JudoThe “Gentle Way” from Japan to the world

Introduction Judo means ‘gentle way’. It is one of the

two martial arts included in the Olympic Games. The other is Taekwondo. It comes from Japan and it was created by Jigoro Kano, who made a combination between medieval martial arts and modern movements. Nowadays, judo has lots of new movements which are improving this sport every day.

History Jigoro Kano, the "father of modern Judo" was

born in Kobe, Province of Kyoto, Japan, in 1860. His friends nicknamed him "medicine“ because of his slight build. Jigoro Kano began Jujitsu practices to become stronger.

After a few years of serious and constant study, he became stronger and healthier, and also absorbed a series of ethical and moral values from Jiu-jitsu.

Although it was ’ridiculous’ to teach anyhing at the age of 22, he did so. He founded his own school, Kodokan Judo, in the Temple Eisho in Shitaya (Tokyo District; he had nine students and a tatami, just 24 square metres.

Jigoro Kano say’s

“Judo is the most effective way to get physical and mental strength. Through the practice of attack and defense techniques, you hone your body and mind and this will help the spiritual essence of Judo become an integral part of your being. In this way you will be able to perfect yourself and contribute to the improvement of mankind. This is definitely the ultimate reason of Judo”

Elements of the judo Judoka

Judogi Obi

Tatami

The two main movementsNagewaza Katamewaza(trowing) (grappling)

Rules of Judo Each judo bout lasts five minutes, except if

there is an ippon (below). Ippon ends the contest immediately.

Scores are awarded for different throws and holds.

An ippon is a winning manoeuvre (a movement or set of movements) that is awarded for throwing your opponent onto his back or for holding him for 25 seconds, or when he surrenders.

A waza-ari is worth a half-point. It is awarded for certain types of throws or for holding your opponent for 20 seconds.

A yuko is worth less than a waza-ari . It is awarded for certain throws or for holding your opponent for 15 to 20 seconds.

If there is no ippon during the five minutes, the winner is the judoka with most points at the end of that time.

If the scores are tied after five minutes, the contest enters a golden score period, when the first score of any sort wins.

All the judo events are played in a knockout format, with the winners qualifying for the next round.

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