An art-form... a form of self defence... an olympic sport... practiced in amost every country in the world...

In 1882, Jigoro Kano (pictured), a jujutsu student, formulated a new system of barehanded fighting techniques called judo (meaning gentle way). Although this new martial art comprised of many of the throwing, strangling and joint locking techniques of jujutsu, the development of guidelines, rules and principles established judo as a sport, compared with jujutsu as a fighting art.

Around the turn of the 19th century Judo began to expand globally around the world. Kano made numerous trips overseas to teach and promote his new art. Eventually, Judo started to form its sport aspects that are most commonly associated with it today. Modern Judo is one of the most widely participated sports in the world. It was added to the Olympic Games in 1964 and now includes both men's and women's divisions.
Jigoro Kano - founder of modern judo
The Kodokan - the Japanese capital of judo
Kano and Kodokan images courtesy of judoworld.com ©
Judo is a method of turning an opponents strength against him, and thereby defeating him in an efficient manner. It is this philospohy, and the emphasis on the manner in which techniques are taught and applied, which has made judo such a popular activity and an international sport.