Why Judo? How it Enhances Your Martial Arts Journey and Complements Kali & Silat
If you’re looking to dive deeper into martial arts, there’s one art that stands out as a game-changer: Judo. But why should you consider Judo as part of your martial arts journey? And how can it enhance what you already know in arts like Kali and Silat? Let’s break it down. Grab your gi, get ready, and let’s jump into this!
Why Take Judo?
Judo isn’t just about throwing people around, although let’s be honest—that’s a major part of it. At its core, Judo teaches you the principle of using your opponent’s energy and momentum against them. It’s like the ultimate game of chess where leverage, timing, and balance become your weapons of choice.
The best part? You don’t need to be the Hulk to throw people. Judo’s all about strategy. It’s not about muscle—it’s about using your opponent’s movement against them. The real fun comes when you figure out how to outwit, out-maneuver, and outsmart your opponent, all while making it look like a smooth, effortless throw.
And hey, Judo’s not just a mind game—it’s also fantastic for conditioning. Your body will get leaner, faster, and stronger. You'll build flexibility, explosive power, and a solid core. And those grueling grip fights? Totally worth it when you feel how much they improve your throws.
How Does Judo Enhance Other Martial Arts?
When you step onto the mat for Judo, you’ll start to notice some unexpected perks in your other martial arts too. The throws, the groundwork, the grip work—all of these techniques integrate seamlessly with your existing skills.
Judo is applicable without the gi
If you’re practicing Kali, Judo’s emphasis on leverage and balance is a game-changer. Think about it: you’re used to controlling distance and offense with weapons, right? But when you know how to throw and off-balance someone in the blink of an eye, it transforms the way you flow through a fight. You go from strike to takedown, and that transition? Smooth as butter.
In Silat, you’ll feel the same magic happen. Judo’s groundwork techniques (or ne-waza) will enhance your low stances, joint locks, and trapping. Ground control in Judo isn’t just about taking someone to the mat—it’s about dominating them there. So whether you’re using Silat’s quick strikes or Judo’s throws, you're stacking your game like a house of cards—perfectly balanced.
How Kali, Silat, and Judo Work Together
Now, let’s break it down even further. Kali, Silat, and Judo each bring something unique to the martial arts table. Kali gives you the skills to defend yourself at range—whether you’re dealing with sticks, knives, or just your empty hands. Control and distance are your friends, and Kali makes sure you’re always in control.
Silat takes it to a whole new level with its deceptive movement, low stances, and utilizing your environment to outsmart your opponent. Think of it as fluidity with a side of sneakiness. It’s the art of being tactical—weaving in and out of strikes with joint locks and close-quarters combat.
Then you’ve got Judo, the king of throws, grappling, and ground control. Judo isn’t just about standing—it’s about transitioning from standing to the ground with ease and grace (well, at least grace with a little sweat). And once you’re on the ground? You’re staying there—it’s your playground.
Now, imagine combining all three. You’ve got strikes from Kali, evasion and tactical movement from Silat, and takedowns from Judo. A complete martial artist who can adapt to any situation and finish strong—whether that’s with a strike, throw, or submission.
Des Moines Judo Academy: A Unique Opportunity
At Des Moines Judo Academy, we’re the only Judo dojo in the Des Moines area—you’d have to drive a couple of hours to the nearest one! But we’re lucky enough to also teach Kali, Silat, and Weapons right here at DSM Judo Academy. That’s a double whammy of awesomeness! This rare opportunity to train in multiple arts under one roof is something most schools don’t offer, and it’s an incredible advantage for anyone who wants a well-rounded martial arts experience.
Not every school is interested in expanding their scope to include multiple arts, and that’s perfectly okay. There’s a lot of merit in schools that want to focus on one style and become masters of it. However, here at DSM Judo Academy, we’re able to bridge multiple styles to give our students a comprehensive view of martial arts. Whether you’re looking to explore Judo as a standalone discipline or integrate it with your existing Kali or Silat practice, we’ve got you covered. It's a rare opportunity, and we’re proud to offer it.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re new to martial arts or have been practicing for years, Judo adds a critical layer to your martial arts toolkit. It’s not just about throws—it’s about control, timing, and leveraging your opponent’s energy. By combining Judo with the strikes and weapon skills of Kali and the deceptive, close-quarters combat of Silat, you’re building a martial artist who can handle any challenge that comes their way.
So, what are you waiting for? Get on the mat, embrace Judo’s art of balance, and watch how it complements your entire martial arts journey. Plus, with Kali and Silat on the side? You’ll be one of the most well-rounded martial artists out there.
Your Turn:
What other martial arts do you train in besides Judo? How do you see how other arts complement Judo, or how Judo enhances the skills you already have? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation rolling! After all, we’re all here to learn and level up together.
Student Promoted to Rokkyu, Securing White Belt Record
Jason Maluilo and Sensei Suhr
Jason Maluilo first began to grace the Des Moines Judo Academy with his presence in mid-August of 2024, attending classes two to four times a week as his work schedule permitted. With the exception of period of approximately three months, Jason continuing in this fashion, chasing skills rather than promotions, and content to remain a white belt. On May 21st, 2025, after a couple weeks of ribbing by certain of his fellow students and prodding from instructors, Jason tested for the rank of “rokkyu” or "yellow belt, and passed.
A typical judoka at the Des Moines Judo Academy who trains two days a week remains a white belt for approximately two months.
Jason ended his tenure as a white belt at a couple days after nine months, almost doubling the time of the previous holders’ record of 5 months.
Jason’s silent and observant nature made him easy to overlook, making this feat possible. Despite being reserved, his uchi-mata and drop seoi-nage speak for themselves, each reflecting the intense amount of training and attention to detail they received during his tenure as a white belt. Jason is most commonly seen at Monday and Wednesday classes and Saturday open mats, though lately has been frequenting Wednesday fundamentals classes. When off the mat, Jason is a skilled dancer, which led to him developing balance and body control which assist him in his study of Judo.
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Far Travelling Pair Promoted Together
From Right to Left - Sensei Pohl, Ian Schaff, Jon Milliedge, Sensei Hilleshiem
Ian and Jon, regulars at Saturday open mats, have taken the next step on their journey into the Way of Gentleness, by being promoted to “gokyu” or orange belt. The duo normally spend several hours every Saturday developing their skills from approximately 9:30 AM until the open mat host is done the day or events demand they yield (usually around 12:40 PM), so they can work master what they learn training with each other during weekday. On May 3rd, 2025, they chose to forego training to instead demonstrate what they’ve learned in the pursuit of recognition of their hard won skills. Testing was overseen by Sensei Hilleshiem and Sensei Pohl, who determined the two passed muster, while a few stragglers looked on.
Ian, a student of jujitsu, bujinkan, and kali-silat in addition to Judo. As to be expected his “newaza” or “ground fighting” (the portion of combat that takes place after one or more of the combatants has fallen to the ground) is more developed than his “nage waza” or throwing techniques, he not only demonstrated competence with the required number of throws, but demonstrated an affinity for tai-otoshi, o-goshi, and uchi-mata. When not training, Ian enjoys tabletop roleplaying games, making mead, hunting, and spending time with his beloved dog.
Jon, a judoka with an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and wrestling background, who also cross trains in jujitsu and bujinkan, has a more robust standing game of the pair, despite Ian having a better flare for technical details. Jon also posses boundless positivity and enthusiasm, which makes long training sessions go by and the blink of an eye. While his foot sweeps won him gold and silver in the Governor’s Cup earlier this year, and even earned praise from Sensei Parkhill, Jon chose to instead show off his o-soto-gari, ippon seoi-nage, and tani-otoshi, all of which he’s been drilling endlessly since March. When off the mat, Jon spends most of his time with his family, being married and a father.
TLC for Your Judo Gi: A Little Love Goes a Long Way!
How to keep your Gi safe and sanitary!
At DSM Judo Academy, we know that a well-maintained Gi isn’t just a clean uniform—it’s an essential tool for your training. Your Gi works hard for you, so it’s only fair you show it a little TLC! Here’s how you can keep your Judo Gi in top shape, so it’s ready for every throw, roll, and grapple.
Step 1: Pre-Treat Stains (No One Likes a Dirty Collar! )
Before you toss your Gi in the wash, give it some love by inspecting it for stains or tough spots, especially around the collar and armpits (where sweat loves to hang out!). If you see a stain, grab a mild stain remover or make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and voilà—ready to wash!
Step 2: Wash Separately (Your Gi Deserves a Solo Ride )
Always wash your Gi separately from other clothes. Not only will this avoid lint transfer (goodbye, fuzz!) but it also helps prevent damage to the fabric. Turn your Gi inside out to protect the fabric and patches, and use cold water to avoid shrinkage. Keep it cool—your Gi will thank you!
Step 3: Gentle Detergent (Be Kind to Your Skin & Your Gi )
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent that’s easy on both your skin and your Gi. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners—they can weaken those tough fibers over time. We want your Gi to be as strong as your throws, not falling apart after a few washes!
Step 4: Spin Gently (No Need for a Wild Ride )
Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle—your Gi doesn’t need to go on a rollercoaster ride! Don’t overload the machine—let the jacket and pants move around with room to spare, reducing wear and tear.
Step 5: Air Dry (Sunlight Is Not Your Friend )
Say it with us: Never use the dryer! Heat from the dryer breaks down fabric fibers faster than you can say "Ippon!" Hang your Gi on a sturdy hanger or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. Remember, direct sunlight may weaken the fabric and cause fading, so keep it cool and shady.
Step 6: Air Dry with Care (The Right Conditions = A Happy Gi! )
Temperature Matters: Aim to air dry your Gi in temperatures between 50–75°F (10–24°C). This prevents moisture retention in cold weather and overheating in extreme warmth.
Avoid Freezing Temps: If it's below 40°F (4°C), your Gi may not dry properly, leading to musty smells. Keep it indoors in a well-ventilated room in these conditions.
Watch for Heat: Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can damage the fabric over time. If you're drying in warmer weather, hang your Gi in the shade to protect it from the sun’s harsh rays.
Ventilation is Key: Whether inside or outside, make sure there’s good airflow around your Gi. Open a window, use a fan—anything to keep the air circulating and your Gi drying evenly.
Bonus Tip: Show Your Gi Some TLC Regularly!
Just like you take care of your body for peak performance, your Gi deserves the same care to keep it looking fresh and lasting longer. A little TLC after every training session can go a long way in making sure your Gi is always ready for the next class!