The Gentle Art Of Judo

In ancient days, ju-jitsu was a secret art practised by the samurai, the warriors of Japan. With it, they could quickly assert their superiority over the common people, who were like as not to come out of the encounter with a broken arm or leg. The modern art of judo, as practised in Gisborne and Wairoa in these pictures, is a much gentler affair. Like a closed catspaw, it hurts nobody, but the claws are still there if needed. On this page Hugh Bowman of Gisborne, who heads the local judo classes, tosses Allan McIntosh about in a demonstration for "Photo News".

Top pictures show a seoi-nage, or shoulder-throw. No.1 shows the tsukuri, or breaking of the balance. No.2 the kuyushi, or preparation for the throw, and No.3 the kake, or the throw itself.

At left, Hugh demonstrates a sweeping ankle-throw, or o-kuri-ashi-harai, while below is what is called a major outer reaping throw, or o-soto-gari.

Two Gisborne students, Ron Beyram and Bob Lee, practising a minor outer reaping throw (ko-soto-gari). In most of the pictures it will be noted that the player being thrown (tori) has hand ready to slap mat hard in instant before body's impact. In this way force of fall is effectively broken.

Picture from Photoart Studios, Wairoa, shows members of club there in action. Thrower (uke) is the club's founder, C. Wilcox, and taker (tori) is P. Maloney. Watching is T. Coyle. Club was formed a year ago with two members, now has twelve.
Judo is now basic training for British Marine Commandos, also for U.S.A.A.F. air crew personnel.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 17 : November 17, 1955

The Gentle Art Of Judo