Judo: A Comprehensive Guide to the History, Techniques, Belts, and Philosophy of the Way of Flexibility

TL;DR

Judo (literally “the way of yielding”) is a Japanese martial art founded in 1882 by Professor Jigorō Kanō at the Kōdōkan in Tokyo. It emerged from the synthesis of ancient jujutsu schools and is based on two core principles: Seiryoku Zen’yo (optimal use of energy) and Jita Kyoei (friendship and mutual prosperity). It has been an Olympic sport since 1964 and is practiced in over 200 countries. The techniques are divided into Nage-waza (throws), Katame-waza (ground controls), and Atemi-waza (strikes, only in kata). The ranking system ranges from white belt (6th kyu) to black belt (1st to 10th dan). Judo is not just combat: it is a comprehensive educational method for both body and mind.

What is Judo? Definition and Meaning

The judo (柔道, jūdō) is amartial art, a combat sport, and a method of self-defense and an educational philosophy originated in Japan in 1882. The word is composed of two kanji: jū (柔, flexibility, adaptability) and dō (道, way, path). The literal meaning is therefore “the way of flexibility”—a name that encapsulates the essence of the discipline: not to resist the opponent’s force, but to use it to one’s advantage.

Judo is now one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world and has been an Olympic sport since 1964. At the 2004 Athens Games, judo was the second most universal sport, with athletes from 98 different countries, while 387 athletes from 135 nations competed at the 2012 London Games. If you’re looking for gear to start or continue your journey in judo, you’ll find everything you need at FightClub Store: from judogi to belts, from protective gear to duffel bags.

“Judo is not simply a martial art: it is an educational system that teaches how to use the body and mind as efficiently as possible.”

The History of Judo: From Jujutsu to the Kodokan

Who founded Judo: Jigorō Kanō

Judo was founded by Professor Jigorō Kanō (1860–1938), who was born in Mikage, near Kōbe. Kanō was a small, slender boy who was often the target of his stronger classmates. It was precisely this situation that led him to seek out jujutsu —the ancient martial art of the samurai—a way to compensate for his physical disadvantage.

He studied various schools of jujutsu, particularly the Tenshin Shin’yō-ryū (specializing in immobilization techniques and strikes to vital points) and the Kitō-ryū (famous for throws and randori, free practice). It was a crucial historical period: with the Meiji Restoration (1868), Japan was opening up to the West, and traditional martial arts were considered outdated and vulgar practices.

In February 1882, at just 22 years old, Kanō opened his first dojo in a small room measuring just 12 tatami mats at Eishō Temple in Tokyo’s Shitaya district, with only 9 students. Thus was born the Kōdōkan (“Place to Study the Way”), where judo emerged from the ashes of jujutsu: a discipline that eliminated the most violent aspects of traditional combat to focus ontechnical efficiency, respect for the opponent , and the holistic development of the individual.

The Rise of Judo: From Tournaments to the Olympics

The turning point for judo came with an official tournament held in Tokyo to identify the most effective discipline for training law enforcement officers. The Kōdōkan students won 13 out of 15 matches, establishing judo as the martial art of choice. Thanks to his institutional roles (he was an advisor to the Ministry of Education and director of the Higher Normal School), Kanō succeeded in incorporating judo into Japanese school curricula.

In 1909, Kanō became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Judo officially became part of the Olympic program at the 1964 Tokyo Games, twenty-six years after the founder’s death (in 1938). At the time of his passing, there were already over 100,000 black belts worldwide.

“Kanō didn’t simply create a sport; he devised an educational system in which combat becomes a tool for personal and collective growth.”

The Fundamental Principles of Judo

Judo is based on two principles formulated by Kanō in 1922, forty years after the founding of the Kōdōkan, the result of decades of study and practice:

Seiryoku Zen’yo: The Optimal Use of Energy

Seiryoku Zen’yo (精力善用) means “the best use of physical and mental energy.” It is not merely a sporting technique: this principle teaches us to use our resources as efficiently as possible, both on the mat and in daily life. As Kanō himself explained: applying techniques at the right moment, utilizing the opponent’s movement and strength, to achieve maximum results with minimum effort.

Jita Kyoei: Friendship and Mutual Prosperity

Jita Kyoei (自他共栄) translates as “myself and others together to progress.” This principle asserts that personal progress is achieved only through collaboration with others. In judo, without a partner willing to fall and be thrown, no learning is possible. This logic extends to society: all working together to grow and progress through the best use of energy.

The Moral Code of the Judoka

In addition to these two fundamental principles, judo is based on a moral code consisting of eight core values:

• Courtesy (Rei) – respecting others

• Courage (Yūki) – facing difficulties with determination

• Sincerity (Makoto) – expressing oneself without deception

• Honor (Meiyō) – keeping one’s word

• Modesty (Kenkyo) – not boasting

• Respect (Sonchō) – toward teachers, peers, and opponents

• Self-control (Jisei) – controlling one’s emotions

• Friendship (Yūjō) – fostering genuine bonds

“Judo builds character even before it builds the body: those who step onto the mat learn to lose with dignity and to win with respect.”

Judo Techniques: Nage-waza, Katame-waza, and Atemi-waza

The technical repertoire of judo is vast and codified. Kanō structured the Go-kyō in 1895 (revised in 1921), classifying the techniques into five groups. The three main categories are:

Nage-waza: Throwing Techniques

Throwing techniques (Nage-waza) are the spectacular heart of judo. They are divided into Tachi-waza (standing techniques) and Sutemi-waza (sacrifice techniques, in which the person performing the throw throws themselves to the ground). Tachi-waza are further subdivided into: Te-waza (arm techniques, such as Seoi-nage), Koshi-waza (hip techniques, such as O-goshi) and Ashi-waza (leg techniques, such as O-soto-gari). Go-kyō comprises 40 fundamental throwing techniques .

Katame-waza: Ground Control Techniques

The Katame-waza includes all ground techniques: Osae-komi-waza (holds), Shime-waza (chokes) and Kansetsu-waza (joint locks, usually on the elbow). In competition, a successful hold maintained for 20 seconds is worth Ippon (decisive point).

Atemi-waza: Striking Techniques

The Atemi-waza are striking techniques (punches, kicks, elbows) found in traditional judo but prohibited in competition. They are studied exclusively in kata (prescribed forms), such as the Kime-no-kata, which simulates self-defense situations.

Kata and Randori: The Two Pillars of Training

Judo training consists of two fundamental exercises. The Kata are standardized sequences of techniques performed with a partner, aimed at perfecting form and precision. randori (“control of chaos”) is the free exercise—the live practice of combat, in which techniques are applied spontaneously and adaptively. Kanō considered both indispensable: kata for technical perfection, randori for adaptability.

For a well-rounded workout, you’ll find all thegym equipment, from punching bags to punching bags, as well as jump ropes and stretching equipment for warm-ups and physical conditioning.

Judo Belts: Colors, Kyu and Dan Ranks

The judo ranking system is one of the most iconic in the world of martial arts. Designed by Kanō himself, it classifies practitioners into Mudansha (kyu ranks, colored belts) and Yudansha (dan ranks, black belts and higher).

Kyu Ranks: From Beginner to Brown Belt

The order of colored belts, from lowest to highest, is:

In Italy, there are also half-belts (white-yellow, yellow-orange, orange-green, green-blue, blue-brown), used primarily for young judokas to make their progression more gradual.

Dan Ranks: The Black Belt and Beyond

The black belt (from 1st to 5th dan) is not the final goal, but the beginning of a new phase. On average, it takes between 5 to 10 years of constant practice to reach 1st dan. Beyond 5th dan, the belts change color: red-and-white from 6th to 8th dan, red for the 9th and 10th dan. Kanō even established the 11th and 12th dan (wide white belt), but no one in history has ever attained them.

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“Earning a black belt in judo is like learning the alphabet: only then can you begin to write your own story.”

How a Judo Match Works: Rules and Scoring

A judo match takes place on a tatami (mat) and lasts 4 minutes for adults (3 minutes for juniors). The goal is to score an Ippon —the maximum score that immediately ends the match. An Ippon can be scored with a throw executed with control, power, and the opponent landing on their back; with a hold maintained for 20 seconds; or with a submission via chokehold or joint lock.

If no ippon is scored during regulation time, the score at that point is Waza-ari (half-point). Two Waza-ari are equivalent to one Ippon. Infractions are penalized with Shido (penalties). In the event of a tie, the match proceeds to Golden Score —an open-ended overtime period in which the first point scored determines the winner.

The competition rules are established by the International Judo Federation (IJF), the governing body for judo worldwide. In Italy, the governing body is the FIJLKAM (Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts).

What You Need to Practice Judo: Equipment and Judogi

The judo uniform is called judogi (often incorrectly called a “kimono”) and was designed by Kanō himself to ensure safety during practice. The judogi consists of three parts: the jacket (uwagi), the trousers (pants) and the belt (obi). It is made of heavy, sturdy cotton fabric, designed to withstand grips without tearing. In competition, white or blue judogi are used (blue was introduced to make it easier to distinguish between the two fighters in television broadcasts).

At FightClub Store, you'll find a wide selection of judo apparel, including judo pants and judo accessories. Among our top brands, we offer Adidas, Mizuno and Itaki, brands chosen by beginners and champions around the world.

In addition to a judogi, protective gear such as mouthguards, knee and elbow pads and groin guards. Judo is practiced barefoot on regulation tatami mats.

Benefits of Judo: Why You Should Practice It

Judo offers benefits that go far beyond simple physical training:

• Comprehensive physical development: builds strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and cardiovascular endurance. It is one of the few sports that engages the entire musculature.

• Mental discipline: teaches concentration, stress management, decision-making under pressure, and emotional resilience.

• Self-defense: Throwing, immobilization, and control techniques are effective in real-life self-defense situations.

• Educational values: Respect, courtesy, courage, and self-control are an integral part of the training. It is one of the most recommended martial arts for children and teenagers.

• Social interaction: Judo is always practiced with a partner, fostering the development of relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

“Judo is a training ground for life: it teaches you how to fall without getting hurt, how to get back up with determination, and how to respect the person who took you down.”

Judo and Other Sports: Similarities and Differences

Judo vs. Karate

The key difference lies in the fighting distance. The karate is a martial art based on strikes (punches, kicks, knee strikes) at medium and long range. Judo , on the other hand, is an art of grappling and throwing: combat takes place in close contact, with the goal of throwing the opponent to the ground or controlling them on the ground. Both disciplines are Japanese, Olympic sports, and share the kyu/dan ranking system introduced by Kanō himself.

Judo vs. Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Traditional traditional jiu-jitsu is the ancestor of judo: Kanō created judo by synthesizing various schools of jujutsu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, is derived from Kodokan judo and focuses primarily on ground fighting (ne-waza), whereas modern judo emphasizes standing throws.

Judo and Other Japanese Martial Arts

Within the realm of Japanese martial arts, judo stands alongside other disciplines with a long-standing tradition:aikido (which shares the principle of yielding with judo but does not have competitive matches), kendo (Japanese fencing), and kung fu (of Chinese origin), and taekwondo (of Korean origin, based on kicking). Each discipline offers a different path, but judo remains one of the few to combine Olympic sport, a method of self-defense, and an educational system.

Judo for Kids: Why It’s the Perfect Sport

Judo is universally recognized as one of the best sports for children. UNESCO has identified it as the most suitable sport for children and adolescents, thanks to its educational approach that emphasizes respect for the rules, emotional regulation, and comprehensive motor development. Learning ukemi (falling techniques) is the first thing taught: learning to fall safely is a skill that protects us in everyday life.

For younger children, FightClub Store offers special judogi for childrenthat are lightweight and comfortable, as well as all judo accessories and judo-themed gadgets that make perfect gifts for young judokas.

Nutrition and Supplements for Judokas

Judo is a sport that requires explosiveness, endurance, and strength. Nutrition plays a key role in preparation, especially in the lead-up to competitions (where weight classes are decisive). To support intense training, it may be helpful to supplement with protein, amino acids, and BCAAs, minerals and pre-workout supplements. For recovery after your workout, post-workout products and rehydration drinks are valuable allies. The FightClub Store offers a wide range of Yamamoto Nutrition sports supplements designed for combat sports athletes.

Getting Started with Judo: Practical Tips

To start practicing judo, the first step is to find a dojo (martial arts gym) affiliated with the FIJLKAM or a sports promotion organization recognized by CONI. There are no age limits: you can start as young as 4–5 years old with judo-oriented motor skills programs, or as an adult. The average cost of a judo course in Italy ranges from 40 to 70 euros per month, depending on the facility and weekly attendance.

For your first day on the tatami, all you need is a judogi and a white belt. Over time, you can add a dedicated bag, tatami slippers, and, if you decide to compete, a approved mouthguard .

FAQ

What is judo?

Judo is a Japanese martial art founded in 1882 by Professor Jigorō Kanō. It consists of a combat system based on throwing techniques (Nage-waza), ground control (Katame-waza), and standardized forms (kata). Unlike other disciplines, judo prohibits strikes such as punches and kicks during competition, focusing instead on the ability to unbalance and throw the opponent by using their own strength against them. But judo is much more than a sport: it is a comprehensive educational method based on the principles of efficiency (Seiryoku Zen’yo) and mutual prosperity (Jita Kyoei), which applies both on the tatami and in daily life.

What is the strongest martial art in Japan?

There is no single answer, because “strong” can have different meanings. Judo is historically one of the most comprehensive Japanese martial arts, thanks to its combination of standing and ground techniques, and it was the discipline that prevailed in the famous Tokyo tournament against the schools of traditional jujutsu. Other important Japanese martial arts include karate (based on strikes),aikido (focused on neutralization techniques), and jiu-jitsu (the ancestor of judo), and kendo (fencing). Each discipline excels in a specific area: true “strength” depends on the context and the practitioner’s goals.

What is the difference between judo and karate?

Judo and karate are two Japanese Olympic martial arts, but with opposing fighting philosophies. Karate is based on striking techniques (punches, kicks, elbow strikes) performed from a distance. Judo, on the other hand, is a grappling art: combat takes place in close contact, with the goal of throwing the opponent to the ground or controlling them through holds, chokes, and joint locks. In karate, one wears a karategi (lighter), while in judo a judogi (heavier and more durable to withstand grips). Both share the system of colored belts and the black belt as a symbol of advanced proficiency.

What are the 5 principles of judo?

The “5 principles of judo” generally refer to Go-kyō (五教, “five teachings”), the classification system of the 40 fundamental throwing techniques organized into 5 progressive groups (Ikkyō, Nikkyō, Sankyō, Yonkyō, Gokyō), codified by Kanō in 1895 and revised in 1921. On a philosophical level, there are two founding principles of judo: Seiryoku Zen’yo (best use of energy) and Jita Kyoei (friendship and mutual prosperity). Added to these is the judoka’s moral code, which comprises eight virtues: courtesy, courage, sincerity, honor, modesty, respect, self-control, and friendship.

Find all your judo gear at the FightClub Store

FightClub Store is the online store specializing in martial arts and combat sports. In the Judo section, you’ll find judogi, belts, duffel bags, accessories, certificates and gadgets from top brands such as Adidas, Mizuno and Itaki. We also cover related sports such as Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai, MMA, Krav Maga and many others. Fast shipping throughout Italy.