Judo is a martial art and combative sport that was created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. After studying jujitsu, Kano combined aspects of it with other martial art forms to create judo. Judo styles itself as an art form, a sport, a discipline, a social activity, a form of self-defense, a form of combat and a lifestyle.
Self-Defense
Judo teaches many techniques of its cousin jujitsu, including grappling, choking, throwing, weapon disarmament, joint manipulation and locking. While instruction carries a heavy emphasis on safety, judo is famous for its throws and other violent but precise forms of combat. This combination of practical martial combat technique along with safety-minded training is ideal for adults not normally accustomed to otherwise rough physical activity.
Philosophy
In addition to physical training and self-defense, judo teaches a way of life. "Judo" translates as "the way," indicating that Kano intended judo to be a martial art form as much as a philosophy of life. Judo's focus on practice, discipline, and gentle precision in movement aims to guide the physical practice of the martial art as well as the thinking and lifestyle of the practitioner.
Principles
Both judo's martial and philosophical arts build on a set of principles designed to guide the practitioner through both aspects of life. Among these principles, judo espouses pliability of mind and physique to overcome rigidity, to become flexible in mental and physical problem-solving. Judo also preaches adaption to obstacles, reacting with strength and vitality rather than succumbing to weakness. Discipline is taught as a means of performing at peak ability by keeping the mind on the task at hand. Finally, judo asks that its students be mindful of the truth of the moment, never adhering to a fixed idea.
Competition
While judo's origins lie in self-defense and philosophy, its practice has become a worldwide competitive sport. Competitive judo is practiced in national and international competitions and at the Olympic level. Judo matches are scored much in the same way that wrestling an boxing are scored. The objective of the match is to throw the opponent on his back, pin him on his back for 25 seconds, or force him to submit via stranglehold, choke or arm lock.
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