Imagine being able to defend yourself from an attacker without needing to strike a blow or use weapons. This is the basic principle of the sport of judo, which means “gentle way” in Japanese. Jigoro Kano developed judo in 1882, based on an ancient hand-to-hand fighting style called jujitsu.
Judo has also become a popular sport in countries other than Japan, including the U.S. During training and competitions, judo students wear a white jacket and pants. The loose-fitting jacket is held in place with a belt, the color of which indicates a student’s skill level. As beginners, competitors wear white belts. When they have reached the highest skill level, they wear black belts. The different levels in between are represented by other belt colors. Reaching a new belt level requires substantial training and competition. Judo students compete in two ways: randori and kata. In randori, competitors can use free combat; in kata, fighters use planned movements.
In competitions, and if they were attacked on the street, judo experts are able to overcome people larger and stronger than they are. This is possible because the sport of judo focuses on self-defense by using nonresistance and leverage to knock opponents off balance. In other words, judo fighters use their opponents' own moves and force against them. Once this happens, they can overcome attackers using two techniques: throws and locks. Throws are named for the body parts involved in the move (hand, foot, shoulder, etc.). Locks are used on the legs, arms, and neck to keep the opponent from moving. Because these moves can be dangerous, anyone interested in learning judo should train with an instructor. Above all, the art of judo is a way of life, of yielding or giving way in order to succeed. As such, judo is never used to overpower others, but rather to let them defeat themselves.
