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what is judo

Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport that focuses on throws, pins, and submission holds rather than strikes or weapons, and its name means “the gentle way.”

Quick definition

  • Judo was created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano in Japan as a safer, educational evolution of older jujutsu styles.
  • The core idea is to use an opponent’s force, balance, and momentum against them instead of relying on brute strength.

How judo works

  • In practice and competition, judoka (practitioners) wear a uniform called a judogi and fight on padded mats for safety.
  • The goal is to throw the opponent cleanly onto their back, hold them pinned on the ground, or submit them with a controlled joint lock or choke, all under strict safety rules.

Sport and Olympic side

  • Judo is an Olympic and Paralympic sport with weight classes and timed matches, usually four minutes at the senior level.
  • A perfect victory, called ippon, ends the match immediately, often from a powerful throw or a successful submission.

Philosophy and values

  • Beyond fighting, judo emphasizes personal development, teaching discipline, respect, self‑control, and perseverance through training.
  • Its philosophy extends into everyday life: use energy efficiently, seek mutual benefit, and improve yourself physically and mentally.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.