What is Judo?

Judo was founded in Japan by Dr. Jigoro Kano in 1882. Originally, it was developed as a physical fitness system. Judo has since evolved into a widely recognized contact sport that encompasses throws, pins, and submissions, similar to wrestling: A modern martial art and Olympic sport.

Dr. Kano transformed the lethal techniques of traditional jujutsu into a sport accessible to individuals of all ages.

Historical Context

To understand Judo’s inception, it’s essential to consider the historical context of the late 19th century. In the 1800s, innovations such as electricity, running water, radio, and automobiles were not yet commonplace. Society relied on horses, manual labor, and traditional methods for daily life.

Dr. Kano achieved two significant milestones relevant to Judo. First, he gained recognition from the existing martial arts establishment in Japan for his new discipline. Second, he organized a worldwide system of competition, culminating in judo’s inclusion in the Olympic Games in 1964.

The Evolution of Martial Arts in Japan

Numerous forms of karate existed in Japan from the Feudal period (800-1800), encompassing both armed and unarmed combat. Many of these styles had advanced methods derived from jujutsu. For centuries, these systems competed against one another, with practitioners passionately believing in the superiority of their respective styles. Dr. Kano successfully persuaded them to unify under a new style that could be practiced in a sporting context while preserving the essence of Japanese martial arts, emphasizing superior technique and the development of a warrior mentality.

Judo quickly gained popularity throughout Japan, leading to the establishment of tournaments (shiai) as a fundamental aspect of the sport. Before long, Japan held its first national tournament. Meanwhile, Judo spread internationally, with practitioners in various countries developing tournament systems. Through Dr. Kano’s efforts, international competition flourished. The revival of the Olympic Games in 1894 further propelled judo’s global presence. After much lobbying and persistence, Judo was featured as an exhibition sport and was ultimately added as a permanent Olympic sport in 1964.

Modern Judo and Its Influence

Initially, Judo competitions did not have weight classes, and women’s participation in the Olympics began in 1988. Today, Judo features weight classes similar to boxing and wrestling, ensuring fair competition.

As Judo approaches its 150th anniversary, its influence on martial arts cannot be overlooked. Although distinct, many contemporary martial arts styles, such as Aikido, Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga, owe part of their techniques and philosophies to Judo.