JUDO IS FAR MORE THAN A SPORT

JUDO, when originally developed in 1882, was an empty-hand method of self-defense. In fact, the art was referred to as Kano Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, named after its creator, Professor Jigoro Kano.

Notwithstanding, many Judo techniques known to cause serious injury if performed at high speed and unrestrained force have been prohibited in sport competition. It is the responsibility sports organizations to establish rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and general welfare of player (athletes), reduce the potential risk of injury, and promote the growth of Judo as a safe international sport.

On the other hand, we must assess and evaluation Classical Judo as it existed prior to the first 1964 Olympic games. When taking into consideration the entire syllabus of judo techniques codified in Kodokan Judo KATA, we find a totally different animal, if you will. We rediscover a highly effective method of empty hand combat, second to none.

Classical Judo in its complete form consist of all the techniques of Koryu Bujutsu, meaning all Japanese battlefield empty-hand and weapon-based fighting styles and methods as they existed prior to 1876, when the Samurai class were allowed to wear swords (haitorei) in open public.

The word, Koryu (古流 ) is a Japanese term that when translated into English means, '古流 old school or old style". The term specifically applies to a wide range of Samurai-era styles martial arts as they were studied, taught and applied in actually combat.

The Japanese term, Bujutsu consists of several characters and words, the word "bu" (武, meaning war, military or martial) and "jutsu" (術:じゅつ), meaning technique.