Calling Judo "The Gentle Art" is like calling Nascar quiet! I really enjoyed the hours I spent studying Judo and Jiu Jitsu and still fall back on those basic skills when I'm in the clinch. A basic understanding of a couple throws and takedowns will go a long way in a fight. I still remember the hours spent developing the hip and shoulder throw... and the skills that I honed are still accessible when the opportunity presents itself.
Take a look at the following video and you'll see some extremely high level Judo players at work... and one Head of State at play.
