PROGRESSIVE ZEN JUDO

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Traditional Judo styles typically pay great attention to perfection of technique and training as a means of self-improvement and Progressive ZenJudo (PZJ) is no exception. Based upon a distinct self-defence ethos, we nonetheless believe that aiming for precision means that techniques will still remain effective when that lofty goal is not achieved.

KDR Chief Instructor, Jim Dart, trained for more than 5 years directly under Zen Judo founder, Shihan Dominick McCarthy, and continues to teach this thoughful but effective style of Judo as it was taught to him by 'Mac', with only minor changes to the original syllabus*. 

With an extensive range of throwing techniques (48 standing and 17 sacrifice throws) which are practiced to, both, right and left-hand sides, the traditional judoka over time gains a wide armoury of throws from which to choose in a self-defence situation.

*as practiced by the other Zen Judo organisations, The Zen Judo Family (ZJF) and the British Zen Judo Family Association (BZJFA).

In addition, as the emphasis is on good technique which finishes in a strong jigotai stance over the thrown opponent, rather than both ending up on the floor in groundwork like the competition styles, the traditional judoka is in a perfect position to strike, or simply leave the scene.

The Combat Judo** elements of the syllabus include practical self-defence versions of techniques, instruction in weapons defence & pressure-point grappling, whilst still retaining the essential Judo tenets of yielding and body shifting.

** KDR Combat Judo ISBN-13 : 978-1673127577 by Jim Dart.

Pictured: Dominick McCarthy, Founder & Master of Zen Judo

The grading syllabus up to third Dan, is based solely on Judo techniques, including three kata: Nage-no-kata, Ju no-kata and Gonosen-no-kata). We do not study Katame no-kata but replace this with a jujitsu groundwork form; Newaza no-kata, which better fits into the traditional Judo syllabus and, once Dan grade has been achieved, also study the Zenshosen Judo syllabus which illustrates techniques from the various root arts of Kodokan Judo.

Advancement thereafter is only possible by a combination of continued training and earning Dan grades in other traditional Budo arts, giving the Judoka a wider understanding of Budo and Bujutsu as a whole. As such, there are no ‘awarded’ grades and instructors can only progress through continued training and instruction.

"Judo is the study of techniques with which you may kill if you wish to kill, injure if you wish to injure, subdue if you wish to subdue, and, when attacked, defend yourself."

Quote from Jigoro Kano - Founder of Kodokan Judo

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