KINEMATIC AND TEMPORAL CHARACTERISfICS OF SELECTED JUDO HIP THROWS

Abstract

The sport of judo, developed In 1882 in Japan by Jigoro Kano, is a refined version of the ancient martial art of jujitsu. Typically when one envisions martial arts, the mental image includes kicks, punches, and other striking techniques. The sport of judo involves none of these, but does permit the use of throwing techniques, mat work similar to wrestling, strangle holds and joint locks at the elbow. Despite its original role as a martial art, judo as practiced today is essentially the highest form of wrestling practiced anywhere in the world (Reay &Hobbs, 1979).