What Is Judo?
Judo (the gentle way) is a Japanese grappling martial art and Olympic combat sport created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. Derived from traditional Japanese jujutsu, judo focuses primarily on throwing opponents cleanly to the ground, followed by pins, chokes, and joint locks. It has been an Olympic sport since 1964.
Core Principles
Kano named his art 'the gentle way' because of its central principle: maximum efficiency with minimum effort. Rather than brute strength, judo emphasises redirecting an opponent's force, breaking their balance (kuzushi), and executing throws through precise timing and leverage.
What You Learn in Judo
Judo training covers three main areas: tachi-waza (standing throws), ne-waza (ground fighting), and ukemi (breakfalls — learning to fall safely). Throwing techniques include hip throws (seoi nage, harai goshi) and foot sweeps. Groundwork includes pins, chokes, and arm locks.
Judo vs BJJ
Judo and BJJ share the same roots — BJJ developed directly from judo through Mitsuyo Maeda's teaching in Brazil. The key difference: judo prioritises the throw and considers ground fighting secondary. BJJ's ground-fighting system is vastly more developed with extensive positional hierarchy and submission techniques. Many serious grapplers train both.
Belt System
Judo uses: White → Yellow → Orange → Green → Blue → Brown → Black. Senior Dan grades (6th degree and above) traditionally wear red/white and red belts. Average time to first-degree black belt (Shodan) is typically 5–8 years of consistent training.
Getting Started
Find an IJF-affiliated judo club with qualified coaches. You will need a judogi — a heavier, looser-cut uniform specifically designed to withstand the constant gripping and throwing of judo training.
Related Reading
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