Judo: Then and now

Judo developed from Jujitsu - the hand-to-hand combat technique of ancient samurai warriors. Its name, which means ‘the gentle way’ in Japanese, reflects its moral code of politeness, courage, sincerity, self-control, honour, modesty, friendship and respect.

The rules were laid down by Dr. Jigoro Kano, who opened the first Judo school in Japan in 1882. More than a century later, Judo is now the most popular martial art in the world, with 13 million participants in 111 countries.

How to play – and win

Judo is a grappling sport, based on the skills of attack and defence. Competitors use recognised moves to force their opponent to the floor.

To win the fight a ‘judoka’ (or competitor) must score an ‘Ippon’ (10 points) by using a successful technique. If neither judoka scores an Ippon, points for lesser scores are added up to decide the winner.

Fights last for five minutes and take place on a 10sqm (33sqft) mat, known as a ‘tatami’. Competitions are held in weight classes for both men and women.

Judo in the Games

Judo made its first Games appearance at Tokyo 1964 in its home country of Japan. Japanese athletes won three of the four Judo events at those Games.

Since then, the programme has been extended to include seven weight classes. Women’s events were introduced at the Barcelona 1992 Games.

Facts about Judo

• Judo rules require competitors to bow when entering and leaving the mat, and also at the start and end of a fight.
• The Judo uniform is called a ‘judogi’. It is tied at the waist by a belt whose colour reflects a judoka’s level of training.
• Jujitsu, the sport on which Judo is based, was the only samurai martial art that did not involve a weapon.
• The strangest Judo rule requires competitors to "be free from body odour."
• ‘Striking’ was banned as Judo technique in the mid-20th century.

Jargon buster

• Rei: Bow .
• Hajime: The referee's command to start a Judo fight.
• Soremade: The referee's command to end a Judo fight.
• Obi: A judoka’s belt .
• Matte: A command to wait or stop.

Get involved

Judo can be enjoyed at all levels. To find out how and where to get started, see the 'related links'.