Doctor Kano

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What Is Judo?

"Judo, meaning "gentle way", is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by executing a choke. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet) — as well as weapons defences — are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori)." -Wikipedia


History

Judo was founded by Doctor Jigoro Kano in 1882 as an alternative to jututsu. Kanowas born in 1860 and studied many traditional styles of jututsu during his youth. After years of dedicated training Kano founded the Kodokan, in 1882, as the original school of judo. During the early year of judo Kano developed the martial art into the sport we know today. Although Kano died in 1938 judo continued to grow. In 1951 the International Judo Federation formed. In 1964 judo was introduced to the Olympic Games for men. With the exception of 1968 judo has been in all Olympics since. In 1988 women were allowed to participate in the Olympic games.