by Devon McNeely
Here are 12 Interesting Facts about the art of Judo:
1. Judo is a Japanese grappling style focussing on throws and takedowns as well as chokes and joint locks.
2. The only striking techniques in judo are during kata practice which involves practicing pre-arranged patterns with a partner. No strikes are allowed in free practice or in competition.
3. The name Judo means the ‘Gentle Way’.
4. Judo was founded in 1882 by Kano Jigoro who was trained in Jujutsu and worked in the Ministry of Education.
5. Jujutsu techniques were modified using Confucian philosophies and techniques that did not follow the principles of Maximum efficiency with minimum effort were removed. These changes also changed the art from JuJutsu (the gentle art) to Judo (the gentle way).
6. A person who trains in Judo is known as a Judoka.
7. There are an estimated 20 Million Judoka worldwide.
8. Judo was the first martial art to use colored belts to denote a student’s rank. this practice was later adopted by other Japanese styles and is now a common feature of many martial arts systems.
9. The uniform worn by Judoka is called a Judogi.
10. Judo is also a martial sport that became an Olympic event in 1964.
11. Judo is a popular sport among those with physical disabilities, those with visual impairments do especially well with grappling arts. Judo had been a Paralympic event since 1988.
12. For the 2020 Summer Olympics Tokyo, there will be 15 events, 7 weight classes for men, 7 for women, and a ‘Mixed Team’ event.