Judo, a martial art that originated in Japan, has captivated the world not only with its physical prowess but also its profound philosophical depth. Founded by Jigoro Kano, Judo has evolved from a martial art into a globally recognized Olympic sport. This article delves into the rich history of Judo, its connections to the Samurai, its introduction to the Olympics, and the key players who have shaped its journey. Kano’s systematic instruction, grading system, and focus on Randori (free practice) and Kata (formal exercises) contributed to Judo’s distinct identity. He emphasized the principle of “maximum efficiency with minimum effort” and “mutual welfare and benefit,” which remain central tenets of Judo today.

Judo waza (techniques)

Also, defending champion Tadahiro Nomura needed just 14 seconds to ippon his opponent in the final of the extra lightweight division. Japan was by far the most dominant country at the Athens Games, winning eight gold medals. They were particularly strong in the women’s divisions, with six medals (including five golds) in seven weight classes. Extra lightweight Tadahiro Nomura won his third consecutive Olympic championship, making him the first judoka to win three gold medals. Judo returned to its home country for the Tokyo Games (which took place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Unsurprisingly, Japan dominated the medal count, earning an Olympic-record nine judo gold medals at the Games.

Recovering from a backbone go here injury, South Korea’s Kim Jae-Yup lost to Yun Hyun at the Olympic Trials, but the Korea Judo Association put Kim on the team for Seoul anyway. The runner-up in women’s extra lightweight at the Barcelona Games was Japan’s Ryoko Tamura (now Tani), the youngest medalist ever in judo at 16 years, 331 days. The 4-foot, 9.5-inch Tamura went on to win six world titles, another Olympic silver (as a heavy favorite in 1996) and an Olympic gold (2000). Small and bullied by his classmates, Jigoro Kano wanted to strengthen his body and learn to defend himself. He studied Jujutsu but soon realized that the fight focused on a powerful body and not on the spiritual and educational dimension of people. Initially considered as a self-defence system, judo is step by step recognized for its educational value, its benefits for the development of the body and the character.

Mixed team event

This recognition signified the growing global appeal and competitive nature of Judo. People who regularly practice Judo and others who want it incorporate it into their livelihood can access premium sports equipment and gear at Greenhill Sports. Our wide range of high-quality Judo essentials includes top-notch training accessories, durable belts, suits, tracksuits, garments, and other promotional items designed to uplift your experience. He was a sickly child, so his parents encouraged him to study jujutsu to improve his health. However, he didn’t approve of the traditional forms of jujutsu, which he deemed violent and impractical.

In 1916, additional rulings were brought in to further limit kansetsu waza with the prohibition of ashi garami and neck locks, as well as do jime.[65] These were further added to in 1925. Watch again the first episode of the Art of Judo dedicated to the founder of judo. To shape the future of Judo in the Olympics, ongoing innovation and adaptation are crucial. Implementing changes that keep Judo relevant and exciting for audiences worldwide, such as exploring new formats or incorporating technology, will be vital. One of the most notable rule changes occurred in 2010 when the International Judo Federation implemented a new scoring system aimed at promoting more dynamic and engaging matches.

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• Beginners successively wear a white belt, yellow, orange, green, blue and brown before passing a special examination (technical and competition) to obtain the rank of black belt, or dan (1st to 10th dan).

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• As every nation is required to provide for national defence, so every individual must know how to defend oneself.

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• But her bronze medal — earned in a split decision — was the host country’s first of any color in judo since 1964.

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• Judo spread throughout the country, found its place in physical education, and established the Kodokan Judo as a renowned center for training and development.

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• The 2020 Tokyo Games also introduced the mixed team event, where Judo star Teddy Riner led France to the Gold medal after defeating Japan.

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• Although exercise in judo is generally conducted between two persons, both in kata and in randori and in a room specially prepared for the purpose but that is not always necessary.

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Nage-waza (throwing techniques)

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In this connection I wish to explain to you haw the principle of maximum efficiency helps us in promoting moral conduct. Their application to the conduct of daily affairs is a very interesting subject of study and is valuable as intellectual training for young minds. I will finish my talk about the intellectual phase of judo by referring shortly to the rational means of increasing knowledge and intellectual power. As every nation is required to provide for national defence, so every individual must know how to defend oneself.

These schools often emphasized practical self-defense and the efficient use of one’s body, which laid the groundwork for the principles later incorporated into Judo. The Bushido were skilled in martial arts, including Kenjutsu (swordsmanship), Kyudo (archery), and Jujitsu. Jujitsu, a martial art focused on grappling and close combat, is the primary precursor to Judo.