In all honesty, yes it is hard. So is every other sport ever.
There is a high frustration factor just starting out because some movements will feel awkward, (like turning your back to someone you are throwing) and you have to do some things that are counter intuitive. (learning not push back when pushed, learning not to full extend limbs, etc.)
One reward is increased balance and body control, some of which you may already have from Football already. The training is heavily suited for football due to it's anaerobic nature. (like football, Judo is done in sprints). You build quicker recovery time, which again you may already have from football.
Yes, falling sucks. Getting thrown sucks. But throwing someone else is massively fun, especially the first time you do it right and see how easy it is. Getting choked/armbarred sucks... but catching someone else in a submission is exhilarating, you will be proud of yourselves in whole new ways and have some clearly defined measurable coming out of it.
What you don't have to worry about is getting thrown to the wolves. Any Sensei/Coach is going to ease you into, you will learn effective techniques from the start, and learn things that can help you understand leverages and movements, which are especially helpful for shedding blocks, or blocking someone in football.
Any Judo place is going to let you go at your own pace for what you feel is safe. The key is learning not to get too much of your own ego and competitive nature involved. You need that competitive nature period. But you also need to be calm, cool, collected and learn how to use that drive to the most success. Things you get from football and learn in football. (So you don't do dumb things that cause penalties).
If you can have a big picture mindset you can really enjoy it. Understand that is going to be frustrating and awkward at first, but the risk of injury is far less than football. It is still there, absolutely as it is in any sport. But it is a fairly controlled environment, and most decent coaches/Sensei aren't going to pair you up with someone who can't control themselves as Cecil mentioned. Additionally most people who are mat spazz/meatheads tend to learn to control themselves as they find over aggression and over muscling and counterproductive.
I would second a lot of stuff Cecil said. Some of it would disagree with but that is just me.
Competition is not necessary, but it's fun. Ultimately it is up to you and your enjoyment as to how/when/if you want to compete in tournaments. Some clubs are more competitively focused, as such that means closer to tournament time a lot harder workouts and some focus on people going compete. No different than football.
The starters get more time with position coaches and workouts are harder during the season.
I think Judo is great, it is an awesome workout and helped out my football immensely, and helped me keep my competitive edge, and allowed me an outlet for my focus and energy during off season.
your question doesn't make any sense the sport's hardships are determined by the human who is training it. Also what is the thing that makes sport hard it's highly subjective
A skinny man with no conditioning would say that is hard
A man with condition and muscles would say otherwise
Saying that you trained football i think that you will do just fine, of course if you slack out at football you will not be good. Try it and then tell us ! Good luck
Judo is a quality martial arts and the sporting side of it can be quite challenging. It is very physical and a great anaerobic activity. So it is great for muscle development and fitness essentially. Dont worry you will learn the basics of breakfalls and positioning and then this progress from there. The aim is not to hurt one another because if we do then we will run out of training partners.
So yes it can be demanding but there is every precaution taken to assure your safety.
Good luck you will enjoy it.
I don't want to scare you away from Judo because I know it can do wonders for your football. My son, in addition to TKD, has some Judo, which I've seen save him in other sports, like Football, from bad falls. You are already used to impact from Football. Learning to fall properly in Judo will dramatically reduce injuries for you. Plus, there will be Judo throws that you can modify for Football. The key is to actually take the time to learn to fall---AND FORWARD ROLL----properly. And, don't be too proud to tap out when they have gotten you in an armbar or choke.
That said, I would NOT, repeat, NOT become a "competitor". Tournaments is where you tend to run the risk of real injury because although it is RARE, there still are people who will hurt you to win. You are supposed to be able to do Judo without running off to every single tournament in your region, and without being forced to fight in the nationals. Just expect that if you are not a competitor, there will be SOME, not all, people who will not think as much of you as they do of those who compete all the time. Hey, that's life!
The second caveate is to not spar (in Judo it is called "randori") with anyone who is crazy or overly competitive. You can tell by them getting furious with you because you get in a lucky throw, lucky pin, lucky joint lock. If they can't handle being thrown or submitted, stay away from them. There are plenty, if not the overwhelming majority of Judoka who are cool and just want to work hard and learn and share. Gravitate towards those players.
Also, make sure you keep your flexibility up. Football is already taking a toll on your range of motion, so stretch, stretch stretch!
You will be suprised at how much Football will help you. But---don't get cocky. In Football you learned to use your strength and a lot of force to put someone on their back. In Judo, you SHOULD be learning the opposite of that. That opposite will serve you well when you go back to Football.
So my adivce is to do it, but remember where your primary focus is. Don't spar for two hour straight on Monday and expect to be 100% at Football on Tuesday. And use common sense to avoid injuries.
if you just beginning they will teach you fall and how to land well before you get any combat training.
Conditioning wise it is like all martial arts as long as you focus and stay fit generally you'll be ok.
Judo is not easy it takes alot of energy but if you have alot of energy then go for it.
My friend just dragged me into trying Judo since Football is done for now. I'm worried because I've watched practices before, and all I saw was people flipping each other and stuff. I'm also pretty skinny so I'll break easy. I want to try it out, but based off what I've seen, it doesn't look reassuring that I'll be fine, and I want to be alright for football season. How's the conditioning like as well?
