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Raise Your Game: Why judo?

Neil Adams: My father first introduced me to judo when I was seven years of age. It was really an introduction to all sports, not just judo. I chose judo because it was the sport that I excelled at.

RYG: What was it about judo that got you hooked?

NA: It was the whole ethos that comes with the martial arts. It teaches self-control as well as the specific skills that are unique to the sport. It's also a great physical contact sport which makes it good for conditioning and fitness.

The physical contact aspect of the sport and the fact that it is controlled by very strict rules means that it is a very safe fighting sport.

RYG: What are the wider skills that judo can teach?

NA: Judo is great for fitness but it also requires you to have self-discipline and focus. The philosophy of Dr Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, was that judo is not just a sport, it is an education for life. You practice your fighting within the dojo (a school for training in Japanese arts of self-defence) not outside of it.

RYG: What would be your advice for any young people looking to get involved in martial arts?

NA: It's so easy now, especially using the internet. Search for 'judo' and you will find a list of all the different judo clubs and organisations available in your area. Just get involved!