Learn About Judo
Discover the rich history, philosophy, and techniques of this revered Japanese martial art that strengthens both body and mind.
Overview
What is Judo?
Judo, meaning "gentle way", is a popular and respected Japanese martial art that aims at strengthening bodies and minds through its training. It has grown into a global phenomenon, eventually becoming an Olympic sport.
The primary objective is to subdue an opponent by throwing or pinning them to the ground or forcing submission through choke-holds or joint locks. Judo is the predecessor of several modern martial arts such as Sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
However, judo is more than a martial art—it's a philosophy that aims to strengthen the body and mind. Through training, judokas learn the spirit of Rei—respect, courtesy, and humility—and strive to become people who are strong both physically and mentally, and who contribute positively to society.
Core Techniques
The Three Pillars of Judo
Judo training encompasses three fundamental categories of techniques that work together to create a complete martial art.
Nage-waza
Throwing Techniques
The art of off-balancing and throwing an opponent to the ground using leverage and timing.
Katame-waza
Grappling Techniques
Ground techniques including pins, chokes, and joint locks to control and submit opponents.
Atemi-waza
Striking Techniques
Striking and defensive techniques against weapons, primarily taught in kata forms.
Why Judo
Benefits of Judo Training
Judo offers a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits that extend far beyond the mat.
Improved Physical Fitness
Enhances strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination through full-body workouts.
Self-Defense Skills
Learn practical techniques for controlling or neutralizing an opponent without striking.
Discipline & Focus
Develop mental discipline, patience, and concentration through structured training.
Confidence & Self-Esteem
Progressing through ranks and mastering techniques boosts self-confidence and personal growth.
Stress Relief & Mental Health
Physical activity combined with meditative aspects helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Respect & Humility
Emphasizes mutual respect, humility, and sportsmanship for positive character development.
Community & Friendship
Training involves close interaction and cooperation, leading to strong bonds.
Competition & Achievement
Optional tournament preparation and coaching for students who want to compete.
History
The Origins of Judo
Before the Birth of Judo
From the 12th to the 19th century, Japan was governed by the Samurai, a class of professional warriors. During this period, various martial arts flourished across Asia. The Samurai adapted jujitsu (or jijisu), a hand-to-hand combat style used extensively in military training.
However, with the fall of the Samurai in 1868 and the rise of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji, jujitsu began to decline. Although never officially banned, increasing Western influence led to a loss of interest in traditional martial arts. Jujitsu might have faded into obscurity if not for the efforts of Jigoro Kano.
The Father of Judo: Jigoro Kano
Dr. Jigoro Kano played a pivotal role in the creation and promotion of Judo. Born in 1860 into an affluent family, Kano was the son of a head priest. Despite excelling academically, he was concerned about his frail physique and frequent bullying.
Determined to grow stronger, he sought to learn jujitsu but struggled to find a willing teacher. Eventually, Kano began training under Yanosuke Fukuda, a jujitsu master. His passion for martial arts grew rapidly, and by the age of 21, he founded a new school to teach a refined martial art—Judo—which combined the best techniques from various jujitsu styles.
The Kodokan is Founded
In 1882, a small dojo of twelve mats (2' × 4'), with only nine students marked the beginning of the Kodokan. At the time of the Kodokan's founding, Jigoro Kano, the head instructor, was only twenty-three years old.
Kano called his new method "Nippon Den Kodokan Judo", which is better known today as Kodokan Sport Judo. The objective was to cultivate one's mind and body to the fullest, so that one may serve the preservation and general welfare of all mankind.
Judo Spreads Across Japan & the World
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department started judo in 1886 to develop physical and mental culture in its policemen. In 1911, educational institutions included judo as part of their curriculum. By the late 1930's, judo had attained widespread popularity throughout Japan.
Following WWII, with the return of many servicemen who studied at the Kodokan, the sport began to flourish globally. In 1951, the International Judo Federation was formed. Judo became an Olympic sport at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics for men, and women's judo was added in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Judo Around the World
Today, over 180 countries are members of the International Judo Federation, with France reportedly having more Judo practitioners than Japan. The United States has developed a strong judo program which has produced many World and Olympic champions.
Orange County Kodokan Judo was proud to have Tony Okada chosen to represent the USA in the 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain.
Progression
Judo Ranks & Belts
Judo uses a colored belt system to denote rank and progression. Students advance through kyu (student) grades before achieving dan (black belt) ranks.
Beginner
White
Hachi-kyu
Yellow (8th grade)
Hichi-kyu
Orange (7th grade)
Roku-kyu
Green (6th grade)
Go-kyu
Blue (5th grade)
Yon-kyu
Purple (4th grade)
San-kyu
Brown (3rd grade)
Ni-kyu
Brown (2nd grade)
Ik-kyu
Brown (1st grade)
Shodan
Black (1st degree)
Nidan
Black (2nd degree)
Sandan
Black (3rd degree)
Yodan
Black (4th degree)
Godan
Black (5th degree)
Rokudan
Black (6th degree)
Hichidan
Black (7th degree)
Hachidan
Black (8th degree)
Kudan
Red (9th degree)
Judan
Red (10th degree)
Respect & Tradition
Judo Etiquette
Etiquette is an important part of the sport of judo. Players (judokas) are expected to respect their practice partners, opponents, instructors, coaches, and referees. Respect for others in judo is expressed through actions and words.
Bowing (Rei)
In Japanese culture, bowing is routinely performed as a sign of greeting and respect. There are two types of bows performed in judo: standing and sitting. Judokas bow when entering and leaving the mat, at the beginning and end of class, and before and after practicing with a partner.
On the Mat
All participants bow before entering the practice mat. When beginning practice with a partner, the judoka requests the honor by saying "onegai shimasu". After finishing, they thank them by saying "domo arigato".
Starting Class
At the start of class, senseis sit first, then judokas sit starting from left to right. Class is called to attention "kiyotsuke". Judokas perform a sitting bow on their knees at the command of "rei".
Ending Class
At the conclusion, judokas line up again. The sensei calls "mokuso" to begin meditation breathing (inhale 7 counts, hold 7, exhale). This is followed by bowing and thanking the senseis with "domo arigato".
Dojo Guidelines
- Always be respectful, courteous, and helpful to all judokas.
- Be punctual at all scheduled classes and training sessions.
- Do not attend practice if you have an open wound, skin condition, or communicable disease.
- Keep finger & toenails trimmed short & clean (for safety reasons).
- Long hair MUST be tied up with no metal hair ties.
- Remove all jewelry and body piercings prior to practice.
- Female students must wear a white crew neck T-shirt under the judo-gi.
- Males should not wear tee shirts.
- Food, drinks, or gum is not permitted on the mat.
- Help keep the dojo clean and tidy. A clean and tidy dojo is a safe dojo.
- Practice in a clean gi.
- The gi must always be worn with the left lapel crossed over the right.
- Shoes must be worn when not on the mat. Never walk away from the mat without shoes.
- Judokas are not permitted to wear socks on the mat.
- Bow when you enter and leave the dojo and when you step on and off the mat.
- Always walk around the edges of the mat and never walk in front of a sensei.
- When sitting on the mat, sit on your knees or cross-legged.
- Any occurrence of bullying, stealing, swearing, or disrespect are unacceptable.
- If you are late for practice, wait at the edge of the mat until acknowledged.
- If you need to leave class, seek your sensei's permission.
- If you feel pain or weakness, stop immediately and let your sensei know.
- Parents are expected to observe and cheer, not coach during class or tournaments.
Language
Japanese Terms & Counting
Learning basic Japanese terms and counting is an essential part of judo training and shows respect for the art's origins.
Counting in Japanese
Common Judo Terms
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