Welcome to Judo

In the late nineteenth century, Dr. Jigoro Kano, of Tokyo,

Japan, adapted and refined ju jitsu, a feudal Japanese martial art, to create judo, which translated means “the gentle way.” Dr. Kano’s guiding principles of judo were: Swiryoko Zenyo, or maximum efficiency with minimum effort, and Jita-Kyoe, mutual welfare and benefit. All techniques and instruction in judo is based on these two ideas. Judo is a sport known for its spectacular flips, as well as its sophisticated chokeholds and pins. Unique among the martial arts, it is based on controlling an opponent by using his force against him, rather than by applying brute force. Since its inception, judo has continued to grow in popularity to become the second most popular sport in the world after soccer. Judo competitions take place at all levels from the local to the Olympics.

The Siouxland Connection

For more than 40 years, Sioux City’s American Judo Club has taught judo to all ages as a way to build mental and physical agility, self-discipline and respect for others and as a practical form of self-defense.

Our members form a close-knit family and range in age from five to 68 years. While some of us enjoy judo as a form of exercise and others are attracted to it as an organized competitive sport, all agree that judo is fun!

According to the American College of Sports Physicians, judo is the safest sport for those under 13 and can be practiced at full speed on mats without serious risk of injury.

Keeping The Legacy Alive

The American Judo Club was founded by Frankie Williams, sixth-degree black belt in judo. Over the years, those who came into contact with Mr. Williams were touched by his character, spirit and, at the American Judo Club, his dedication to teaching judo to adults and youth. We feel privileged to be able to continue his legacy. Here’s what members say about the American Judo Club...

“Judo is fun!” P.J. Poe, North Middle School student
	“I’m totally blind so for me judo was initially a way to learn self-defense. Then I grew to love the discipline, sportsman-ship and respect we show each other.” Darcy Boyok, blind rehabilitative teacher
“Judo is great exercise. Attending three classes a week, I feel a lot better physically.” Jay Bowman, 68, retired communication technician
	“Judo is a different kind of workout that also demands respect of you, others and the study of judo itself.” Kim Marth, 22, Morningside College student
Contact Us The American Judo Club offers classes at various locations in Siouxland during the week and on weekends. Our four instructors are all black belts: Johnny Tureaud (3rd degree), Greg Hanson and Chaye Thompson (2nd degree). Doctor Louise Perry, Sho Dan(First Degree) The American Judo Club is a member of the United States Judo Association and adheres to the rules and principles of that organization.
Welcome - USJA