Judo, more than 100 years old, is the descendant of much older forms of defensive and offensive martial arts which originated in the Orient: China, Korea, and Japan.

In 1882 Dr. Jigoro Kano, who had acquired a great knowledge of various forms of the martial arts as taught at that time, established a school, still known today as The Kodokan. He refined these various forms of martial arts and named it “Judo”.

Judo does not involve such tactics as kicking or striking an opponent. Instead, it is based on four groups of interrelated techniques. Judo is probably best known for its spectacular throwing techniques, but it also includes hold-downs (like pins in wrestling), chokes and arm-locks. A set of internationally recognized rules govern the use of these techniques continuing Dr. Kano’s philosophy which emphasizes the activity as a sport. Although originally intended for men and boys, the sport has included girls and women since the early 1900’s. Judo was introduced and accepted as an Olympic sport in 1964, and has followers throughout the world.

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