What is Judo?

Judo, founded in Japan by Jigoro Kano in 1882, is a modern martial art and Olympic sport that emphasizes throws, pins, and submissions. It relies on balance, leverage, and timing rather than brute strength. At its heart, judo is a philosophy: practitioners learn adaptability, respect, and resilience, guided by Kano’s principles of “maximum efficiency, minimum effort” and “mutual welfare and benefit.”