History of Judo

Evolving from the Samurai fighting arts of Japan, a modified system of attack without weapons was developed around 1532. But with the declining role of the Japanese Samurai, different teachers and styles began

emerging. After the end of the Samurai period in 1868, the vast array of schools lacked the guiding principle on which the style was originated. Professor Jigoro Kano began to envision a more complete version of the martial art, realizing the educational value of the practice having its own philosophy and objectives. From here, judo was created. The old, more dominant school and the new Kano school would collide in 1886 at a Tokyo Metropolitan Police Meet. After winning 13 of the 15 head-to-head battles, and drawing the remaining two, judo became the preferred martial art and used for combat training.

The Kodokan Institute in Tokyo was established by Kano to maintain and uphold the tradition of Judo. A tradition, which until today, incorporates high standards of etiquette and respect. However, in order to gain international attention, Kano understood that Judo had to be established as an Olympic sport. In the early 1920s, competitive Judo had spread to some European countries, drawing on its appeal of engaging fully in the martial art without fear of injury experienced in the other, more dangerous martial arts. With the development of Judo now in many countries and continents, Kano finally realized his vision with the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include Judo in the 1940 Olympics in Tokyo. Sadly, Professor Kano died during his return from an IOC meeting in Cairo, prior to the Games being held. Inevitably, the Olympics were cancelled by World War II.

It was not until the 1964 Olympic Games that Judo was accepted as a sport. Being the first Games to be televised, the whole world was at last exposed to the art of Judo and the Japanese dominance of the sport. Although Japan still dominates the sport, many countries find success at the World and Olympic levels, including Canada. With currently more than 20 million participants, Judo now boasts itself as one of the most popular martial art based sports in the world and in Canada.

Elements of Judo

Judo is a grappling sport in which two opponents try to defeat each other using recognized judo moves and holds applied both in standing and ground combat. The first contestant, or 'judoka', to score one point by throwing, holding or immobilizing their opponent wins the match. The move must either make their opponent submit, or immobilize them for a specified period of time. An opponent submits to a hold by tapping twice on the mat with a hand or foot. As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that governs competition and ensures the safety of the

participants. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls. Judo is uniquein that all age groups, both sexes, and most disabled persons can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive, year-round activity, appealing to people from all walks of life. Many people over sixty years of age enjoy the sport, as well as very young boys and girls. Judo is played on a matted floor area called a tatami, and judoka wear loose fitting uniforms called 'judogi'. The color of the belt depends on the grade of the competitor, with the highest grade being black belt. Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all belt levels above white, from local to national tournaments, reaching the Olympic Games. Judo is best known for its spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. Judo emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning.

Judo also develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for learning self- confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility. As a sport that has evolved from a combat art, it develops comprehensive body control, balance, and reflex. Above all, it develops a sharp reacting mind that is synchronized and well-coordinated with the body. Judo, which translates to the "gentle way", teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. Technique and timing, rather than the use of strength and force, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world. Having control over the skills of Judo also leads to an improvement in all aspects of the judoka’s life, on and off the mat.