photos by WALLACE LEVY / The Daily Reveille [Top] Biological sciences junior Macy Legan, President of the Judo Club, throws fellow club member English senior Jaie Claudet during self-defense practice Friday at the University Recreation Center. [Bottom] History seniors Cody Ingles and Brian Schmolke spar during judo in the Rec Center.
Judo Club offers self-confidence, exercise
Participants: sport is a lifestyle
By Cady Fleming
May 03, 2006
Members of the LSU Judo Club say judo is not only a sport but also a lifestyle and a way to improve social interaction.
The Judo Club has about 20 members, some with years of experience and some newcomers to the art. Three members, including history junior Matt Marty, have practiced for at least four years.
Marty said he has more self-confidence than he did before he started judo.
“Judo is more of a way of life than a martial art. It makes you want to contribute something good to the world,” Marty said.
Instead of attacking, judo is about reacting. Nick Cressy, English junior, said judo has taught him to use his opponent's bodyweight to his advantage, so it is to Cressy's benefit if he is smaller. Some club members said smaller females have an advantage over males.
“You do not need strength to play judo,” said Mike Wildman, international studies senior.
The Chinese word “judo" can be translated into “the way of gentleness.” But that does not mean judo participants are immune to painful injuries at competitions.
Cody Ingles, who has been practicing judo for nine years, reported numerous broken fingers and toes and a tear of his posterior cruciate ligament — the basic stabilizing ligament in knees that allow knee rotation.
Both Ingles and Cressy had an ear “partially separated from [their heads],” after being thrown down during practice, said Cressy, who added “it's only dangerous if people aren't practicing correctly.”
Club members say the international connections they make in addition to the influence judo has on their lives make the punishment worth it.
Marty and Cristina Fletes, photography junior, both said judo is a great outlet for stress. Cressy said he likes the routine of practices; Ingles described judo practice as “play time,” and Wildman said he likes the physical aspect.
“[Judo] is the biggest stress reliever ever,” Marty said.
Cressy and Marty say their judo sessions promote a healthy lifestyle with weight training, proper eating, maintaining a healthy weight, discipline and exercise.
John Rhodes mentioned the club motto, “Judo makes you sexy,” which refers to the health benefits of the exercise required from judo.
Rhodes, environmental engineering senior who has been practicing judo for four years, said he notices the rhythm and speed at which people walk around campus because footwork is a big part of judo. Learning the footwork in judo also makes you a better dancer, Rhodes said.
“Judo teaches you to learn where your body is in space,” Rhodes said.
Anyone can enjoy judo because “you never get perfect at it,” Ingles said.
The opportunity to travel to different schools, cities and states for competitions is another aspect many of the club's members say they enjoy.
“Networking is a big plus. It's not like other martial arts because it's the same everywhere in the world,” Ingles said. “You get internationally connected.”
Ingles said he enjoys being able to have a few drinks with new friends after judo tournaments, even if some of them defeated him in matches.
“Our club is an actual family,” Marty said, adding that the Judo Club influenced his decision not to transfer to another university. “We’re friends: we hang out, we're there for each other.”
Contact Cady Fleming at news@lsureveille.com
Participants: sport is a lifestyle
By Cady Fleming
May 03, 2006
Members of the LSU Judo Club say judo is not only a sport but also a lifestyle and a way to improve social interaction.
The Judo Club has about 20 members, some with years of experience and some newcomers to the art. Three members, including history junior Matt Marty, have practiced for at least four years.
Marty said he has more self-confidence than he did before he started judo.
“Judo is more of a way of life than a martial art. It makes you want to contribute something good to the world,” Marty said.
Instead of attacking, judo is about reacting. Nick Cressy, English junior, said judo has taught him to use his opponent's bodyweight to his advantage, so it is to Cressy's benefit if he is smaller. Some club members said smaller females have an advantage over males.
“You do not need strength to play judo,” said Mike Wildman, international studies senior.
The Chinese word “judo" can be translated into “the way of gentleness.” But that does not mean judo participants are immune to painful injuries at competitions.
Cody Ingles, who has been practicing judo for nine years, reported numerous broken fingers and toes and a tear of his posterior cruciate ligament — the basic stabilizing ligament in knees that allow knee rotation.
Both Ingles and Cressy had an ear “partially separated from [their heads],” after being thrown down during practice, said Cressy, who added “it's only dangerous if people aren't practicing correctly.”
Club members say the international connections they make in addition to the influence judo has on their lives make the punishment worth it.
Marty and Cristina Fletes, photography junior, both said judo is a great outlet for stress. Cressy said he likes the routine of practices; Ingles described judo practice as “play time,” and Wildman said he likes the physical aspect.
“[Judo] is the biggest stress reliever ever,” Marty said.
Cressy and Marty say their judo sessions promote a healthy lifestyle with weight training, proper eating, maintaining a healthy weight, discipline and exercise.
John Rhodes mentioned the club motto, “Judo makes you sexy,” which refers to the health benefits of the exercise required from judo.
Rhodes, environmental engineering senior who has been practicing judo for four years, said he notices the rhythm and speed at which people walk around campus because footwork is a big part of judo. Learning the footwork in judo also makes you a better dancer, Rhodes said.
“Judo teaches you to learn where your body is in space,” Rhodes said.
Anyone can enjoy judo because “you never get perfect at it,” Ingles said.
The opportunity to travel to different schools, cities and states for competitions is another aspect many of the club's members say they enjoy.
“Networking is a big plus. It's not like other martial arts because it's the same everywhere in the world,” Ingles said. “You get internationally connected.”
Ingles said he enjoys being able to have a few drinks with new friends after judo tournaments, even if some of them defeated him in matches.
“Our club is an actual family,” Marty said, adding that the Judo Club influenced his decision not to transfer to another university. “We’re friends: we hang out, we're there for each other.”
Contact Cady Fleming at news@lsureveille.com
Fonte: http://www.lsureveille.com/
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