Judo is a sport in which a person uses balance, leverage, and timing to pin or throw an opponent. Judo developed from an ancient Japanese method of unarmed combat called jujutsu, also spelled jujitsu.
Judo ranks as a major sport in Europe, Japan, and the United States. The sport is taught at colleges, high schools, military bases, private clubs, YMCA’s, and YWCA’s.
The Japanese word judo means the gentle way. Many judo techniques depend on a contestant’s yielding to an opponent’s attack until the right moment to strike back. For example, a contestant does not resist if shoved by an opponent. The shover leans forward and goes off balance at least a little and so can easily be thrown down. With such “gentle” methods, a skilled person can often defeat a heavier, stronger opponent. However, many judo techniques require considerable strength. The best judo competitors are usually very strong.
Learning judo.
People learn judo for exercise, relaxation, and self-protection. Children as young as 6 can learn the sport. Practice and good instruction are more important than a person’s age, size, strength, or weight.
Judo training takes place in a gymnasium called a dojo. Mats cover the floor. Judo contestants wear a pajamalike costume called a judogi, which consists of a white cotton jacket and pants and a colored belt. They compete in bare feet.
Many beginning courses consist of 36 hours of instruction during a 12-week period. Judo students, called judoka, begin by learning to fall safely. They also do exercises to strengthen the muscles used in judo. After learning to fall in all directions and from all positions without injuring themselves, the judoka practice other techniques. Most beginners learn a foot sweep, hip throw, rear throw, shoulder throw, and some hand techniques. Judoka also learn the Japanese names for these movements and other judo terms. In addition, they practice judo etiquette, including ceremonial bows and proper ways of sitting on the mats.
Belts of various colors signify ranks of judo achievement. The United States Judo Federation (USJF) officially recognizes three belt ranks—white, brown, and black. Beginners wear white, intermediate competitors wear brown, and experts wear black. In addition, each color rank consists of various degrees of achievement. Many clubs award other colors, such as green or yellow, for the degrees within the white-belt rank.
Judo techniques
may be divided into three groups: (1) nagewaza, techniques of throwing; (2) katamewaza, techniques of choking and holding; and (3) atemiwaza, techniques of striking.
Nagewaza
includes dozens of basic throws that are classified by the part of the body used. They include hand throws, hip throws, leg sweeps, and side and back throws.
Katamewaza
includes on-the-mat methods of choking, holding, and pinning. Judo rules allow only players at least 13 years old to use choking techniques. Special rules govern the use of elbow locks in judo competition.
Atemiwaza
includes techniques of kicking or striking various parts of the body to cause injury, paralysis, or even death. These methods are used only in self-defense, never in contests.
Judo contests.
There are two kinds of judo competition, kata and randori. In kata, the contestants perform judo techniques in a specific order. They are judged on style and precision. In randori, or free competition, the contestants use any technique they wish. Contestants are grouped by age, rank, or weight.
A referee and two judges watch most judo matches to make sure contestants follow the rules. To start a match, contestants bow to each other. Then, at the referee’s command, they grasp each other’s jacket lapel and sleeve in a certain manner. The referee starts and stops the match, which lasts from 3 to 7 minutes. The referee enforces rules and awards points for the correct performance of techniques. A contestant wins the match by scoring one point or two half-points. For example, a contestant can score a point by throwing an opponent or by pinning an opponent for 30 seconds. A contestant can also win by using an elbow lock or choking method to force an opponent to give up. If no one scores a point, the referee and judges decide the winner.
History.
Judo developed from jujutsu, an ancient form of self-defense practiced by the Japanese warrior class called samurai. Jujutsu included such techniques as choking, kicking, and twisting an opponent’s arm. Many of these methods could severely injure or kill.
In 1882, Jigoro Kano, a Japanese educator, began to select techniques from many jujutsu schools. He chose techniques suitable to an art and sport that could be performed safely, based on the concept of ju (gentleness). He adopted jujutsu’s safest techniques and eliminated the rough, dangerous ones. He looked upon judo as an art, a mental discipline, and a sport which could be used as a means of education. Kano emphasized two slogans: “Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort” and “Mutual Welfare and Benefit.”
Judo grew in popularity and, in the early 1900’s, became a required subject in Japanese schools. Kano also demonstrated the sport in other countries. President Theodore Roosevelt became one of the first judoka in the United States. Roosevelt eventually earned a brown belt.
After World War II ended in 1945, judo began its greatest period of growth in the United States. Judo gained international recognition in 1964 when men’s competition became part of the Olympic Games. Women began competing in 1992.
