The Art of Judo
A Guide to Its History, Schools, and Masters

The Art of Judo

Judo, one of the world's most popular and influential martial arts, originated in Japan in the late 19th century. Known for its dynamic throws, joint locks, and pins, Judo combines physical prowess with mental discipline. It is not only a sport but also a philosophy that emphasizes balance, respect, and movement efficiency. Whether you are interested in learning self-defense, improving fitness, or pursuing mental and spiritual growth, Judo offers something for everyone.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Judo, highlight its most prominent schools, and introduce some of the legendary masters who shaped this martial art into what it is today. We'll also give you a taste of what's to come in our upcoming articles on other Japanese martial arts.

The History of Judo

Judo was created by Jigoro Kano in 1882 as a modern adaptation of traditional Japanese jujutsu, a hand-to-hand combat system used by samurai warriors. While jujutsu focused on disabling or killing an opponent, Kano wanted to create a martial art that could be practiced safely and would also foster character development. His vision for Judo was based on two key principles:

1. Seiryoku Zenyo – Maximum efficiency, minimum effort.
2. Jita Kyoei – Mutual welfare and benefit.

Kano's idea was to make Judo a way to develop both physical skills and moral strength. He removed many of the dangerous techniques found in jujutsu, such as strikes and bone-breaking moves, and emphasized throws and groundwork that could be practiced with a partner without causing injury. His vision of Judo as a martial art for self-improvement helped it gain popularity, not just in Japan but globally.

Judo in the Olympics

One of the key turning points in Judo’s history was its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Judo became an official Olympic sport for men in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and for women in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. This move brought Judo into the global spotlight and helped establish it as a competitive sport. Today, Judo is practiced by millions of people in over 200 countries, making it one of the most widespread martial arts in the world.

The Most Famous Schools of Judo

While Judo is rooted in a single system developed by Jigoro Kano, over time, various schools and styles have emerged that emphasize different aspects of the art. The most prominent among these schools are:

1. Kodokan Judo

Founded by Jigoro Kano himself, the Kodokan is the original school of Judo and remains the most influential institution in the world of Judo. The Kodokan, located in Tokyo, serves as the headquarters for Judo and continues to uphold Kano's teachings and principles. Kodokan Judo emphasizes the development of both body and mind through the practice of throws (nage-waza), groundwork (ne-waza), and kata (pre-arranged forms).

The Kodokan also places great importance on randori (free practice), allowing practitioners to test their techniques in a controlled and cooperative environment. Practicing under the Kodokan system is widely regarded as a badge of honor among Judo practitioners.

2. Kosen Judo

Kosen Judo is a specialized branch that emerged in Japan’s university system in the early 20th century. While it is still part of Kodokan Judo, Kosen Judo places a heavier emphasis on ne-waza (ground techniques) such as pins, joint locks, and chokes. This style was particularly popular in Japanese universities, where students would engage in long groundwork sessions.

Kosen Judo differs from mainstream Judo by focusing less on throws and more on grappling, making it somewhat similar to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which shares a common ancestry with Judo. Although it is not as widely practiced as Kodokan Judo, Kosen Judo remains influential, especially in competitions where groundwork skills are highly valued.

3. International Judo Federation (IJF) Judo

The International Judo Federation (IJF) is the governing body that oversees Judo as a competitive sport worldwide. Over the years, the IJF has introduced rules and regulations that emphasize safety, fair play, and accessibility, ensuring that Judo remains an inclusive and spectator-friendly sport.

In IJF Judo, there are restrictions on certain techniques, particularly those involving prolonged groundwork, which ensures that matches stay fast-paced and exciting. While the IJF system is based on traditional Kodokan Judo, its focus is on making Judo a competitive sport that is safe for all ages and skill levels.

Legendary Masters of Judo

Throughout its history, Judo has produced numerous legendary figures who have contributed to its growth and development. Below are some of the most famous masters, from the founder of Judo to modern-day champions who have carried on his legacy.

1. Jigoro Kano (1860–1938)

No discussion of Judo would be complete without mentioning its founder, Jigoro Kano. Born in 1860, Kano was a scholar who sought to create a martial art that would not only teach physical techniques but also instill moral values. After studying various forms of jujutsu, he founded Judo in 1882 and opened the first Kodokan dojo.

Kano’s contribution to martial arts and education in Japan cannot be overstated. He was also a visionary who saw the potential of Judo as a global sport, leading to its eventual inclusion in the Olympics. Kano believed that Judo could help people become better citizens by teaching discipline, respect, and cooperation. His principles of maximum efficiency and mutual benefit are still central to Judo today.

2. Masahiko Kimura (1917–1993)

Masahiko Kimura is one of the most celebrated Judo practitioners in history. He became famous not only for his mastery of Judo but also for his legendary match against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Helio Gracie in 1951. Kimura's victory in that match, using a devastating arm lock now known as the “Kimura,” cemented his status as one of the greatest Judo competitors of all time.

Kimura's achievements in Judo were unparalleled; he won the All-Japan Judo Championships three times and remained undefeated for most of his career. His physical strength, combined with his technical prowess, made him a legend in both Judo and combat sports.

3. Kyuzo Mifune (1883–1965)

Known as the “God of Judo,” Kyuzo Mifune was a 10th-degree black belt and one of Jigoro Kano’s most prominent students. Mifune was renowned for his technical precision and his ability to defeat much larger opponents with ease. Despite his small stature, Mifune mastered the art of using leverage and timing to overcome strength, embodying Kano’s principle of maximum efficiency.

Mifune’s influence on Judo is still felt today, as many of his techniques and strategies are taught in dojos around the world. His book, The Canon of Judo, remains a classic text for Judo practitioners and martial artists of all styles.

4. Tadahiro Nomura (1974–present)

Tadahiro Nomura is a modern Judo icon, known for being the only Judoka to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals. His incredible achievements in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games made him a legend in the sport. Nomura’s technical skill, especially in his signature throw, uchimata, has inspired countless Judo practitioners worldwide.

Nomura’s success in the modern competitive arena demonstrates that Judo remains a dynamic and evolving sport, with new champions emerging while still adhering to the core principles set forth by Jigoro Kano.

Why You Should Try Judo

Judo offers a wide range of benefits, both physical and mental. Whether you're interested in competitive sport, self-defense, or just staying fit, Judo provides a well-rounded approach to training. Here are a few reasons to give Judo a try:

1. Full-body Workout: Judo builds strength, flexibility, and endurance by engaging all major muscle groups. The dynamic nature of throws and groundwork ensures a comprehensive workout.
2. Mental Discipline: Judo teaches focus, patience, and respect, helping practitioners develop mental fortitude. It’s not just about defeating an opponent; it’s about overcoming personal limitations.
3. Self-defense: Judo techniques are practical and effective for self-defense. Knowing how to throw, pin, or immobilize an opponent can be valuable in real-world situations.
4. Community and Respect: Judo fosters a strong sense of community. Training partners help each other improve, and mutual respect is ingrained in every practice session.

Conclusion

Judo, with its rich history, deep philosophy, and practical techniques, remains one of the most practiced and respected martial arts in the world. From the visionary teachings of Jigoro Kano to the legendary achievements of Masahiko Kimura and Tadahiro Nomura, Judo has produced an incredible legacy of masters and continues to evolve in the modern era.

Whether you are drawn to Judo for its physical benefits, its competitive challenges, or its moral philosophy, there is much to gain from practicing this art. And this is just the beginning! Stay tuned for more articles exploring the fascinating world of Japanese martial arts, as we dive into the unique aspects of karate, aikido, kendo, and more.