Judo translates to “gentle way” in Japanese, yet it is one of the most popular forms of martial arts in the world. According to USA Judo, it is one of only two martial arts included in the Olympic Games, with the other being taekwondo.

“Judo is an unarmed martial art that originated in Japan as a means of self-defense,” Steve DeRaedt, sensei, or master, of judo technique said.  “It embodies throwing, falling of course and submissions, but no striking, or kicking.”

Oakland University’s judo club has been active for eight years, and the current team consists of 15 members. Morgan Imlay, the club’s president, said the team is looking to expand and add more members.

While the club is not extremely competitive yet, according to Imlay, it plans to compete in state tournaments this June. In preparation for tournament competition, they have had experience training with a few professional judo athletes.

“While we have not won any significant awards yet, we did host Mr. In-Chul Cho for a judo clinic, and he is a two-time World Champion and two-time Olympic Medalist,” Imlay said. Cho won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and a bronze medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta while representing South Korea.

The degrees of difficulty of judo are divided into levels associated with a belt color. There are 10 degrees advancing from white belt to black belt.

“At Oakland we have three black belt instructors — Steve DeRaedt, a fifth-degree black belt, as well as two second-degree black belts, Ben Parlier and Matt Rose — and two brown belt instructors, Lutz Engmann and Kevin Phillips,” Imlay said.

DeRaedt said judo is a way to learn self-protection for individuals, as well as a means to improve physical fitness.

“Judo practice in a dojo emphasizes discipline, respect and a tradition that lets you learn from your opponents both in practice and competition,” DeRaedt said. “It can be practiced year-round so it’s perfect for cross training athletes. Successful practice demands a blending of skill, balance, physical ability and mental strength.

“It provides a very practical means of self-defense for both sexes and is a great physical exercise to enhance the body’s core strength and endurance to benefit the heart as well.”

Imlay said she enjoys the usefulness of judo, as well as the physical aspect.

“I like that judo teaches one to immobilize an attacker with minimal striking. As for the sport/martial art itself, I do enjoy throwing and being thrown,” Imlay said. “It’s fun (when you are practicing safely). It is also another form of exercise and self-discipline for me and any other fitness enthusiasts out there.”

The club trains Thursdays from 7-10 p.m. in the activity center of the Recreation Center or the Pioneer room of the Oakland Center. Until the end of May, they will also be practicing Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Imlay said all students are welcome to join the judo club. Previous judo experience is not necessary.

“People can get involved by coming to practice, even if it’s just sitting back to watch what we do,” Imlay said.

Students who are interested in joining the judo club can contact Imlay at [email protected].