Judo

Judo is a martial art based on the study and perfection of all manners of overthrowing an opponent in man-to-man combat. It also includes wrestling training on the ground using techniques of detainment, dislocation and choking. Judo is a combat form based on the study of the movement of the opponent and the manipulation of his strength. It is a sport which comes from Japan.

Its initial form derived from Ju-jitsu and other systems of combat used in the past by the Japanese 'Samurai'. The founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, an expert in the techniques of Ju-jitsu and other traditional forms of combat, saw the imperfections of these systems with regard to the vagueness of many techniques, as well as the frequent injuries suffered by Ju-jitsu athletes, and removed the dangerous elements of this art, thus setting the basis for the art he named himself 'Judo' (the Noble Road). On 2/25/1882, at age 22, he founded his own school which he named 'Kodokan'.

In 1920 Judo is included in the program of the public education of Japan. In 1951 the World Association of Judo is founded and today it numbers 96 countries-members; it is estimated that over five million athletes train in Judo all over the world while only in Japan the black belts are more than five hundred thousand. It was accepted by the Olympic family in 1972 and we will be able to watch it in the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

The greatest quality of Judo can be generally explained by the beginning 'Ju' meaning 'gracefulness,' 'gentleness,' 'suppleness,' 'smoothness,' 'resilience.' The principle of using the greatest ability of body and mind is the highest principle governing all Judo techniques. The 'Judoka' is trained in a number of techniques based on harmony, balance and coordination. The constant and tough training in these principles leads to a rounder perfection of the social life and the philosophy of the athlete, thus weaving a superior way of life. This ultimate goal, said the founder of Judo, is reached by those athletes who know the art deeply and possess the spirit of emulation, having overcome the feelings of fear, of victory snd of defeat.