At Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts in Oak Park, IL, students learn Judo, the Japanese art of throws, pins, and grappling, as part of every class we teach. Derived from the martial arts of the Samurai and Feudal Warriors of Japan, Judo subdues an opponent through balance, leverage, and movement rather than striking, which makes it one of the few martial arts where technique truly overcomes size and strength. Under Sr. GrandMaster Yu, one of the highest-ranking senior GrandMasters in the world, students in Oak Park and River Forest develop Judo skills alongside the striking and self-defense arts of our curriculum.
The techniques of Judo were once meant to hurt, maim, or kill opponents in battle, but modern-day Judo has been refined so students can practice the techniques without causing harm to their opponents. The purpose of Judo is to subdue an opponent with balance, power, and movement, which makes this a simple yet complex discipline.
How You’ll Train Judo at Our School
Judo is not taught as a separate class at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts. It supplies the throwing and grappling foundation of our combined martial arts curriculum, which blends Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo in every session. You’ll join a class based on your age and experience level, Children Level 1, Children/Youth Level 2, or Adults & Teens, and practice Judo’s throws, pins, and grappling in every class alongside striking and joint-lock techniques.
Judo also gives our students a skill most people never think to learn until they need it: how to fall safely. The falling techniques (ukemi) practiced in every class protect students on the mat and in everyday life, and they’re one of the reasons families choose a school where Judo is part of the core training rather than an afterthought. View the class schedule to find the class for your age and level.
Learn Judo from Sr. GrandMaster Yu
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts incorporates Judo skills at our Dojhang in Oak Park, IL. Those who enroll in our classes learn directly from Sr. GrandMaster Yu, one of the highest-ranking senior GrandMasters in the world. Sr. GrandMaster Yu and our other highly trained and dedicated instructors can help you learn and master the basics of Judo within your martial arts practice.
Basic Principles of Judo
As mentioned above, Judo focuses exclusively on throwing, pinning, and locking techniques to subdue opponents. Judo does not involve any striking techniques, including punching and kicking, the application of pressure on joints for throwing opponents, or weapons of any type.
The goal of Judo sparring is to subdue the opponent using Judo techniques, which sounds simple in theory but is more complex in practice. Students must spend a great deal of time, effort, and energy to master the basic techniques of Judo.
Principle of Gentleness
The principle of gentleness is an important concept in the discipline of Judo. In fact, this principle is right in the name; “ju” meaning gentle and “do” meaning the way. As mentioned above, the techniques of Judo have been refined over the years so they can be executed in practice without causing harm to the opponent. The throws and pins of Judo may not appear to be gentle, but all Judo techniques are, in fact, based on this principle of gentleness.
Physical Activity of Judo
The techniques of Judo require rigorous physical training to master. Learning and practicing Judo will help students improve their physical fitness by developing strength, flexibility, speed, balance, agility, endurance, and explosive power. Students learn defense techniques, which will help develop their physical coordination and reaction time.
Throwing techniques are one of the main techniques used in Judo, and it takes strong physical and athletic ability to be able to execute these throws properly. These techniques will train students to throw their opponents with force, speed, and control. There are many different throwing techniques taught in Judo, but most who study Judo only master a handful of these techniques.
Pinning and submission techniques are also a major element of the practice of Judo. Students learn how to do pinning and submission techniques on the ground and on their feet, giving them a large repertoire of techniques to use and the skills to use them properly.
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Why Learn Judo?
Judo is beneficial because it not only improves the physical abilities of the students but also teaches values like perseverance, loyalty, discipline, and respect. Judo is more than a martial arts discipline; it is a way of life with its own social manners and etiquette. Students always train with a partner, and this type of training helps them develop strong social relationships and camaraderie out of the shared experience of the intense, physically and mentally demanding training.
These social skills and values translate to other areas of life, which helps make students more productive and respectful members of society. Students also develop a strong work ethic and learn how to better control their impulses and emotions.
Study Judo with Sr. GrandMaster Yu
Judo is an excellent physical discipline that will improve your strength, ability, and your social skills, and help you master your emotions. If you are interested in practicing judo, we incorporate judo training at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts taught by Sr. GrandMaster Yu and our team of dedicated instructors in the Oak Park and River Forest, IL area.
Sr. GrandMaster Yu is an internationally recognized senior GrandMaster, who has developed this integrated curriculum of martial arts training for health, success and practical self-defense. We can help you develop the foundation you need to handle the physical training and master your skills.
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts is located in Oak Park, IL and we serve those in Chicago and its suburbs with all original curriculum and programming in a variety of martial arts disciplines.
See Judo Training in Person
The best way to understand how Judo works within our combined classes is to watch one in action. Call (708) 383-3456 or schedule your free class observation below to visit our school, meet our instructors, and get every question answered before you enroll.
Service Areas:
Judo Classes in Elmwood Park, IL
Judo Martial Arts in Riverside, IL
Judo Programs in Forest Park, IL
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Judo and how is it different from other martial arts?
Judo is a Japanese martial art focused on throws, joint locks, and pins. Unlike striking-based martial arts, Judo emphasizes leverage, technique, and balance, allowing smaller students to defend effectively against larger opponents.
Is there a separate Judo class I can sign up for?
No. Judo is taught within our combined curriculum, so every class blends Judo with Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Aikido. You’ll enroll in a class based on your age and level (Children Level 1, Children/Youth Level 2, or Adults & Teens) and practice Judo’s throws, pins, and falling techniques in every session.
Are Judo classes suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our Oak Park classes welcome beginners of all ages. We start with fundamental stances, grips, and safe falling techniques before progressing to more advanced throws and sparring.
What ages can attend Judo classes?
Classes are available for children, teens, and adults. Each age group receives age-appropriate instruction to ensure safety, skill development, and confidence.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join Judo?
No experience is required. Students learn step-by-step techniques while building strength, coordination, and confidence in a supportive environment.
