Judo (Japan) can literally be translated as “the gentle way”. It is a Japanese martial art that originated at the end of the 19th century. The most important element is the competitive aspect, in which the aim is to throw the opponent to the ground or apply an elbow lock or chokehold. Strikes and punches are also part of judo, but only in certain patterns called kata. Strikes and punches are not permitted during a match. The philosophy and teaching methods developed for judo have served as a model for almost all Japanese martial arts that evolved from traditional schools. Practitioners of judo are called judoka.
Judo styles
Kano Jigoro’s Kodokan Judo is the most popular and best-known style of judo, but it is certainly not the only one. The terms judo and jujutsu were often used interchangeably in the past, but today there are clearly defined styles:
- Olympic Judo
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Judo-do
- Kawaishi-ryu Jujutsu
- Kosen Judo
- Russian Judo
- Sambo
- Materials
Judo requires very little equipment. A judo uniform, called a gi, together with a matching belt, is enough to start training.
