All this coupled with the physically taxing practices can ‘harden’ the body and also teach how to ‘fall’.
What makes judo effective for self-defense is its ability to redirect energy; this allows you to take down much larger opponents. Also, the minimal expending of energy leads to longer periods of fighting before fatigue sets in, which is a crucial factor in determining the outcome of a street fight. Also grappling and throws are made easier by utilizing the clothing of the opponent. It is very rare to come across an assailant in the streets who isn’t clothed. Even so, there is the rear-naked choke!. All this coupled with the physically taxing practices can ‘harden’ the body and also teach how to ‘fall’. All this makes judo extremely effective in taking down an opponent, whether it is in a dojo or out in the street. Also, the lack offensive techniques such as kicks and punches means there is a much lower chance of physical injury such as broken fingers.