judo

Judo is a modern martial art, sport, and philosophy created in Japan by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It evolved from traditional jujutsu and was designed to emphasize maximum efficiency with minimum effort, as well as mutual welfare and benefit. Kano established the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo as the sport’s central school, and judo spread internationally through clubs, competitions, and national associations.

Practitioners train in two primary categories of technique: nage-waza (throwing techniques) and katame-waza (grappling techniques). Within katame-waza are osaekomi-waza (pins), kansetsu-waza (joint locks), and shime-waza (chokes). Judo emphasizes breakfalls, balance, grip fighting, and a combination of technique, timing, and leverage rather than brute force. Training often includes randori (sparring) and kata (formal prearranged movements).

Competition and ranking are organized under the International Judo Federation (IJF). Students progress through kyu ranks with colored belts, then dan ranks for advanced practitioners. Competitions are conducted on mats with judogi uniforms in white or blue. Scoring generally centers on ippon, which immediately ends a match if achieved by a clean throw or a successful pin, hold, or submission. If no ippon is scored, waza-ari appear, and two waza-ari can also end the match. Penalties (shido) and, in some cases, disqualification (hansoku-makai) can influence outcomes. Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964 for men and 1992 for women, and it is practiced worldwide at recreational and competitive levels.

Globally, judo emphasizes safety, etiquette, and continuous learning, drawing participants from diverse ages and backgrounds.