Judo, meaning "gentle way" in Japanese, is a dynamic and versatile combat sport that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. This Olympic discipline combines physical prowess with mental acuity, offering practitioners a unique blend of self-defense, competition, and personal development.
History and Origins of Judo
Judo's roots can be traced back to late 19th century Japan, where it was developed by Jigoro Kano. Born out of traditional Japanese jujutsu, Judo was designed to be a more accessible and practical martial art. Kano's vision was to create a system that emphasized efficiency, leverage, and the principle of "maximum efficiency with minimum effort."
Key Milestones in Judo's Evolution:
- 1882: Kano founds the Kodokan, the first Judo school
- 1964: Judo makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo
- 1988: Women's Judo becomes an Olympic demonstration sport
- 1992: Women's Judo officially joins the Olympic program.
