About Judo

The Founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, 1868-1938 (image from Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Judo#/media/File:Kano_Jigoro.jpg)

Judo is a martial art, which emphasises fair play and self improvement. It is very good for children, who develop strength, and self-confidence while learning judo skills. It is safe, because none of the techniques is designed to injure the opponent. Judo players are taught how to fall safely, and the teaching programme is structured so that they learn techniques appropriate to their current level of skill. The presence of several higher grades on the mat ensures that they get a high level of individual attention and that any potentially dangerous situations are prevented.

Judo dates back to 1882, when it was founded by Jigoro Kano (1860-1938). He had trained in jiu jutsu and other arts. He made a living as an educator, and the principles that he applied to this are evident in judo. He said of education:

"Nothing under the sun is greater than education. By educating one person and sending him into the society of his generation, we make a contribution extending a hundred generations to come." (1)

He brought about significant changes in education in Japan. Up until then, the teacher in Japan had been treated more as a servant. Kano visited Europe and took back many concepts from European and American education. Central to this was the concept that a teacher should be treated with respect from the students. For him, judo was the ideal physical exercise for students, where he emphasised physical development, in tandem with moral and intellectual development

In 1915, Kanō gave this definition to judo: (2)

"Judo is the way of the highest or most efficient use of both physical and mental energy. Through training in the attack and defence techniques of judo, the practitioner nurtures their physical and mental strength, and gradually embodies the essence of the Way of Judo. Thus, the ultimate objective of Judo discipline is to be utilized as a means to self-perfection, and thenceforth to make a positive contribution to society."

In 1918, Kanō added:

"Don't think about what to do after you become strong – I have repeatedly stressed that the ultimate goal of Judo is to perfect the self, and to make a contribution to society. In the old days, Jūjutsu practitioners focused their efforts on becoming strong, and did not give too much consideration to how they could put that strength to use. Similarly, Judo practitioners of today do not make sufficient efforts to understand the ultimate objective of Judo. Too much emphasis is placed on the process rather than the objective, and many only desire to become strong and be able to defeat their opponents. Of course, I am not negating the importance of wanting to become strong or skilled. However, it must be remembered that this is just part of the process for a greater objective... The worth of all people is dependent on how they spend their life making contributions."

Judo was first introduced to the United Kingdom in 1899 by Edward William Barton-Wright, who sponsored a visit from a group of Japanese judo players, with a view to setting up a jiu jitsu school from this visit, One of the team, Yukio Tani, remained in England and, when the Budokwai, was set up by Gunji Koizumi in 1918, Yukio Tani became its chief instructor. The Budokwai is in London, and is the oldest judo club in Europe.

1. Adams, Andy (1971). Twentieth Century Warriors, Prominent Men in the Oriental Fighting Arts. Burbank, California: Ohara.

2. Murata, Naoki. "From 'Jutsu to Dō: The Birth of Kōdōkan Judo." In Alexander Bennett, ed., Budo Perspectives. Auckland: Kendo World, 2005,