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Judo

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Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and a globally recognized combat sport.

Judo
Judo

It is practiced as an Olympic sport, a Paralympic sport, and a Commonwealth Games sport. Beyond physical combat, judo is viewed as a method for human development.

Portrait of late Mr. Kano
Portrait of late Mr. Kano

Practitioners, known as judoka, follow a philosophy that combines physical training with mental discipline. The goal is to use the body to improve both the self and society. This approach distinguishes judo from older combat styles that focused only on fighting.

In a judo match, the primary objective is to control an opponent through specific techniques called waza.

Judo throw
Judo throw

A judoka can win by throwing an opponent forcefully onto their back. They can also win by pinning an opponent to the floor. Another way to win is to force a submission using a choke or a joint lock. While some pre-arranged patterns, called kata, include strikes, these are not allowed in competition. Competitive judo focuses on throwing and grappling to ensure safety and technical skill.

There are three main categories of waza used in judo.

Haraigoshi
Haraigoshi

The first is nage-waza, which are throwing techniques. These follow a three-step process: kuzushi, which is breaking the opponent's balance; tsukuri, which is the movement of turning into the throw; and kake, the final execution. Nage-waza can be tachi-waza, performed while standing, or sacrifice techniques. The second category is katame-waza, or grappling techniques. These include osaekomi-waza for pins, shime-waza for strangulation, and kansetsu-waza for joint locks. The third category is atemi-waza, which are striking techniques used only in kata.

Judo was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, a Japanese educator and polymath.

Eishoji
Eishoji

As a student, Kano faced bullying at an English-medium school in Tokyo. This experience drove him to seek out jujutsu training for self-defense. He studied under various masters, including Fukuda Hachinosuke and Iso Masatomo. He eventually learned the Kitō-ryū style from Iikubo Tsunetoshi. Kano combined elements from these different jujutsu schools to create his own system. He founded his school, the Kodokan, at the Eisho-ji Buddhist temple in Tokyo.

Kano's vision was built on two core philosophical principles.

Judo orange belt (Brusselsshrek)
Judo orange belt (Brusselsshrek)

The first is seiryoku zen'yō, meaning "maximum efficient use of energy." He used the image of a waterwheel to explain this concept. The second is jita kyōei, which means "mutual welfare and benefit." This principle teaches that practitioners should help one another grow. Kano believed that by practicing these ideals, judoka could better themselves and the world. He changed the name from jujutsu to judo to reflect this "way" or "path" of life.

Training in judo involves different methods to balance skill and safety.

Judo children
Judo children

Students practice randori, which is free sparring. The intensity of randori can vary greatly between participants. Some practice yakusoku geiko, a compliant style where partners do not resist. Others practice hard randori to prepare for the intensity of real competition. To prevent injury during throws, judoka practice ukemi, which are methods of falling safely. This includes various types of breaks like mae-ukemi or yoko-ukemi.

Judo has had a massive impact on the world of martial arts.

Judo newaza
Judo newaza

It served as the foundation for many derivative arts, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Krav Maga. It also influenced modern combat styles like mixed martial arts (MMA) and submission wrestling. Today, the International Judo Federation governs the sport globally. Competitors travel the world to participate in the professional IJF circuit.

2010 World Judo Championships - Thierry Fabre Vs Takamasa Anai 2
2010 World Judo Championships - Thierry Fabre Vs Takamasa Anai 2

From Olympic arenas to local dojos, judo remains a vital link between ancient tradition and modern sport.

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🖼️ Images & Media (17)
File:Portrait of late Mr. Kano.jpg
Portrait of late Mr. Kano.jpg
File:Eishoji.JPG
Eishoji.JPG
File:Judo.svg
Judo.svg
File:Haraigoshi.jpg
Haraigoshi.jpg
File:Juji.jpg
Juji.jpg
Judo-Tokyo-2016-10-1.webm
File:Hiki-otoshi.jpg
Hiki-otoshi.jpg
File:2010 World Judo Championships - Thierry Fabre Vs Takamasa Anai 2.JPG
2010 World Judo Championships - Thierry...
File:Yoshimatsu vs. Daigo in 1951.jpg
Yoshimatsu vs. Daigo in 1951.jpg
KITLV_A367_-_Japanse_sporten_in_Japan,_ver...
File:Judo pictogram.svg
Judo pictogram.svg
File:石井と鈴木.jpg
石井と鈴木.jpg

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