2. Introduction
Judo means ‘gentle way’. It is one of the
two martial arts included in the Olympic
Games. The other is Taekwondo. It comes
from Japan and it was created by Jigoro
Kano, who made a combination
between medieval martial arts and
modern movements. Nowadays, judo has
lots of new movements which are
improving this sport every day.
3. History
Jigoro Kano, the "father of modern Judo" was
born in Kobe, Province of Kyoto, Japan, in
1860. His friends nicknamed him "medicine“
because of his slight build. Jigoro Kano
began Jujitsu practices to become stronger.
After a few years of serious and constant
study, he became stronger and healthier,
and also absorbed a series of ethical and
moral values from Jiu-jitsu.
Although it was ’ridiculous’ to teach anyhing
at the age of 22, he did so. He founded his
own school, Kodokan Judo, in the Temple
Eisho in Shitaya (Tokyo District; he had nine
students and a tatami, just 24 square metres.
4. Jigoro Kano say’s
“Judo is the most effective way to get
physical and mental strength. Through the
practice of attack and defense
techniques, you hone your body and
mind and this will help the spiritual
essence of Judo become an integral part
of your being. In this way you will be able
to perfect yourself and contribute to the
improvement of mankind. This is definitely
the ultimate reason of Judo”
8. The two main movements
Nagewaza Katamewaza
(trowing) (grappling)
9. Rules of Judo
Each judo bout lasts five minutes, except if
there is an ippon (below). Ippon ends the
contest immediately.
Scores are awarded for different throws and
holds.
An ippon is a winning manoeuvre (a movement
or set of movements) that is awarded for
throwing your opponent onto his back or for
holding him for 25 seconds, or when he
surrenders.
A waza-ari is worth a half-point. It is awarded for
certain types of throws or for holding your
opponent for 20 seconds.
10. A yuko is worth less than a waza-ari . It is
awarded for certain throws or for holding your
opponent for 15 to 20 seconds.
If there is no ippon during the five minutes, the
winner is the judoka with most points at the
end of that time.
If the scores are tied after five minutes, the
contest enters a golden score period, when
the first score of any sort wins.
All the judo events are played in a knockout
format, with the winners qualifying for the next
round.
