|
Judo originated In Japan and is a form of unarmed fighting mainly using throws, arm locks, strangles and holds. Judo is translated as 'the gentle way'.
Jigoro Kano, born in 1860 was the founder of judo as we know it today. Kano developed judo from ju-jitsu, removing the brutal parts to leave an art that could be practiced with control and relative safety.
In 1886 the Japanese government arranged a special match between 15 top Ju-jitsu fighters and 15 top Judoka, resulting in a win for Kano's judo, and therefore was accepted as a government approved sport. It was later taught in schools and colleges as part of the education system in Japan.
The first competition judo was very different to how we know and understand it today. Only 1 score was valid and the contest was fought until one of the players scored, this was a 'one point' score IPPON. Some time later a half point score was added WAZARI. When Judo reached the West, the remainder of the scores were added, with a contest time limit included.
The British Judo Association was formed in 1948 and is still the national governing body of judo in the UK.
Judo was included in Olympic Games competition for the first time at Tokyo in 1964 and held regularly from 1972. World judo championships for women began in 1980. Women's Olympic competition began in 1992.
This is a brief history of judo for more information refer to
British Judo Association
or
Judo Information Site
|
