News & Events

02/19/2011 - Judo

Judo was founded in Japan by Dr. Kano Jigoro dating back to 1882. Translated as “the way of gentleness,” “gentleness” is characterized by the indirect application of force to defeat an opponent. More specifically, it is the principle of using one’s opponent’s strength against him and adapting well to changing circumstances. Kano saw judo as a means for governing and improving oneself physically, mentally, emotionally and morally.

In competition, the object of Judo is to score an ippon, or full point, immediately ending the match. There are three ways to earn an ippon; throwing or taking down of one’s opponent to the ground, subduing the opponent with a grappling maneuver, or forcing your opponent to submit by joint locking or by executing a strangle hold or choke.

Ari Miller, Linxx Academy’s Judo Black Belt Sandan and coach began his competition career at the University of Oklahoma. He wrestled and began studying Judo in 1994. Ari was the 1997 Pan American Sambo Champion as well as the 1997 American Sambo National Champion. He is also a National Judo Coach certified under USA Judo. Rounding out his martial arts skill sets, he currently holds a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Miller led the LINXX Judo team in Arlington, Virginia on February 19, 2011; coaching them through the 2011 Virginia Open Judo Championship, the first judo competition for the team. Representing Linxx Academy’s Judo program in the Adult division were as follows: Green belts Jason Henderson, Chad Metcalf along with white belt Nick Bosch. Proudly lining up as representative for the Junior’s team was Ari’s own, Cami Miller.

After single losses in the early rounds, each of the Linxx adult competitors fought their way back up the brackets. Jason Henderson and Nick Bosch inevitably took home silver medals in their divisions. Chad Metcalf, with 13 competitors in his division, contended his way to a bronze. All three only losing from the victors of their respective weight classes.

Nine year old Cami Miller gave it her all in the first competition of her young Judo career. With over a hundred competitors from varying schools, Cami eagerly faced the challenge. Miss Miller valiantly toughed it out through both of her bouts and regardless of not placing in her division she had enjoyed the experience and appreciated her entry into the world her father had grown to love.

For further information regarding the practice of Judo, contact either LINXX Academy locations. Classes currently meet on Friday from 7:15-8:30 at Kempsville and Saturday from 12:00-1:00 at our Redmill Location.