Geeks on Sports: London Olympics 2012 – Judo & Taekwondo

Event Dates: Saturday July 28 – Friday August 3 (Judo)

Wednesday August 8 – Saturday August 11 (Taekwondo)

Medal Events: 14 (Judo), 8 (Taekwondo)

Athletes: 514 (combined sports and men’s/women’s total)

 

 

Geeks on Sports previewer Tim Blacksmith here today to tell you all about the fighting sports Judo and Taekwondo, it’s where small people come to wrestle and grapple one another.

This combined article will focus on the two martial arts competitions at the London Olympics.  Though they both fall under that umbrella they are as divergent in style as Boxing is from Wrestling (insert link).

Courtesy of Getty Images

 

In Judo the objective is to out maneuver your opponent and wrestle them to the ground and on their back, usually via a flip.  In Taekwondo the intent is to score points through landing punches and kicks.

 

Unlike in Fencing, where strikes are sometimes coordinated and orchestrated, these sports allow opponents to strike at the most opportune moment.  This style of competition creates a solid flow to the matches and encourages aggression.

Courtesy of Getty Images

 

There are seven weight classes in Judo and four in Taekwondo allowing for a wide variety of fighters to compete on both the men’s and women’s side.

 

After spending some time watching people try and bash each other you’re quite likely to run out and join your local dojo, but be weary; these sports are no joke.

 

To see where to watch this or your other favorite sports, check out NBC’s coverage in your local area.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this preview of the 2012 London Olympics Hockey event.  Continue to check 8DaysAGeek for more previews of Olympic events.

 

Courtesy of London 2012

 

This is Geeks on Sports previewer Tim Blacksmith signing off.

 

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