Judo

Judo is a modern martial art, combat and Olympic sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. It emphasises the principle of using one's opponent's strength against them and adapting well to changing circumstances.

Origin

Japan

Type

Martial art

Venue

Dojo, Sport Halls, Gymnasium

Supreme Authority

International Judo Federation

Summary

Judo is a modern Japanese martial art founded by Kanō Jigorō in 1882. It is a system of unarmed combat that evolved from traditional jujutsu. Judo focuses on grappling techniques, including throws, pins, and joint locks, to subdue an opponent. The main objective in a judo contest is to throw the opponent onto their back, pin them, or force a submission using joint locks or strangleholds. Strikes and weapons are excluded from regular practice and competition.

Judo promotes two core principles: Seiryoku-Zenyo (maximum efficiency with minimal effort) and Jita-Kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit). These principles guide the practice of judo not only as a sport but also as a method of personal development. Judo practitioners, known as judoka, wear a uniform called a judogi and compete barefoot.

Judo was introduced in the Olympics in 1964 for men and in 1992 for women. It has since grown into an international sport, with competitions governed by the International Judo Federation (IJF). Judo is practised worldwide and has influenced other combat sports, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and sambo.

A typical judo match aims for an ippon, awarded when a competitor successfully performs a powerful and clean throw or secures a pin for a specified duration. Lesser scores, such as waza-ari, are given for partial techniques. If no ippon is achieved, the match can be decided by points or penalties.

Judo’s training includes randori (free practice) and kata (pre-arranged forms). Safety is emphasised, especially in techniques involving falls (ukemi) and joint locks, which are usually limited to certain age groups. Judo's worldwide popularity is driven by its competitive nature, mental discipline, and physical fitness benefits.

Key Types of Judo

Judo techniques are divided into three main types: nage-waza (throwing techniques), katame-waza (grappling techniques), and atemi-waza (striking techniques). Each type has specific techniques designed to achieve control over an opponent.

Nage-waza (Throwing Techniques): This category includes all techniques used to throw an opponent to the ground. Throws in judo can be further divided into tachi-waza (standing techniques) and sutemi-waza (sacrifice techniques). Tachi-waza consists of te-waza (hand techniques), koshi-waza (hip techniques), and ashi-waza (foot and leg techniques). In sutemi-waza, the person performing the throw sacrifices their own standing position to bring down the opponent, either by falling backwards (ma-sutemi-waza) or to the side (yoko-sutemi-waza).
Katame-waza (Grappling Techniques): This category includes techniques for holding, pinning, and applying joint locks or strangleholds. Katame-waza is often practised on the ground and is split into three subcategories: osaekomi-waza (holding techniques), shime-waza (strangulation techniques), and kansetsu-waza (joint-locking techniques). These techniques aim to control the opponent, often by restricting their movement or forcing them to submit.
Atemi-waza (Striking Techniques): Although rarely practised in competitive judo, these techniques involve striking an opponent's vulnerable areas to disable them. Atemi-waza is usually limited to kata (pre-arranged forms) and is not used in standard competition or free practice.

Competitions

Judo competitions aim to score an ippon, which wins the match instantly. This is achieved by a powerful and controlled throw, a pin for 20 seconds, or a submission through joint locks or strangleholds.
If an ippon is not achieved, points are awarded for lesser moves. A waza-ari (half-point) is given for effective but incomplete techniques. Two waza-ari scores equal an ippon.
Matches are overseen by referees who award points for successful techniques and issue penalties for rule violations.
Penalties, called shido, are given for stalling or minor rule-breaking. Three shido result in a loss by hansoku-make (disqualification).
If the score is tied at the end of the match, a Golden Score period begins. In this period, the first to score any point wins the match.
There are weight divisions in judo competitions to ensure fair matches. Competitors are divided by weight class, with separate divisions for men and women.
Judoka wear either white or blue judogi for easy identification, with the blue judogi introduced for competition clarity.
Judo competitions are held at all levels, from local to international. The highest level is the Olympic Games, where judo has been an event for men since 1964 and for women since 1992.
Judo competitions are governed by the International Judo Federation (IJF), which standardises rules and conducts international tournaments, including the World Judo Championships.