Page 558 - Ultimate Visual Dictionary (DK)

SPOR TS

Judo and fencing JUDO HOLDS
AND THROWS

COMBAT SPORTS ARE BASED ON THE SKILLS used in fighting. In these
sports, the competitors may be unarmed—as in judo and boxing—or
armed—as in fencing and kendo. Judo is a system of unarmed combat
developed in the East. Translated from the Japanese, the name means SIDE FOUR QUARTER SINGLE WING
“the gentle way.” Students learn how to turn an opponent’s force to their HOLD
own advantage. The usual costume is loose white pants and a jacket,
fastened with a cloth belt. The color of belt indicates the student’s level
of expertise, from white-belted novices to the expert “black belts.”
Competitions take place on a mat or “shiaijo,” 30 or 33 ft (9 or 10 m)
square in size, bounded by “danger” and “safety” areas to prevent injury.
Competitors try to throw, pin, or master their opponent by applying
pressure to the arm joints or neck. Judo bouts are strictly monitored, and BODY DROP ONE ARM SHOULDER
THROW
competitors receive points for superior technique, not for injuring their
opponent. Fencing is a combat sport using swords, which takes place
on a narrow “piste” 46 ft (14 m) long. Competitors try to touch specific
target areas on their opponent with their sword or “foil” while avoiding
being touched themselves. The winner is the one who scores the
greatest number of hits. Fencers wear clothing made from strong white
material that affords maximum protection while allowing freedom of SHOULDER WHEEL SWEEPING LOW
THROW
movement, steel mesh masks with padded bibs to protect the fencer’s
neck, and a long white glove on their sword hand. Fencing foils do not
have sharpened blades, and their tips end in a blunt button to prevent
injuries. Three types of swords are used—foils, épées, and sabers.
Official foil and épée competitions always use an electric scoring system.
The sword tips are connected to lights by a long wire that passes
underneath each fencer’s jacket. A bulb flashes when a hit is made.
STOMACH THROW KNEE WHEEL
UNIFORM
JUDO MAT

52 ft 6 in
(16 m)

Judge
Drawstring

Scorer Contestant
Holding Referee
time-
keeper
Time-
keeper Contest
area

Safety
area
Cotton
Danger area Contestant pants Black belt Heavy-duty
cotton jacket

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