Judo, often translated as “the gentle way,” is much more than a competitive sport — it is a philosophical path and physical discipline rooted in respect, strategy, and inner growth. Developed in the late 19th century by Jigoro Kano, judo distanced itself from the often dangerous jujutsu techniques of feudal Japan and transformed into a martial art that embraced safety, education, and global unity.

The Origins of Judo: From Jujutsu to Judoka

Kano, a brilliant and determined young man, began studying jujutsu at the age of 18. At that time, the samurai class had vanished, and jujutsu was in decline, dismissed as too brutal and outdated. Recognising both the value and risk of these techniques, Kano sought to create a system that anyone could practice safely, regardless of age, gender, or physical strength.

He carefully removed the lethal elements of jujutsu — strikes to vital points, bone-breaking holds — and instead emphasised throws, pins, and holds that used the opponent’s strength against them. This principle, now fundamental to judo, is known as seiryoku zenyo — maximum efficiency with minimal effort.

The Kodokan: Judo’s Global Headquarters

To teach and develop his new martial art, Kano opened the Kodokan in Tokyo — now the spiritual and technical headquarters of judo. From its humble beginnings with only 10 students and a small practice room, the Kodokan has become an iconic centre of training, attracting over 25,000 students annually from around the world.

Within its walls, practitioners train daily on tatami mats, once made of straw and now replaced with synthetic materials for durability and safety. These mats cushion falls but still provide enough firmness for proper technique and support.

Techniques of Judo: Art in Motion

Judo is often breathtaking to watch. Its two main technical branches are:

• Nage-waza (Throwing techniques): These are the most visually striking, ranging from shoulder throws (seoi-nage) to hip throws (harai-goshi) and leg sweeps (de-ashi-barai). By getting lower than the opponent’s centre of gravity and applying the principle of leverage, even a smaller judoka can topple a much larger opponent.

• Katame-waza (Grappling techniques): These include pins, strangles, and joint locks. If a judoka can hold their opponent down for a specific amount of time — usually 20 seconds — they win the match outright.

The elegance of judo lies in its use of balance, timing, and energy redirection. For example, if you push someone, they naturally resist by pushing back — a principle judo uses to create an opportunity for a throw.

Scoring in Judo: A System of Precision

Judo matches are scored based on effectiveness and control:

• Ippon: A perfect throw or pin ends the match instantly.

• Waza-ari: A near-perfect move — two of these equal an ippon.

• Yuko (no longer used in modern judo): Previously awarded for smaller technical achievements.

If no ippon is scored within the time limit, the judoka with the most points wins. However, winning by ippon is considered the most honourable way to triumph, as it reflects complete mastery.

The Spirit of Judo: Respect and Courtesy

Kano believed that judo’s value extended beyond physical technique. The spirit of judo includes:

• Mutual welfare and benefit (jita kyoei): Training with others in a way that uplifts everyone involved.

• Respect and courtesy: Bowing before and after a match, never throwing an opponent with unnecessary force, and always helping them up afterwards.

These values made judo not only a safer martial art but also one suitable for education in schools. By the 1930s, judo was part of the physical education curriculum in Japan, teaching students discipline, perseverance, and respect.

International Expansion and the Olympic Dream

Although Kano passed away in 1938, his dream of making judo a global practice lived on. He had travelled to 24 countries, including London, Vienna, and New York, conducting demonstrations and lectures to promote his philosophy.

After WWII, during which martial arts were banned in Japanese schools for fear of militarism, judo began to flourish internationally. In 1951, the International Judo Federation (IJF) was established, paving the way for international competitions.

In 1964, Tokyo hosted the Olympic Games, and judo made its official debut. Japan celebrated with multiple gold medals, though a shocking upset occurred in the open division: Anton Geesink of the Netherlands defeated Japan’s champion, breaking national expectations but exemplifying the humility and grace that Kano had envisioned. When Geesink approached his defeated opponent, his team tried to rush the mat — but Geesink held them back, bowing first. The world saw not only athleticism but judo's deeper spirit.

Heroes of Judo: Legends That Inspire

One of the most celebrated judoka in history is Yasuhiro Yamashita, who achieved an unbeaten streak of 203 matches over 9 years. Despite suffering a serious injury to his leg before the final match at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he powered through and won the gold medal, not through brute force, but through mastery of technique and spirit.

Years later, Yamashita would reunite with his former Olympic opponent, Mohamed Ali Rashwan of Egypt, in a judo workshop. This meeting, full of mutual respect, underscored the idea that judo builds bridges between people and nations.

Training the Next Generation

Judo’s popularity among children in Japan remains strong. Each year, a national primary school tournament is held, and young hopefuls train diligently to become champions. The case of Haito Honda, a young judoka who continued training even after breaking his wrist, exemplifies the dedication and resilience that judo cultivates. Supported by his father, a judo expert and orthopedic specialist, Haito’s story is one of perseverance and growth through hardship.

Such small dojos across Japan are breeding grounds for future champions, guided by Kano’s ranking system that rewards dedication and motivates improvement.

Judo: The Way of Kindness

At its core, judo is not about domination but self-improvement, mutual respect, and efficiency. Jigoro Kano once said that the purpose of judo is to enrich life and contribute to society, not merely to win matches.

Today, judo is practised in over 100 countries, taught in schools, celebrated in international tournaments, and revered as both a sport and a path of personal development. From dojo mats to Olympic arenas, from injured children to legendary athletes, judo continues to shape lives, not only physically but also morally and spiritually.

Join Marco’s guided tours in Japan to discover the places, stories, and spirit that gave rise to judo — and explore the heart of Japanese culture from the inside.