Online Sports Games

Archive for December, 2008

For years, judo students have enjoyed learning this martial art for reasons of fitness, conditioning, knowledge of self-defense, and increased self confidence. However, judo was not included in the Olympics as a competitive sport until the 1964 games in Tokyo, Japan. At this time, only twenty-seven countries participated in the judo events. Only men were allowed to compete in the judo competitions, and there were three weight categories. The popularity of judo as an Olympic event has grown considerably over the years. Women were first given the opportunity to compete in the judo events at the 1992 Barcelona, Spain Olympics. Seven weight categories for both men and women were available in 1992, with the men’s categories ranging from 60 – 100+ kilograms and the women’s categories ranging from 48 – 78+ kilograms.

The popular sportswear manufacturer, Adidas, is the official partner of the 2008 Olympic Games, hosted by Beijing, China. Adidas will supply the staff, volunteers and officials of the Olympics with sportswear. Chinese Olympic team members will also be supplied with Adidas sportswear. Known world-wide for manufacturing sportswear and equipment for the more well-known sports, such as basketball and running, Adidas also manufactures judo uniforms and supplies.

Judo, like other martial arts, requires specialized clothing, supplies, sparring equipment, and protective gear. Judo uniforms are made for comfort and ease of movement. It is important that judo uniforms do not hinder the speed or concentration of the judo student or competitor. During judo training, sparring equipment and protective gear is used to allow the student to imitate judo moves without causing injury. Although judo does not employ the more forceful moves of other martial arts forms, there is still a chance that the student will suffer an injury during practice.

These actions often require quick and accurate reactions with split second timing. The speed bag will fine tune your reaction time, which translates to all sports. It will also help you learn to keep your hands up in the “ready” position. Affected sports include of basketball, football  baseball and volleyball, as well as: Handball, Softball, Lacrosse, and all racket sports. Simply put, If you get in the game- speed bag training can help you play better.

• Eye-Hand & Foot coordination. Targeting the bag for single or repetitive contact, with one or both hands, and to do this continuously at the right time. You can do this standing fairly still facing the bag or moving aound with basic footwork.

• Rhythm and Timing. Maintain constant and continuously flowing hand and arm movements with equal force and speed. Footwork around the bag can also be added.

• Hand Speed and Punching Power. Required to keep the bag going at a constant rate of speed. Also requires using equal punching force. As your hand speed increases, so does the power of your punching. Increasing repetitive hand speed also helps eliminate wasted motions.

• Fitness Benefits. Striking actions require the user to hold the arms and hands up for extended periods of time, building shoulder & arm strength and endurance. This in turn helps to shape, tone and define the muscles involved. Punching repetitively for a length of time, such as 3 minutes can have cardiovascular benefits, taxing the heart and lungs, and often leave you winded. With practice, you can extend this to 15 minutes or longer, helping to increase aerobic capacity.

• Rhythmic Expression. Like a “hanging drum” It allows the user a vast amount of creative capability. With a little practice, you can develop all kinds of different rhythms, allowing for a great deal of self-expression.

• Low injury potential. Speed Bag training has very low potential for serious injury.