"As long as you keep death in mind at all times, you will fulfill the ways of loyalty and familial duty, (...) you will be physically sound and healthy, and you will live a long life." |
Judo is a martial art that originated in Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is derived from the fighting system of feudal Japan called Jujutsu.
Judo means "gentle way". This does not imply that strength is not used in Judo; instead "gentle way" means that the strength of an opponent should not be resisted.
Judo is known for its spectacular throwing techniques but also includes numerous techniques for controlling an opponent while on the ground. Once the judoka has thrown his opponent to the ground, he will use painful hold-down techniques, chokes, strangleholds, and armlocks to control and subdue the opponent.
Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for many other reasons. But most of all, people do Judo just for the fun of it.