Metro Orlando JudoKai, Inc. is pleased to be able to offer our Judo Program at Naja Muay Thai Dojo. Our main practice area is equipped with Swain & Zebra mats. We have additional training areas equipped with weights, and practice elastic bands for uchikomi training. We also have such training aids as "crash mats" for advanced throwing practice. In addition to Judo, cross training and instruction in Muay Thai is available.

Judo was created in Japan by Professor Jigoro Kano in 1882. Judo was derived from Jujutsu, an ancient Japanese fighting method. Kano transformed the old principle of Ju Jutsu, which stated that one could “defeat strength through flexibility”, into a much more universal principle. Kano’s new principle stated that the best way to achieve any goal was through the “maximum efficient use of physical and mental energy” ( Seiryoku Zenyo). The result was a new system that Kano felt better matched the needs of modern people. Kano felt the best way to achieve “maximum efficiency” was through the practice of “mutual benefit and welfare” (Jita Kyoei). Judo practice incorporates Nage Waza ( throwing techniques), Katame Waza ( holding and submission techniques), and Atemi Waza ( striking techniques). The popularity of Judo increased dramatically after a famous contest hosted by the Tokyo police in 1886 where Judo defeated the most well-known jujutsu schools of the time. Unlike other martial arts, Judo competition rules, training methods, and rank systems are relatively uniform throughout the world, and Judo is organized under one governing body, the International Judo Federation (IJF). Today, the IJF includes representatives from 195 countries and regions. In 1964 Judo was the first martial art to become an Olympic Sport. Judo is the most popular martial art practiced world-wide, and is second only to soccer as the most practiced sport. Judo is also the safest contact sport for children under 13 (American College of Sports Medicine). Most modern military and police self-defense training are largely composed of Judo techniques. Several modern Grappling and Self-Defense systems, most notably Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Krav Maga, were derived from Judo techniques. Many of the top modern mixed martial arts “MMA” fighters have either studied Judo, or were themselves former Judo competitors.