Judo

Histoire

Judo was created by Jigoro Kano, a small, studious young man who learned two old jujutsu schools, Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu and Kito-ryu. In 1882 he opened the Kodokan in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo and removed the most dangerous techniques so students could practise at full strength safely.

Kano built judo on two ideas: "maximum efficiency with minimum effort" and "mutual welfare and benefit". In 1909 he became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee. Judo entered the Olympics at Tokyo 1964 for men and at Barcelona 1992 for women. The International Judo Federation was founded in 1951.

Le saviez-vous ?

• Judo means "the gentle way".
• Kano invented the dan grades: the first black belts were given in 1883.
• At Tokyo 1964 the Dutchman Anton Geesink won the open category, beating the Japanese in their own sport.
• The blue judogi was introduced in international competition in the late 1990s, so referees and spectators can tell fighters apart.
• An "ippon" — a clean, powerful throw onto the back — ends the fight at once.
• France has more licensed judoka than Japan.

Glossaire des techniques

Seoi-nage

shoulder throw

O-soto-gari

major outer reap

Uchi-mata

inner-thigh throw

Harai-goshi

sweeping hip throw

Tomoe-nage

circle throw

Kesa-gatame

scarf hold

Juji-gatame

cross armlock

Hadaka-jime

rear naked choke

Ukemi

breakfall

Ippon / Waza-ari

full point / half point

Formes

Nage-no-kataKatame-no-kataJu-no-kataKime-no-kataKodokan Goshin JutsuItsutsu-no-kataKoshiki-no-kata

Armes et équipement

Judogi

heavy cotton uniform, white or blue

Tatami

mats

⚔ In the Arsenal

Keikogi (gi)Cinto negro

☯ Philosophy and quotes

Kano's two principlesBudoDoDojoReiKiaiSeiryoku zen'yoJita kyoeiKata / taoluSee all →

Figures clés

• Jigoro Kano (1860–1938) — founder of judo and of the Kodokan
• Kyuzo Mifune (1883–1965) — legendary Kodokan master, 10th dan
• Anton Geesink (1934–2010) — Dutch Olympic and world champion
• Yasuhiro Yamashita (1957–) — unbeaten in 203 fights at the end of his career, Olympic champion 1984
• Ryoko Tani (1975–) — two Olympic golds and seven world titles
• Teddy Riner (1989–) — French heavyweight with more than ten world titles

Sources: International Judo Federation (IJF) · Kodokan Judo Institute · International Olympic Committee