Judo

Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a Japanese educator, founded the Kodokan in Tokyo in 1882 by selecting and rationalising techniques from the various jujutsu schools of the Edo period. His declared aim was to turn a martial art into an educational method. The Kodokan remains the global reference. The International Judo Federation (IJF) governs the sport internationally and sets the rules for Olympic competition.

Practice is split into nage-waza (standing throws), katame-waza (ground control: pins osaekomi, joint locks kansetsu and strangles shime) and atemi-waza (strikes, excluded from randori and competition). Training alternates uchi-komi (repeated entries without throwing), nage-komi (full throws), randori (free sparring) and kata (codified forms). A tatami is required to absorb the falls.

Japanese kyu/dan system, codified by Kano himself. Kyu grades (usually 6th to 1st) correspond to the coloured belts (white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown). Dan grades start at shodan (1st dan, black belt) and reach 10th dan, historically reserved for direct students of Kano. Progression is gated by minimum age, years of practice and the passing of technical, kata and — from mid-grades on — competition exams.

• Required level: open to all ranks or restricted to dan; some events split groups by age for younger players.
• Type of practice: competitive randori, technical work on nage-waza, ne-waza (ground fighting), kata seminars ahead of exams.
• Grading validity: some seminars count as documented practice towards dan exam requirements; check the announcement.
• Length: single day, weekend, summer residential camps.
• Coaches: events with top international coaches and reference masters tend to fill quickly.

What is the difference between judo and jujutsu?

Judo is a modern rework of jujutsu, made by Jigoro Kano in 1882 for educational and sport purposes: he selected the techniques compatible with safe randori and excluded the more traumatic ones. Jujutsu (traditional or modern) keeps a broader repertoire, including strikes, joint locks and disarms, and is not an Olympic sport.

Is any special equipment needed?

A judogi (judo uniform) of suitable size and weight, and a tatami underfoot. In official competitions a judogi compliant with IJF specifications (density, length, labelling) is required.

At what age can one start?

Pre-judo classes usually start at 4–5 years with motor skills and falling drills; technical judo proper begins around 8 years. There is no upper age limit for adult beginners, subject to a medical check.

How long does a seminar typically last?

Weekend (Saturday and Sunday morning) and summer camps (3–7 days, often residential) are the most common formats. Single-day clinics and multi-week international camps for high-level competitors also exist.

Is judo only for children, or can adults practise too?

Judo is practised at all ages. Well-structured clubs separate groups by age and level: pre-judo for the youngest, competition tracks for juniors, technical and recreational groups for adults, and master classes for veterans.