Judo: Complete Guide to the History, Techniques, Belts, and Philosophy of the Way of Yielding

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 originated from the synthesis of ancient jujutsu schools and is based on two core principles: Seiryoku Zen’yō (maximum efficient use of energy) and Jita Kyōei (friendship and mutual prosperity). It has been an Olympic discipline since 1964, practiced in over 200 countries. 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 complete educational method for body and mind.

What is Judo? Definition and Meaning

The judo (柔道, jūdō) is amartial art, a combat sport, a method of self-defense and a educational philosophy born in Japan in 1882. The word is composed of two kanji: jū (柔, yielding, adaptability) and dō (道, way, path). The literal meaning is therefore “the way of yielding” – a name that captures the essence of the discipline: not opposing the opponent’s force, but using it to your advantage.

Judo is today one of the most practiced martial arts worldwide and an Olympic discipline since 1964. At the Athens 2004 Games, judo was the second most universal sport with athletes from 98 different countries, while at London 2012, 387 athletes from 135 nations participated. If you are looking for equipment to start or continue your judo journey, at FightClub Store you will find everything you need: from judogi to the belts, from protective gear to sports bags.

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

History of Judo: from Jujutsu to Kōdōkan

Who founded Judo: Jigorō Kanō

Judo was founded by Professor Jigorō Kanō (1860–1938), born in Mikage, near Kōbe. Kanō was a small and slender boy, often targeted by bigger classmates. This condition pushed him to seek in jujutsu – the ancient martial art of the samurai – a way to compensate for physical disadvantage.

He studied various jujutsu schools, particularly the Tenshin Shin’yō-ryū (specialized in immobilization techniques and strikes to vital points) and the Kitō-ryū (famous for throws and randori, free exercise). The historical period was crucial: 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 only 22 years old, Kanō opened his first dojo in a small room of just 12 tatami mats in the Eishō temple, in the Shitaya district of Tokyo, with only 9 students. Thus was born the Kōdōkan ("Place to study the Way"), where from the ashes of jujutsu emerged judo: a discipline that eliminated the most violent aspects of traditional combat to focus ontechnical efficiency, the respect for the opponent and the comprehensive personal development.

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 law enforcement training. Kōdōkan students won 13 out of 15 matches, establishing judo as the reference martial art. Thanks to his institutional roles (he was an advisor to the Ministry of Education and director of the Higher Normal School), Kanō succeeded in including judo in Japanese school curricula.

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

"Kanō did not simply create a sport: he devised an educational system where combat becomes a tool for personal and collective growth."

The Fundamental Principles of Judo

Judo is based on two maxims 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 Best Use of Energy

Seiryoku Zen’yo (精力善用) means "the best use of physical and mental energy." It's not just about sports technique: this principle teaches how to use your resources as efficiently as possible, both on the tatami and in everyday life. As Kanō himself explained: apply techniques at the right moment, using the opponent's movement and strength to achieve the maximum result 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 states 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 together to grow and progress with the best use of energy.

The Judoka's Moral Code

Besides the two fundamental principles, judo is based on a moral code composed of eight essential values:

• Courtesy (Rei) – respecting others

• Courage (Yūki) – facing challenges with determination

• Sincerity (Makoto) – expressing oneself without deceit

• Honor (Meiyō) – being true to one’s word

• Modesty (Kenkyo) – humility

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

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

• Friendship (Yūjō) – cultivating genuine bonds

"Judo shapes character even before forging the body: those who step on the tatami learn to lose with dignity and 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 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, where the thrower falls to the ground). Tachi-waza are further divided into: Te-waza (arm techniques, like Seoi-nage), Koshi-waza (hip techniques, like O-goshi) and Ashi-waza (leg techniques, like O-soto-gari). The Go-kyō includes 40 throwing techniques fundamental.

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, an effective hold maintained for 20 seconds counts as Ippon (decisive point).

Atemi-waza: Striking Techniques

The Atemi-waza are striking techniques (punches, kicks, elbows) present in traditional judo but forbidden in competition. They are studied exclusively in kata (preset forms), like Kime-no-kata, which simulates self-defense situations.

Kata and Randori: The Two Pillars of Training

Judo training is based on two fundamental exercises. The kata are codified sequences of techniques performed with a partner, aimed at perfecting form and precision of movement. The randori ("control of chaos") is free exercise – the live practice of fighting, where techniques are applied spontaneously and adaptively. Kanō considered both essential: kata for technical perfection, randori for adaptability.

To train completely, at FightClub Store you’ll find all thegym equipment, come on striking pads to training bags, as well as jump ropes and stretching equipment for warm-up and physical preparation.

Judo Belts: Colors, Kyu and Dan Grades

The judo grading system is one of the most iconic in the martial arts world. Created by Kanō himself, it divides practitioners into Mudansha (kyu grades, colored belts) and Yudansha (dan grades, black belts and above).

Kyu Grades: from Beginner to Brown Belt

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

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

Dan Grades: the Black Belt and Beyond

The black belt (from 1st to 5th dan) is not a final goal, but the beginning of a new phase. On average, it takes between 5 and 10 years of consistent practice to reach the 1st dan. Beyond the 5th dan, the belts change color: white-red 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 reached them.

Discover all the judo belts available at FightClub Store, along with judogi for children, approved judogi for competitions and training judogi.

“Reaching the black belt in judo is like learning the alphabet: only then can you start writing your own story.”

How a Judo Competition Works: Rules and Scoring

A judo match takes place on a tatami (mat) and lasts 4 minutes for adults (3 minutes for cadets). The goal is to achieve a Ippon – the highest score that immediately ends the match. An Ippon can be achieved with a throw executed with control, power, and the opponent landing on their back; with a hold-down maintained for 20 seconds; or with a submission by choke or joint lock.

If no Ippon is scored during regular time, the intermediate score is the Waza-ari (half point). Two Waza-ari equal one Ippon. Infractions are penalized with Shido (penalties). In case of a tie, it goes to Golden Score – an unlimited overtime period where the first point scored determines the winner.

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

What You Need to Practice Judo: Equipment and Judogi

The judo uniform is called judogi (often incorrectly called “kimono”) and was designed by Kanō himself to ensure safety during practice. The judogi consists of three elements: the jacket (uwagi), the pants (zubon) 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 help distinguish the two fighters on TV broadcasts).

At FightClub Store you will find a wide selection of judo clothing, including judo pants and judo accessories. Among the reference brands, we offer judogi Adidas, Mizuno and Itaki, brands chosen by beginners and champions worldwide.

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

Benefits of Judo: Why Practice It

Judo offers benefits that go far beyond simple physical training:

• Complete physical development: trains 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 self-defense situations.

• Educational values: respect, courtesy, courage, and self-control are integral parts of the teaching. It is among the most recommended martial arts for children and teenagers.

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

“Judo is the gym of life: it teaches you to fall without getting hurt, to get up with determination, and to respect those who have put you down.”

Judo and Other Disciplines: Comparisons and Differences

Judo vs Karate

The fundamental difference lies in the fighting distance. The karate is a martial art based on strikes (punches, kicks, knees) at medium and long distance. The judo is instead an art of grip and throw: the fight takes place in close contact, aiming to throw the opponent to the ground or control them on the mat. 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

The traditional jiu-jitsu is the ancestor of judo: Kanō created judo by synthesizing various jujutsu schools. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, descends from Kōdōkan judo and focuses mainly on ground fighting (ne-waza), while modern judo favors standing throws.

Judo and Other Japanese Martial Arts

In the landscape of Japanese martial arts, judo stands alongside other disciplines with a great tradition: theaikido (which shares with judo the principle of yielding but has no competitive tournaments), the kendo (Japanese fencing), the kung fu (of Chinese origin) and taekwondo (of Korean origin, based on kicks). Each discipline offers a different path, but judo remains one of the few to combine an Olympic sport, a self-defense method, and an educational system.

Judo for Children: Why It’s the Ideal Sport

Judo is universally recognized as one of the best sports for children. UNESCO has identified it as the most suitable sport for kids and teens, thanks to its educational approach that focuses on respect for rules, emotional management, and complete motor development. Learning ukemi (falling techniques) is the first lesson: learning to fall safely is a skill that protects you in everyday life.

For the little ones, FightClub Store offers judogi specifically for children, lightweight and comfortable, as well as all judo accessories and judo-themed gadgets perfect as gifts for young judokas.

Nutrition and Supplementation for Judokas

Judo is a sport that requires explosiveness, endurance, and strength. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in preparation, especially close to competitions (where weight categories are decisive). To support intense training, it can be useful to supplement with proteins, amino acids and BCAAs, mineral salts and pre-workout supplements. For recovery after the session, the post-workout products and rehydration products are valuable allies. At FightClub Store, a wide range of Yamamoto Nutrition sports supplements designed for combat sports athletes.

Starting to Practice Judo: Practical Tips

To start practicing judo, the first step is to find a dojo (martial arts gym) affiliated with FIJLKAM or a sports promotion organization recognized by CONI. There are no age limits: you can start from 4–5 years old with motor play programs oriented to judo, 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 frequency.

For the first day on the tatami, you only need a judogi and a white belt. Over time, you can add a dedicated sports bag, tatami edge slippers and, if you decide to compete, a mouthguards approved.

FAQ

What is judo about?

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 codified forms (kata). Unlike other disciplines, judo forbids strikes like punches and kicks during competition, focusing instead on the skill of unbalancing and throwing the opponent by using their own strength. But judo is much more than a sport: it is a complete educational method based on the principles of efficiency (Seiryoku Zen’yo) and mutual prosperity (Jita Kyoei), which applies both on the tatami and in everyday life.

What is the strongest martial art in Japan?

There is no single answer because “strong” can have different meanings. Historically, judo is one of the most complete Japanese martial arts, thanks to the combination of standing and ground techniques, and it was the discipline that prevailed in the famous Tokyo tournament against traditional jujutsu schools. Among other important Japanese martial arts are karate (based on strikes), theaikido (focused on neutralization techniques), the jiu-jitsu (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 opposite fighting philosophies. Karate is based on striking techniques (punches, kicks, elbows) performed at a distance. Judo, on the other hand, is a grappling art: fighting in close contact, aiming to throw the opponent to the ground or control them through holds, chokes, and joint locks. In karate, one wears a karategi (lighter), in judo a judogi (heavier and more durable to withstand grips). Both share the colored belt system and the black belt as a symbol of advanced skill.

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. Philosophically, the founding principles of judo are two: Seiryoku Zen’yo (maximum efficiency) and Jita Kyoei (friendship and mutual prosperity). Added to these is the moral code of the judoka, which includes eight qualities: courtesy, courage, sincerity, honor, modesty, respect, self-control, and friendship.

Find all the judo equipment at FightClub Store

FightClub Store is the online store specialized in martial arts and combat sports. In the Judo you find judogi, belts, sports bags, accessories, certificates and accessories from the best brands such as Adidas, Mizuno and Itaki. We also deal with related disciplines such as Boxing, Kickboxing and Muay Thai, MMA, Krav Maga and many others. Fast shipping throughout Italy.