Judo
Judo description, throws, techniques, videos, history, and more.

Quick Reference: About Judo History Description Benefits Videos

About Judo

Judo translated is the "gentle way". The history of this art begins with Jiguro Kano who developed the martial art sport in 1881. Having studied Jiu-jitsu at several schools, he developed it while seeking to develop a physical exercise system. And that is exactly what he did. Repeated practice can be very beneficial for persons seeking to increase or improve thier exercise routine. Exercise and sport are definately the foundations of this art, although Judo combat is not a far fetched idea. It's history also encompasses the early beginnings of females in martial arts. Judo women and girls began to infiltrate the sport in large numbers 1935 when it was starting to be taught in high shcool. The first woman practioner was Sueko Ashiya who was introduced despite criticism from society and experts.

Judo Throw Olympic induction came into existence in 1964. There were 74 participants from 27 countries. By 1992 in Barcelona the competition had grown to 437 participants from 93 countries. The Olympic weight classes have increased in number over the years. Beginning with the Tokyo Olympics, three weight categories were introduced in addition to the open category. The categories were expanded to six for the 1972 Olympics, and eight for the 1980 Olympics. In 1992 the open category was dropped from the Olympics, so there are currently 7 weight categories for both men and women in the Olympics.

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Judo Description

Judo in the Olympics

Judo broke into the Olympic Games in 1964. That year, the Olympics were held in Tokyo. The host country could add one sport, and Japan chose Judo.

This first Olympic Judo competition had four weight classes. To no one's surprise, Japan won three of the four brackets.

While joint locks, grappling (ne-waza), and sometimes striking are incorporated, the primary foucs is throwing techniques (nage-waza). Judoka (practioners) will use balance, counter-balance, and their oppenents own momentum to perform sometimes devastating throws. The goal of these throws is to disable an oppenent and cause them to land flat on their back. Throwing an oppenent during a match or combat can have the multiple effects of damaging them not only physically, but mentally as well. There are two basic sub-categories of throwing techniques: standing and sacrificial. Stading techniques include hand, hip, foot, and leg techniques. Sacrifical techniques involve both the aggressor and the defender falling to the ground. The judoka performing the throw will fall onto their own back or side in order to perform the throw.

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Benefits of Judo

Health and fitness
Enhances flexibility and stamina
Strength conditioning
Strength and speed
Confidence
Develops self awareness and assertiveness
Stress reduction and positive attitude
Strengthened limbs

Judo Videos

26 Judo throws, with judo throw technique description. Slowed down for learning purposes.

The best Judo throws. Add a little heavy metal to this Japanese grappling art. TURN VOLUEME DOWN if you don't want the noise! Great Judo throws and Judo technique in this video.