Judo
is roughly translated as the way of gentleness. "Ju"
represents "gentleness" or "giving way", whereas
"do" represents "way". Judo is different from many
martial arts because it does not employ strikes as a major means of
defense and attack. Judoka (Judo students) depend on the application
of chokes, arm locks, throws and holds to defeat their opponent.
Judo
is derived from the martial art Jujitsu. Jujitsu techniques were frequently
used by the Samurai because of the inefficacy of striking and kicking
attacks against armored opponents. Instead, Samurai utilized techniques
that exploited the vulnerabilities in arm, leg, neck and wrist joints.
Judo was officially created in 1882 with the founding of the Kodokan
("school for studying the way") by Professor Jigoro Kano.
What began as a small dojo with only 12 mats, has grown into an enormous
institute with 2 large buildings, 7 and 8 stories high, respectively.
Judo gained popularity fast both in Japan and worldwide. The popularity
of Judo grew to such an extent that in 1964, Judo became an official
Olympic sport. Today, Judo continues to be extremely popular in almost
every country around the world.
