Judo
Best known for its spectacular throwing techniques, translated Judo actually means ‘the gentle way.’
Its founder, Jigoro Kano sought to develop a system of martial practice which could be incorporated into the education system and developed into a sport.
Dr Kano was President of The University of Education, Tokyo, and studied various styles of Jujitsu. He filtered the more lethal techniques suitable for dispatching the opponent, and integrated the techniques that could be practised in a sporting environment, developing fitness and building character. In competitions, the aim is to throw or pin an opponent to the mat, or use holds that restrict the opponent’s movement, causing them to submit. It will teach you complete body control, fine balance and fast reflexive action. Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964.
‘In Randori*, one must search out the opponent’s weakness and be ready to attack with all the resources at his disposal the moment the opportunity presents itself, without violating the rules of Judo’
* free sparring
