judo is a Japanese sports martial art style.
As a self defense technique, judo is intended not only for the physical development of the judoka (judo practitioner), but also his spirit and mind.
There are several rules of conduct and dress in judo. To participate in the competitions, judokas must wear a kimono (originally called a judogi, which can be white or blue) with the band corresponding to its graduation.
Judo matches must be held on a mat – a kind of square mat – and the main objective of the fight is to win an ippon.
O ippon is a complete point in the rules of judo. The judoka who gets an ippon first wins the fight.
To perform an ippon, the judoka must knock the opponent down so that he is immobilized with his back and shoulders on the ground for at least 30 seconds.
See also: the meaning of kimono.
In judo, blows to the opponent's face, neck or vertebrae are not allowed.
History of Judo
Judo originated as a less aggressive kind of jiu-jitsu.
Its creator was the Japanese Jigoro Kano who, in 1882, after researching different styles of trademark arts, developed a technique of blows where the key point was intelligence over physical strength.
In the literal Japanese translation, judo means "smooth path" or “the path of smoothness”.
Judo philosophy is based on the three principles that inspired Jigoro Kano: Principle of Maximum Efficiency (Seiryoku Zen’Yo); Principle of Prosperity and Mutual Benefits (Jita Kyoei); and Principle of Softness (Ju).
In 1972, after 90 years of its creation, Judo is officially included in the list of Olympic sports.
History of Judo in Brazil
Judo appeared in Brazil in the beginning of the 20th century, around 1910 to 1920, influenced by the increase in the number of Japanese immigrants in the country.
However, it was only in 1954 that the first Brazilian Championship and Judo was registered.
In 1969 the Brazilian Confederation of Judo was created, since until then this export was governed by the Brazilian Confederation of Pugilism.
Learn more about the meaning of Jiu Jitsu.
Judo Bands
The judo belts symbolize the judoka graduation level within the martial art. The tracks are divided into two groups: Kyu (beginners) and Dan (experienced).
The orders and colors of the bands may vary depending on the region where judo is practiced.
In Brazil, judo has 10 tracks in total: White, Gray, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Green, Pink, Brown, Black and Coral (Red and White).
Track counting is done in descending order.
Kyu - Beginner
Dan - Experienced
Judo hits
in addition to the ippon, the main and last move of judo, as already mentioned, there are still other moves that can be applied during combats:
- Wazari: this hit is worth half an ippon (half a point), that is, when applied twice, it guarantees a full ippon. Wazari consists of an incomplete ippon, when one of the judokas manages to knock down his opponent, but without touching his shoulders completely to the ground.
- Yuko: each Yuko is worth a third of a point. This blow is credited when the opponent lands with the body in a sideways position on the ground.
- Koka: it is worth a quarter (1/4) of a point. In this case, Koka is when the opponent falls sitting on the ground. Even being cumulative, four Kokas do not guarantee the end of the fight for Ippon.
Learn more about the meaning of Martial arts and Krav Maga.