Judo

Chad Miller (3rd Degree Black Belt)

Chad Miller started Judo in 1994 although his interest in martial arts began when he met his step father (a black belt in Tae Kwon Do) at the age of five. Since 1997, Chad has competed in Judo tournaments all across the United States, including the USJI Nationals, Americas Cup, New York Open, AAU Nationals and many other tournaments. Chad has placed 2nd at the Nationals, 1st and 2nd at the Florida State Championships several times and placed at a number of other events. Chad also competed in Power lifting and currently holds the WNPF Florida State Record for squat and bench press. Chad served as a law enforcement officer/field training officer for several years and recently left the Law Enforcement community to complete his degree at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Judo, meaning "gentle way", is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by applying a choke. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet) - as well as weapons defenses - are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).

Why should you study Judo at Academy of Martial Arts?
*At Academy of Martial Arts you have an opportunity to study Judo under the most experienced (active) competitive judo player in Volusia County.

*Academy of Martial Arts has top quality SWAIN mats throughout the facility-mat quality and space is a factor when practicing judo and taking falls.

*Judo is the most dominant martial art form for takedowns whether the techniques are used in MMA, BJJ, or grappling competitions.

How many times have you seen single leg after single leg attempt made with no takedown in MMA bouts? Throws in the clinch can end a contest immediately and often get you past the guard after landing. Judo throws are decisive and take less energy than wrestling style takedowns. Throwing does not expose the attacker to a greater chance of injury when compared with double legs etc. How many times have you seen a shoulder separated after a double leg attempt and following sprawl? Judo throws are difficult to defend. Defense to throws must be taught in order to be defended. At Academy of Martial Arts we believe in wrestling takedowns, but also understand they must be unified with other styles to elevate take down skill.

*Judo is an Olympic Sport with strong National backing and plenty of opportunities for competition. There are dozens of tournaments held in Florida throughout the year.

*Judo is practiced in a realistic style (Randori). During these free fighting sessions you will be taxed both mentally and physically.

The following is a quote by Rhadi Ferguson in regards to wrestling takedowns and judo in general. Rhadi is a former Judo Olympian, BJJ black belt, and Judo Black Belt. Rhadi also trained Thiago Alves for his fight against Judo Player Karo Parisyan who defeated GSP. Rhadi is the only person to have competed in the Mundials, ADCC and Olympics.

“First everybody uses wrestling as their training base for their takedowns. This training is not conductive to stopping the takedowns of a judo player who has adapted his game to MMA. The situations where a wrestler would feel comfortable will place them in a situation to get taken down by a judo player.”

In the May 2008 issue of Ultimate Grappling WEC middleweight Champion Paulo Filho is asked, “How did you get so good at takedowns?”

Filhos response, “It is because of my Judo training, which was geared towards the Olympics.” *Academy of Martial Arts Judo is part of the USJA and is a chartered club FLORIDA 4044 Ormond Beach Judo Club. As such we are authorized to promote and give official ranking. If you are planning on studying Judo somewhere else ask to see the club charter, your instructors USJA or USJI membership card. Without these you cannot be promoted and your rank will not be recognized at major judo competitions. Every Judo Instructor should have one of these credentials, if not be wary. ASK TO SEE THEM YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR.

Instructors

Class Times

Judo Photos

Upload your own photos!!!

After they are approved by the AMA staff they will appear in the photo gallery