Dartanyon Crockett before he leaves to the 2012 Olympics in London

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FOLLOW UP: Dartanyon takes Bronze in his first Olympic contest, now he prepares for the Gold for 2016.

What’s Judo?

Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.

Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.

Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for many other reasons.  Most of all people do Judo just for the fun of it.

Judo is Fun!

As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs competition and ensures safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls.

Judo is best known for it’s spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning. Judo is learned on special mats for comfort and safety.

Judo is unique in that all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled persons can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive, year-round activity that appeals to people from all walks of life. Many people over sixty years of age enjoy the sport, as well as very young boys and girls.

Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility. As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, fine balance, and fast reflexive action. Above all, it develops a sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with the same kind of body. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises. Judo is often a part of the training done by athletes preparing for MMA matches.

The Judo Rank System

Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts that recognize a person’s degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more.

Principles and Goals of Judo

Judo, which is translated as the “gentle way”, teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For example, in Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent.

The principles of Judo, such as “Maximum Efficiency” and “Mutual Welfare and Benefit”, can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world.

Fun for the Whole Family!

We are dedicated to helping every student develop their martial expertise. Our exciting, fun and action packed Taekwon-Do classes provide complete martial arts training for success in our everyday lives.

Our programs focus on development of the “Whole Family!” We believe in helping to transform YOU into a Black Belt from the Inside-Out. That means that our students get into fantastic shape – mentally, physically, and emotionally. The Martial Arts Program at MaxOut Sports is second to none. Talk about an UNFAIR ADVANTAGE! We are dedicated to helping every student develop their full martial arts potential. Our electrifying, entertaining and achievement orientated packed classes provide a unique and fulfilling family experience!

Here at MaxOut Sports, you’ll easily be able to find a class that meets your busy schedule. Classes are offered for children and adults as well as specialty classes and events like Self-Defense Workshops, Bully Proof Seminars and a host of other awesome workshops.

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-Do is a modern martial art, characterized by its fast, high, and spinning kicks that are combined with formidable blocks and strikes. There are multiple interpretations of the name Taekwon-Do. Taekwon-Do is often translated as ‘the way of hand and foot’. Broken down the definition of Taekwon-Do is:

• Tae – to strike or block with the foot or to kick, it also means jump
• Kwon – Fist, to strike or block with hand
• Do – The way of or art.

Put this together and Taekwon-Do means: “The art of kicking and punching” or “The art of unarmed combat”. The sport has been founded in Korea, is one of the popular modern martial arts, and an Olympic sport.

Disciplines of Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do has four disciplines which form the basis for the teaching curriculum. The four disciplines are:

• Patterns
• Sparring
• Self-defense
• Breaking

It is the combination of these four disciplines that makes up traditional Taekwon-Do.

Objectives of Taekwon-Do

• to develop an appreciation for Taekwon-Do as a sport and as an art
• to achieve physical fitness through positive participation
• to improve mental discipline and emotional equanimity
• to learn self-defense skills
• to develop a sense of responsibility for one’s self and others

Our Certified Personal Training staff is dedicated to providing a safe, friendly, and professional workout environment. They are also committed to help prevent injury and achieve individual fitness goals. For the general health client, a fitness prescription is designed to improve one’s quality of life and enhance daily living activities.

Programs by our Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist for clients in the competitive arena can expect exercises that are cross-functional, age and gender appropriate, sport, and position specific.

Personal Training at MaxOut Sports is an investment in your health and quality of life. Whether you are just starting out, doing post-rehab, or a conditioned sports enthusiast, you can expect a personalized program prescription designed to specifically meet your individual fitness goals.

A comprehensive Fitness Assessment is included with the purchase of a Personal Training session. This includes cardiovascular endurance, blood pressure, muscular strength, body composition, flexibility, and posture. A fitness profile will be developed to establish your baseline and health status. The profile will also be used to determine the optimum exercise and lifestyle recommendations and applied to monitor your progress.

Included in the fitness assessment is a Body Composition Evaluation. Weight, height, circumference, and skin density will be taken to determine your body mass index, waist to hip ratio, and body fat percentage. Based upon the results an appraisal of your health risks will be provided along with any recommendations for healthier lifestyle choices.

Personal Training Provides

• Motivation
• Commitiment
• Safety
• Individualized instruction
• Efficient, effective workouts
• Supervision
• Sports specific training
• Improved self-image

Personal Training Benefits Include

• Faster results
• Lost weight and inches
• Imporved strength and conditioning
• Improved posture
• Better eating and nutrition
• Mental clarity
• Sounder sleep
• Improved stamina
• Improved self-esteem
• Imporved quality of life
• Improved flexibility
• Improved mobility
• Enhanced sports performance
• Firmer body

MaxOut Sports Fitness and Wellness Program

This Corporate Fitness & Wellness Program provides an exceptional opportunity for those employers and human resource managers who recognize that having fit, happy and healthy employees can be their company’s single greatest asset.

Recent statistics compiled by the health industry  point out employees who exercise can have an almost immediate positive impact on your company. Some reported company findings over a one year period include a 47% reduction in absenteeism, a 32% decrease in employee turnover, a 55% reduction in health care costs and a 27% increase in work performance. Less quantifiable, but as noticeable, were findings of improved company morale, job satisfaction, maintaining a positive mental work attitude and reduced employee stress. Health club memberships for employees are now considered to be an essential element for companies wishing to achieve these benefits.

Corporate Lunch & Learn Fitness Seminars

The most popular component of the MaxOut Sports Corporate Program is to provide your company, free of charge, a Lunch & Learn fitness seminar. Our Corporate Team will tailor a presentation for the topic most relevant to your company’s needs. Well received topics include:

• Effective Stress Reduction Tips
• Losing Weight and Keeping It Off
• Get Fit – Stay Young
• Fitness and a Positive Mental Attitude
• The Best Workout to Get in Shape
• Fifteen Minutes a Day to a Happier, Longer Life

Call To Get Started

To find out more about this program, and to book your free lunch and learn, call MaxOut Sports Corporate Wellness Manager Kimberly Hudson at 440-781-3444.

MaxOut Sports mixed martial arts program is a coed, fast paced, high energy, fun way to learn.  Classes consist of strength and conditioning exercises that include warm ups, resistance, plyometrics, and drills and sport specific training which blends, Muay Thai kick boxing, grappling, submissions, takedowns, boxing and sparring skills.

Protective gear is mandatory for this class. There are multiple instructors who are more than willing to help you along the way. MMA is also a great way to get in shape, improve your strength, conditioning, and personal safety skills.

For those whose ambition is to compete in MMA cage fighting there are additional training resources available. These include fighter management, cage strategies, tactical and strategic fight planning, and additional training, conditioning and nutritional scheduling.

WIN-1 Program (Women’s Initiative for Neutralization)

Rape, assault and domestic violence are common crimes committed against women today. To help prevent attacks and protect yourself, you need to be confident and have a survivor’s mindset. Taking a self-defense course is one way to help elevate your skill and confidence.

The Woman’s Initiative for Neutralization certification course (WIN-1) is an educational and awareness program designed to teach basic mental and physical techniques of empowerment that can be used to successfully neutralize an aggressor or remove one’s self from harms way. The program places emphasis on Defensive Tactics methods through theory, demonstration, practice, and live-go scenario drills. This course covers situational awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance strategies as well as developing a self defense response that is both quick and effectual.

WIN-1 is appropriate for all women and abilities 16 and older.  Classes are taught over a 6 hour period that consists of 3 classes of 2 hours each. Classes are held 4 times a year.  Pre-registration is required. The following goals will be achieved by each student:

• Each student will improve her level of self defense as well as her knowledge of defensive tactics theory.
• Each student will improve her confidence through positive reinforcement given by peers and the instructor(s).
• Students will competently learn the self defense methods associated with activities presented in class.
• Students will learn basic skills and techniques associated with self defense scenarios presented in class.
• Students will pass a multiple choice exam on the subject of situational awareness and defensive tactics applications.
• Students will develop a clearer sense of their abilities and limitations using the neutralization methods in this course.
• At the end of the course each student will receive a Certificate of Completion suitable for framing.