Judo is an Olympic sport and a martial art that originated in Japan in 1882. Today judo is the most widely practiced martial art worldwide and the second most practiced sport in the world. It became an Olympic sport in 1964 for men and officially an Olympic sport in 1992 for women.

   The word Judo means "gentle way". It is a grappling martial art which does NOT involve kicks and punches, but rather incorporates throws, pins, and submissions holds such as strangles and arm locks. Not only is judo one of the best forms of exercise available, but it is also very practical form of self-defense.

   Judo is very similar to and complements sports like wrestling and ju jitsu. If you are a wrestler or ju jitsu player, you can use what you know on the judo mat, which will only enhance your judo game. The game is very exciting and action packed! A match in judo is three minutes for juniors and 5 minutes for seniors, but a match can also end as quick as 3 seconds. There are 4 scores in a game of judo: koka (1/8 of a point), yuko (1/4 of a point), wazari (1/2 of a point), and an IPPON (full point). Each score depends on where and how hard the body lands while being thrown. Ultimately, you want to throw your opponent flat on their back hard and an IPPON will be scored and end the match instantly like a knock-out in boxing. There are also penalties that you can receive in an instant that can turn an entire match around. 4 penalties received and you disqualify out! So you must always stay aggressive and never stall, or else.

   Judo is a great sport, but aside from studying this art, it also teaches and installs valuable lessons of life. It truly is a way of life. Judo builds mental and physical strengths. The confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, self-control, focus, develops coordination and balance, respect, and a strong belief within. Judo is great for building strength and conditioning. It is the best cardio work out you can go through, because all at once, you work every muscle in your body, and a lot of resistance training is involved.

   Our program has been in existence for over 20 years. The clubs founder and director is Mr. Dennis Mercer. Mr. Mercer was a national master's champion and had competed for years. His love for judo and his everlasting support is much appreciated.

   In 1996, Mr. Mercer handed the judo program over to coach Kari Gabrielle, while he returned to school to earn a degree in teaching. Dennis followed Kari's competitive career for years and had much trust and confidence in Kari to take over his judo program. Kari has since ran the highly successful judo program for the past 11 years and has produced several National and International champions and medallists both at junior and senior Elite level. Kari has had several athletes ranked as high as #1 in the entire country at both junior and senior levels as well. In 2004, Kari received the Colorado Judo League Coach of the Year award for the outstanding coaching job she has done with her athletes.