • Age and weight divisions for fair competition
  • IJF (International Judo Federation) rules
  • Regional and national tournament opportunities
  • Points awarded for throws, holds, and submissions

Kata (Forms)

  • Nage-no-kata (Forms of throwing)
  • Katame-no-kata (Forms of grappling)
  • Demonstration and preservation of traditional techniques
  • Required for higher Dan grade examinations

Train Judo with WWMAA

Join WWMAA and train in the authentic tradition of Kodokan Judo, honoring the legacy of O-Sensei Phillip S. Porter