Origin and History
Country of Origin: Japan
Founded: 1882
Founder: Jigoro Kano (1860-1938)
Historical Development
Judo was created by Jigoro Kano in 1882 as a modern martial art derived from various schools of jujutsu, particularly Tenjin Shinyo-ryu and Kito-ryu. Kano, a small and weak youth, studied jujutsu to defend himself but became frustrated with the dangerous training methods and lack of philosophical depth in traditional schools.
Kano synthesized the most effective techniques from different jujutsu schools while removing dangerous moves, creating a system that could be practiced safely with full resistance. He established the Kodokan (講道館, "place for studying the way") in Tokyo, which became the world headquarters for judo.
Philosophy and Principles
Kano developed judo around two fundamental principles:
Seiryoku Zenyo (Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Effort)
Using an opponent's force against them rather than opposing it directly. This principle allows smaller practitioners to defeat larger opponents through superior technique and timing.
Jita Kyoei (Mutual Welfare and Benefit)
Training partners help each other improve. This cooperative philosophy extends beyond the dojo to society, promoting harmony and mutual respect.
What Makes Judo Unique
- Randori (Free Practice): Full-resistance sparring as primary training method
- Gi-Based Grappling: Extensive use of jacket grips for throws and control
- Ippon Philosophy: Emphasis on perfect technique for immediate victory
- Olympic Sport: Included in Olympics since 1964 (men), 1992 (women)
- Educational System: Designed as physical education for character development
- Scientific Approach: Systematic classification and study of techniques
Fundamental Techniques
Nage-Waza (Throwing Techniques)
Te-Waza (Hand Techniques)
- Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw): Classic over-the-shoulder throw
- Tai Otoshi (Body Drop): Forward rotation throw
- Uki Otoshi (Floating Drop): Pure off-balancing throw
- Sumi Otoshi (Corner Drop): Pulling opponent into void
Koshi-Waza (Hip Techniques)
- O Goshi (Major Hip Throw): Fundamental hip throw
- Uki Goshi (Floating Hip Throw): Lifting hip throw
- Harai Goshi (Sweeping Hip Throw): Hip throw with leg sweep
- Tsuri Goshi (Lifting Hip Throw): High lifting throw
Ashi-Waza (Foot/Leg Techniques)
- O Soto Gari (Major Outer Reap): Powerful rear leg reap
- O Uchi Gari (Major Inner Reap): Inside leg reap
- Ko Soto Gari (Minor Outer Reap): Small outer reap
- Ko Uchi Gari (Minor Inner Reap): Small inner reap
- De Ashi Barai (Advanced Foot Sweep): Forward foot sweep
- Okuri Ashi Barai (Sliding Foot Sweep): Following foot sweep
- Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw): High-scoring inner thigh technique
Ma-Sutemi-Waza (Rear Sacrifice Techniques)
- Tomoe Nage (Circle Throw): Stomach throw with foot placement
- Sumi Gaeshi (Corner Reversal): Rolling counter throw
- Ura Nage (Rear Throw): Suplex-style throw
Yoko-Sutemi-Waza (Side Sacrifice Techniques)
- Yoko Otoshi (Side Drop): Side falling throw
- Yoko Gake (Side Hook): Side hooking throw
- Tani Otoshi (Valley Drop): Rear sacrifice throw
Katame-Waza (Grappling Techniques)
Osaekomi-Waza (Pinning Techniques)
- Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold): Classic side control
- Yoko Shiho Gatame (Side Four Corner Hold): Side pin
- Kami Shiho Gatame (Upper Four Corner Hold): North-south position
- Tate Shiho Gatame (Vertical Four Corner Hold): Mount position
Shime-Waza (Strangulation Techniques)
- Hadaka Jime (Naked Strangle): Rear naked choke
- Okuri Eri Jime (Sliding Collar Strangle): Sliding lapel choke
- Kata Ha Jime (Single Wing Strangle): One-handed choke
- Sankaku Jime (Triangle Strangle): Triangle choke
Kansetsu-Waza (Joint Locks)
- Ude Garami (Arm Entanglement): Americana/keylock
- Juji Gatame (Cross Armlock): Armbar
- Ude Hishigi Waki Gatame (Armpit Armlock): Standing armbar
Training Methods
Uchi Komi (Repetition Training)
Repeated entry and setup for throws without completing the technique. Develops muscle memory, speed, and proper form. Judoka perform thousands of uchi komi to perfect their techniques.
Nage Komi (Throwing Practice)
Full completion of throws with cooperative partner. Builds power, timing, and confidence in executing techniques.
Randori (Free Practice)
Live sparring with full resistance. The cornerstone of judo training, randori allows practitioners to test techniques against resisting opponents in a safe environment.
Kata (Forms)
Prearranged sequences demonstrating principles and techniques. Judo kata preserve traditional techniques and teach proper form, including:
- Nage no Kata: Forms of throwing
- Katame no Kata: Forms of grappling
- Kime no Kata: Forms of decision (self-defense)
- Goshin Jutsu: Forms of self-defense against armed attacks
Shiai (Competition)
Competitive matches testing skills under pressure. Judo competition has specific rules and scoring system.
Scoring System
Ippon (Full Point - Immediate Victory)
- Throwing opponent largely on their back with force and control
- Pinning opponent for 20 seconds
- Submission via choke or armlock
Waza-Ari (Half Point)
- Throw lacking one element of ippon
- Pin for 10-19 seconds
- Two waza-ari equal ippon
Belt Ranking System
Kyu Grades (Colored Belts)
Beginner to intermediate ranks, typically:
- White Belt (6th Kyu)
- Yellow Belt (5th Kyu)
- Orange Belt (4th Kyu)
- Green Belt (3rd Kyu)
- Blue Belt (2nd Kyu)
- Brown Belt (1st Kyu)
Dan Grades (Black Belts)
- 1st-5th Dan: Black Belt
- 6th-8th Dan: Red and White Belt
- 9th-10th Dan: Red Belt
Judo in Competition
Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964 (Tokyo Olympics) for men and 1992 (Barcelona) for women. It's one of the most popular Olympic martial arts with weight divisions and strict rules ensuring safety.
Competition Rules
- Matches last 4 minutes (5 minutes for finals)
- Victory by ippon, two waza-ari, or decision
- Penalties (shido) for passivity or illegal techniques
- No leg grabs (banned in 2010 to differentiate from wrestling)
Influence on Modern Martial Arts
Judo has profoundly influenced modern grappling arts:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Directly evolved from judo through Mitsuyo Maeda
- Sambo: Russian martial art incorporating judo techniques
- MMA: Many successful fighters have judo backgrounds (Ronda Rousey, Fedor Emelianenko)
- Law Enforcement: Judo techniques widely used in police training
Notable Judo Champions
- Jigoro Kano: Founder of judo
- Masahiko Kimura: Legendary champion, defeated Helio Gracie
- Anton Geesink: First non-Japanese Olympic champion (1964)
- Yasuhiro Yamashita: Undefeated for 8 years, 203 consecutive wins
- Teddy Riner: 10-time world champion, 2-time Olympic gold medalist
- Ryoko Tani: 7-time world champion, 2-time Olympic gold medalist
Training at Dragons MMA
At Dragons MMA, we incorporate judo's powerful throwing techniques and ground control into our grappling curriculum. Students learn to use leverage and timing to overcome larger opponents, developing both technical skill and the character-building philosophy that Jigoro Kano envisioned.