Introduction to Judo

1.

Introduction to J udo
J udo is a J apanese martial art and combat sport that emphasizes the use
of leverage and technique to overcome an opponent, rather than relying
on strength or size. Developed in the late 19th century by J igoro Kano,
judo is known for its emphasis on throwing, grappling, and submission
techniques. The sport has evolved over the decades, becoming an
Olympic event and gaining popularity worldwide as a highly effective form
of self-defense and a means of physical and mental development.

2.

His tory and Origins of J udo
J ujits u and the B irth of J udo
Modern E volution
J udo was developed in the late 1 9th century
by J igoro Kano, who studied various styles of
Over the decades, judo has continued to
jujitsu and sought to create a more efficient
evolve, with new techniques and strategies
and effective martial art. Kano founded the
being developed by practitioners worldwide.
Kodokan in 1 882, which became the central
While maintaining its core principles, judo has
hub for the development and propagation of
adapted to the changing demands of modern
judo.
competition and self-defense applications.
1
2
Spreading Globally
As judo gained popularity in J apan, Kano and
his disciples began to introduce the art to the
rest of the world. J udo was first demonstrated
at the 1 932 Los Angeles Olympics and has
been an official Olympic sport since the 1 964
Tokyo Games.
3

3.

Principles and Philos ophy of J udo
Mutual Welfare and
B enefit
Gentlenes s and
E fficiency
Moral Development
J udo is founded on the
J udo emphasizes the use of
judo also emphasizes the
principle of "mutual welfare
gentle techniques and
importance of moral and
and benefit," which
leverage to overcome an
ethical development.
emphasizes the importance of
opponent, rather than relying
Practitioners are encouraged
using one's skills to help
on brute force. This principle
to cultivate virtues such as
others and promote the well-
of "maximum efficiency with
humility, respect, and
being of the entire community.
minimum effort" is central to
discipline, which are seen as
This philosophy encourages
the art and helps practitioners
essential for both personal
practitioners to use their
develop the skills to control
growth and effective martial
abilities responsibly and with
their opponents without
arts practice.
consideration for others.
causing unnecessary harm.
Beyond the physical aspects,

4.

J udo E tiquette and Cus toms
Uniform and Attire
B owing and Res pect
J udo practitioners wear a traditional uniform
Bowing is an integral part of judo etiquette,
called a judogi, which consists of a thick,
used to show respect for one's opponents,
reinforced jacket and pants. The judogi is an
instructors, and the art itself. Practitioners
important part of judo etiquette, as it helps to
bow before and after stepping on the mat, as
promote a sense of unity and respect within
well as before and after each match or
the dojo (training hall).
practice session.
Dojo Conduct
Dis cipline and Humility
J udo dojos have specific rules and customs
J udo emphasizes the importance of self-
that practitioners are expected to follow, such
discipline, humility, and respect for one's
as maintaining a quiet and focused
training partners and instructors. Practitioners
atmosphere, helping to keep the training area
are encouraged to approach their training
clean, and showing respect for the training
with a spirit of continuous learning and
environment and equipment.
personal growth.

5.

J udo Competition
Match Structure
Scoring and Winning
J udging and Rules
J udo competitions typically
In judo, points are awarded
J udo competitions are
involve one-on-one matches
for successful throws, pins,
overseen by a team of
between opponents of similar
and submissions. The
referees and judges who
weight and skill level.
competitor who accumulates
enforce the sport's rules and
Matches are divided into two
the most points or achieves a
regulations. These officials
timed periods, with the goal of
decisive victory (such as a full
are responsible for evaluating
scoring points through various
ippon throw) is declared the
techniques, scoring points,
throwing, grappling, and
winner. Matches can also be
and ensuring the safety and
submission techniques.
decided by penalties or
fairness of the matches.
disqualifications.

6.

J udo Training and Conditioning
1
Ukemi (F alling Techniques )
2
Randori (F ree P ractice)
Mastering the art of falling, or ukemi, is a
R andori, or free practice, is a key
fundamental aspect of judo training.
component of judo training, where
Practitioners learn to fall safely and absorb
practitioners engage in sparring and apply
the impact of throws and takedowns, which
the techniques they have learned in a
helps to prevent injuries and build
dynamic, competitive environment. This
confidence on the mat.
helps to develop timing, strategy, and the
ability to respond to unexpected situations.
3
Strength and Conditioning
4
Kata (Choreographed Forms )
J udo requires a high level of physical
Kata, or choreographed forms, are used in
fitness, including strength, flexibility,
judo to learn and refine specific techniques
balance, and cardiovascular endurance.
and sequences. Practicing kata helps
Practitioners engage in a variety of
practitioners develop muscle memory,
exercises and training regimens to develop
improve their understanding of principles,
these essential physical attributes.
and prepare for competition and selfdefense scenarios.