Judo club conditions students mentally, physically through study of martial art
Figure skaters, gymnasts and other athletes train their entire careers to avoid falling down.
Ernie Peterson, on the other hand, has spent his time mastering the art of falling.
Peterson is president of the Judo Club at Central Michigan University, a type of Japanese martial art specializing in throwing techniques. However, these martial arts experts don’t throw fists or objects — they throw each other.
The Ionia senior said there are 67 traditional throws in judo and the average student of the art knows anywhere from 15 to 20.
“My favorite part is the fact that there’s a lot to it,” Peterson said. “The discipline is meant to lead into your personal life and help you develop as a person. Once you get your black belt, that’s when you really start learning. It gives me something me something to work toward and really improve on.”
Judo is broken up into two different forms: Traditional and competitive.
Traditional judo is a very detailed and practiced art. Students learn the techniques of different throws and also focus on meditation.
Competitive judo, however, is much more quick-paced and aggressive as opponents try to obtain more points than the other with a combination of throws and groundwork.
While experience in wrestling or another type of martial art will certainly help in the mastery of judo, Peter Stanek said absolutely no previous training of any kind is necessary.
After taking a judo class offered by CMU last January, the Barryton senior decided to join the club and now holds the title of gokyu, meaning he has the third highest ranking in Judo and an orange belt.
“I like how challenging it is not only physically, but mentally as well,” Stanek said. “I love being exposed to both of those cultures.”
Waterford graduate student Mike Lubitz is head coach of the judo club and has been practicing three to four times a week for the past seven years. Lubitz recently earned his black belt and is the highest ranking member of the club so far.
The first thing Lubitz said he teaches new members is how to fall properly in order to protect themselves. After that, it’s all about working on the basic throws and groundwork to help students develop fundamental techniques.
“Judo was designed so you can practice all of the moves safely while still preparing for competition,” Lubitz said. “I really enjoy coaching people and helping them to improve.”
While the club doesn’t travel to competitions as a team, Lubitz said people do individually compete in tournaments and many have seen a lot of success in the lower levels.
The judo club meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday in the Rose Arena wrestling room and interested students are encouraged to attend.
“My hope for the club this year is to have more members — it’s always great to have a wide variety of sizes, shapes and backgrounds,” Peterson said. I’d love to see Judo become more popular.”
