judo
Japanese Name:
柔道
Romaji Name:
juudo
Description
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Judo is a Japanese martial art and Olympic sport focused on throwing, pinning, and grappling techniques. Practitioners use balance, leverage, and skill rather than strength to overcome their opponents. Judo promotes discipline, respect, and physical fitness.
History
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Judo was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano in Japan. Kano developed judo by adapting techniques from traditional Japanese jujutsu schools, focusing on physical education, self-defense, and moral development.
Judo emphasized randori (free practice) and competition, distinguishing it from the more combative and dangerous jujutsu styles.
Judo quickly spread throughout Japan and internationally, becoming the first Japanese martial art to gain widespread popularity worldwide.
It became an official Olympic sport in 1964 at the Tokyo Games, showcasing its global appeal.
Today, judo is practiced worldwide by millions, with organizations such as the International Judo Federation (IJF) governing its competitions and standards.