RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (WHDH) - It’s not as popular as gymnastics or swimming, but an American who trains in Massachusetts is bringing home the gold in judo.
Women’s judo made its first Olympic appearance in 1992.
It comes from jujitsu and involves throwing your opponent to the floor and keeping them there.
Judo is not only a sport, but an art form as well.
Kayla Harrison was the first American to win an Olympic gold in judo.
7News’ Nancy Chen shows us what it takes to succeed by taking some lessons with Harrison’s coach.
Judo isn’t for the weak. It is a fight only those both mentally and physically strong can win.
Jimmy Pedro is returning to the Olympic games as the head coach of the US judo team.
The owner of Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield is also a former Olympian.
Pedro taught Nancy how to battle with the best of them.
It’s not just about arm strength, but balancing the lower body too.
Unlike other martial arts, judo does not involve punching or kicking. The guiding principal is maximum efficiency with minimum effort.
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