The CSUB Judo Club participated in the Fowler Invitational Judo Tournament held this past Sunday, bringing home some impressive finishes.
The tournament took place in Fowler, Ca., at the Fowler High School Gymnasium.
The tournament began at 11 a.m, where Cal State had two Judokas competing from the school's Judo Club. Under Cal Statešs parent organization, Bakersfield Judo Club, there were a total of six Judokas participating.
Steve Sanchez, CSUB Judo Club president, took third place, finishing in the heavyweight Brown Belt Division with a record of 1 for 3. Chris Thomas, Judo Club treasurer, took second place in the lightweight White Belt Division with a record of 2 for 3.
Although many students know the Judo Club at Cal State has been in existence for some time, many still don't understand exactly what Judo is.
Jujitsu is the source of modern Judo. Medieval Japanese Warriors practiced many forms of unarmed combat, which were grouped under the general name Jujitsu for the gentle practice. The object of all these martial arts forms was to avoid an enemy's superior strength and to use that strength to the opponent's disadvantage.
The purpose of the CSUB Judo Club is to teach students about early 20th century Japanese culture, and to instruct students in self-defense and self-awareness techniques that may save their lives.
The club attends tournaments throughout the year, which in the end benefit the team members and the overall program by allowing students to use their mat skills they have learned in the classroom.
The Judo Club was able to do just that this weekend in Fowler.
"Participation in this tournament was a good experience for CSUB Judo students and the Bakersfield Judo Club members," said Sanchez.
Runner@csubak.edu