by Judo Batch ’17
Perhaps you’ve had an everlasting, burning desire to be a pilot since you were young. To coast through the clouds, zoom out above Earth. Perhaps you’ve considered multiple careers in the aviation industry, be it piloting, aeroplane engineering, aircraft maintenance, or even an aircraft janitor. Or perhaps you’ve long cast aside these dreams and regarded them as mere whimsicalities of childhood, now relegated to some nostalgic shelf in a corner of your teenage mind.
Well, we can’t do anything about that.
But! The closest sensation to flying that this Institution can offer you in its hallowed corridors is right here, right in this preview – right in this CCA.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a Judoka!
We present to you – Judo.
The members of this large family of judokas can all attest to the extraordinary amount of fulfillment that judo has brought to their lives, even in the short span of time they have been practicing it. Even though much of the pictorial evidence of our trainings seem to highlight a sense of internal screaming or egregious suffering, the immense satisfaction we gain after a session well spent is immeasurable. We’ve thrown, been thrown, and had physical training thrown our way. If you want a special experience of a special sport, this is it.
While foraging through the endless collection of Judo videos online, you might wince at neck-breaking speed or the thunderous ground-shaking slam of the throws. Yet, how does a judoka still emerge unscathed? Now, we will let you in on our centuries-old elusive practices that originated from the faraway mystical land of Japan. As the name suggests, Judo (柔道) is the Art of the Gentle Way – the safest martial art formulated by our main man Jigoro Kano in a bid to subdue physically domineering opponents while using the least effort. Breakfalls thus form the crux of a judoka’s foundation – and safety – by ensuring the impact of falling is spread throughout the body. The next time you watch a judo video, you will understand that the loud thuds are secretly at work shielding the body.
With that in mind, you can transcend boundaries and challenge yourself to things that you have never done before.
One judoka, two judoka, three judoka, more!
We may not be the aviation club, but we’re undoubtedly the next best thing. Join Judo. Fly.
