Judo began as a branch of jujutsu, an old Japanese martial art used by samurai warriors. Jujutsu involved strikes, throws, locks, and pins—methods for defeating enemies in armor, often with minimal weaponry.
👨🏫 Enter Jigoro Kano – The Founder of Judo
In 1882, a young, brilliant Japanese educator named Jigoro Kano created judo by refining and reorganizing techniques from jujutsu.
He wanted something more than just fighting:
“Maximum efficiency, minimum effort. Mutual welfare and benefit.”
Judo became a physical, mental, and moral discipline, not just a combat technique.
He opened his first dojo (training hall) in a small Buddhist temple in Tokyo. He called it the Kodokan, meaning "a place to learn the way."
🌍 Spreading Across the World
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Early 1900s: Judo began spreading beyond Japan to Europe and the Americas.
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1964: Judo became the first martial art included in the Olympic Games (Tokyo Olympics).
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It is now practiced in over 200 countries, by millions of people, from children to elite athletes.
🌸 Judo Is More Than a Sport
It teaches:
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Respect and discipline
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Balance and timing
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How to fall—and get up again
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And above all, humility and control
As Kano himself said:
“The purpose of the study of judo is to perfect yourself and to contribute to society.”
Speaking activity: The story of my sport 👈