Judo
柔道
Judo (柔道, "the gentle way") was founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It is a throwing-dominant grappling art with groundwork — newaza (寝技). It has been an Olympic sport since 1964 and is practiced by millions worldwide.
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Judo teaches you to use an opponent's force against them through powerful throws. Randori (乱取り, free sparring) and kata (型) training build real skill under pressure. Its Olympic pathway and global community make it one of the most accessible competitive martial arts.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Ukemi (受身, breakfalls) for safe landing from throws
Nage-waza (投技, throwing techniques — hip, hand, foot, sacrifice)
Osae-komi-waza (抑込技, pins) and katame-waza (固技, holding techniques)
Shime-waza (絞技, chokes) and kansetsu-waza (関節技, arm locks)
Kumi-kata (組方, gripping strategy and grip fighting)
Randori (乱取り, free sparring) and competition strategy
Your First Class
Wear a judogi (heavy gi). Expect breakfall practice (ukemi), basic throw entries with a partner, and possibly light randori (sparring). Classes run 60-90 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Gallery
Legends of Judo
Yasuhiro Yamashita (山下泰裕)
Yasuhiro Yamashita compiled 203 consecutive victories — the longest winning streak in Judo history — and won Olympic gold in 1984 despite competing with a torn calf muscle. He later served as president of the Japanese Olympic Committee, shaping the sport's future off the mat.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey was the first American woman to medal in Olympic Judo, then became the fighter who forced the UFC to create a women's division. Her armbar finishes and mainstream crossover appeal made women's MMA a global phenomenon virtually overnight.
Jigorō Kanō (嘉納治五郎)
Jigorō Kanō founded Judo in 1882 by distilling the most effective techniques from traditional Jujutsu into a modern martial art and sport. He established the Kodokan and championed the philosophy of "maximum efficiency, minimum effort" — principles that would shape martial arts education worldwide.
Kyūzō Mifune (三船久蔵)
Kyūzō Mifune was the lightest judoka to ever reach 10th dan, earning the title "God of Judo" for his ability to throw much larger opponents using pure technique. His fluid, almost effortless style remains the gold standard for what Judo aspires to be.
Related Styles
Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the oldest combat sports, with Olympic roots dating to ancient Greek pankration (παγκράτιον) and wrestling events from 708 BC. Modern competitive wrestling includes Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles, emphasizing takedowns, control, and pinning.
Sambo
Sambo (Самбо) — an acronym for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya (Самозащита Без Оружия, "self-defense without weapons") — is a Russian martial art and combat sport developed for the Soviet military. Sport Sambo — sportivnoe sambo (спортивное самбо) — focuses on throws and leg locks (no chokes), while Combat Sambo — boevoe sambo (боевое самбо) — adds strikes and is one of the most complete fighting systems.
Aikido
Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art focused on redirecting an attacker's energy through joint locks and throws. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, it emphasizes harmony and non-resistance.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Jiu-Jitsu Brasileiro — is a grappling-based martial art focused on ground fighting and submission techniques. Developed by the Gracie family, it emphasizes that a smaller person can defeat a larger opponent using leverage and technique.
Popular With
Technician
Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless.
Traditionalist
The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.
Guardian
Only a warrior chooses pacifism; others are condemned to it.
Completionist
There is no limit. When you reach one goal, find a new one.
Grappler
Position before submission.
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