Judo

Judo is a martial art and combat sport developed in 1882 by Jigoro Kanō, a trained master of Japanese martial arts. Judo is a disciplined sport based not on physical strength but on intelligence, timing, balance, leverage, and efficiency. At its core, it involves turning an opponent’s movements to one’s own advantage by unbalancing and throwing them to the ground. The aim of judo is to neutralize an opponent by using their own force against them. The word “judo” means “gentle way,” and it is not merely a physical discipline but also one that promotes mental and ethical development.

Jigorō Kanō, Image: DOJO SAINT GERMANAIS

Judo was included in the Olympic Games in 1964 in Tokyo, becoming an official Olympic sport. Since then, it has spread globally, and today there are professional judo organizations in many countries. Judo aims to provide athletes not only with physical development but also with self-discipline, respect, courtesy, and mutual trust as ethical values.

Basic Techniques of Judo

The basic techniques of judo consist of various grappling methods performed both standing and on the ground. These techniques aim to unbalance, throw, or immobilize the opponent. The main judo techniques are as follows:

1. Tachi-Waza (Standing Techniques): Techniques performed while standing to throw the opponent to the ground. These include:
2. 1. O-goshi (Major Hip Throw): A technique where the opponent is gripped around the waist and pulled toward the hip to execute a throw.
   2. Ippon Seoi Nage (One-Arm Shoulder Throw): A movement in which one arm of the opponent is grasped and pulled over the shoulder to throw them to the ground.
   3. Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw): A technique in which the leg is inserted between the opponent’s legs and swept inward to disrupt their balance and cause a fall.
   4. Tai Otoshi (Body Drop): A technique where the opponent is pulled in close and rapidly rotated sideways to throw them to the ground.

1. Ne-Waza (Ground Techniques): Grappling techniques performed on the ground. These include:
2. 1. Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold): A technique where the opponent is laid on their back, the head is controlled, and the upper body is pinned to restrict movement.
   2. Yoko Shiho Gatame (Side Control): A technique where the opponent is turned onto their side and the upper body is controlled and pinned.
   3. Ude Garami (Arm Entanglement): A technique that involves twisting the opponent’s arm to gain control.

Young Women’s National Judo Team, Image: Anadolu Agency

1. Atemi-Waza (Striking Techniques): In traditional judo, strikes are intended to create physical impact; however, in modern judo rules, atemi is generally prohibited.
2. Kansetsu-Waza (Joint Lock Techniques): Techniques that involve locking an opponent’s joints to control them or force submission. The most common joint locks target the elbow and wrist.

Judo Belt Ranking System

Judo ranks athletes hierarchically according to their skill, technical proficiency, and experience. This ranking is indicated by the color of the belt worn by the athlete.

Judo belts are divided into two main categories: student grades and master grades. Beginners wear a white belt. Athletes advance their belt rank through examinations held every six months. Belt colors are sequentially white, yellow, orange, green, blue, and brown, representing the Kyu grades. The Dan grades, indicating mastery, range from 1st to 10th degree. Judokas holding 6th, 7th, and 8th Dan may optionally wear a red-and-white belt. Those holding 9th and 10th Dan are entitled to wear a solid red belt.

Judo Belts, Image: https://www.nocojiujitsu.com/judo-belts-guide-meaning/

Educational and Ethical Values of Judo

Judo is not merely a combat sport but also an educational tool. Through judo, athletes learn values such as discipline, respect, self-control, and mutual trust. In the philosophy of judo, the word “do” means “way,” and it contributes to the personal development of practitioners. As a sport that promotes both physical and mental growth, judo is practiced by millions of people worldwide.

The Development of Judo in Türkiye

Judo was introduced to Türkiye in the early 1950s, and its first official activities began in 1962 under the auspices of the Wrestling Federation. In 1966, the Judo Federation began operating as a federation under activity. Following a regulation change in 1993, the federation began electing its president. The first Turkish Championship was held in 1967, and since then, judo has become widespread throughout Türkiye.

Between 1969 and 1979, the federation operated in collaboration with Taekwondo, and between 1980 and 1990, it collaborated with Karate federations. Since 1990, the federation has focused exclusively on judo. After the separation of Kurash in 2011, it has operated solely as the Türkiye Judo Federation.

International Spread and Current Status of Judo

Judo began spreading beyond Japan in the early 20th century and was incorporated into the Olympic Games in 1964 in Tokyo. Since then, it has gained global popularity and is now practiced in many countries as a formal sport. Judo has also become widely recognized not only as a martial art but also as an educational discipline.

Today, judo is regarded as one of the most prestigious combat sports in the Olympics, with professional judo organizations established in numerous countries. Judo not only enhances athletes’ physical development but also contributes significantly to the shaping of their character.