The gentle way
Judo is a Japanese martial art and Olympic sport built around balance, timing, control, and respect.
Reference
Core Concepts
The big ideas that define Judo.
- Judo joo-doh
- Waza wah-zah
Technique
Waza is the Japanese word for a Judo technique. It also appears in family names such as nage-waza and katame-waza.
- Kanō Jigorō kah-noh jee-goh-roh
Founder of Judo
Kanō Jigorō founded Judo in Japan. His ideas connect physical practice with balance, efficient use of energy, and mutual benefit.
- Kodokan koh-doh-kahn
The original Judo school
The Kodokan is the Judo school founded by Kano Jigoro in Tokyo in 1882.
- Ju-jitsu joo-jit-soo
Judo's older martial-art roots
Judo developed from older ju-jitsu traditions, with Kano Jigoro reshaping practice around education, safety, and principles.