Being picked up and thrown to the ground is the start of many fights. For Kwame Christian, it is just another day in his Introduction to Judo class.

For the students, the twice-a-week class teaches the basics of judo and introduces them to the competitive side of this Olympic sport. They also learn to compete hard while respecting their opponents.

“The class builds camaraderie,” Christian, a sophomore in psychology said. “So there’s a friendship between us and we fight on the mat but then once the fight is over we’re cool with each other, congratulate each other. Don’t let it leave the mat, keep the aggression there.”

Instructor Hakwoo Kim, a black belt, has been practicing judo for 10 years. He said he wanted to get involved because television made it look interesting. In his class Kim teaches his students more than just technique.

“I also teach some Japanese terms,” Kim said. “They have to memorize the terms in Japanese because that’s also part of this class and culture and meditation.”

Judo is a refinement of the martial art of Jujitsu, according to judoinfo.com. Judo, meaning “the gentle way,” is actually an intense and aggressive sport known for its throwing, choking and pinning techniques.

Kim said judo could potentially be a dangerous sport.

“Unless you have a respectful mind for your partner, then you could easily hurt your partners,” he said.

He has had a few injuries occur in his class, from a simple scrape to a broken kneecap.

Kim said his main goal for his students was for them to gain confidence while promoting respect and reflection before aggression. His students, who for now are all male, meditate before and after class to reflect on what they can improve. They bow before and after stepping onto the mat.

However, the main point of the class is perfecting fighting techniques.

“The aggression levels, they need to be high, because if you don’t have a high aggression level you’re going to get hurt,” Christian said. The students grapple with each other until one is pinned or gives up by signaling with a tap on the arm.

“It’s all controlled when we’re sparring, we’re trying our best, it’s not dangerous or anything,” Eric Wu, a junior in pharmacy said.

Christian said that from a young age he wanted to learn martial arts. He also saw it as a good way to stay in shape.

Christian said he plans to continue judo classes.

“I think that’s to get in touch with the culture. You’re not only learning how to fight, but also the culture of fighting too,” he said.

Candace Floyd can be reached at floyd.149@osu.