History

Judo was founded in the 1880’s by Dr Jigoro Kano, a Japanese student of martial arts, as a way of creating a purely defensive form of the ancient art of Jujitsu. Dissatisfied with the techniques and philosophy of Jujitsu, Kano drew on the elements of free practice, pre-arranged forms and throwing techniques that he learnt through the Jujitsu schools of Kito-ryu and Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū, bringing to those styles his own forms, techniques and ideas.

Kano's focus was on the development of the body, mind and character of his students, which he believed were brought into fruition through martial techniques based on scientific principles. The techniques he created were intended to enable a judoka to use their opponent’s weight and strength against them, allowing a weaker judoka to overcome a physically superior opponent. Through the 20th century, Judo increased in popularity, not just in Japan but worldwide. In 1964 Judo became an official sport as well as an Olympic event, contributing to its ever-increasing popularity. In fact, Judo is today the second most widely practiced international sport.