History of Judo      

During  the feudal days of Japan, many forms of Jujitsu were taught which included such techniques as grappling , pushing, kicking and throwing. Professor Jigaro Kano, founder of Kodokan Judo studied these forms but became dissatisfied with the many injuries that occurred when practicing throwing techniques. Dr. Kano took what he saw as useful and beneficial, and he discarded what he thought harmful, such as punching and kicking. He also refined falling techniques, so throwing techniques could be practiced safely. The result was simply a safe way of teaching Jujitsu. He called this style JUDO, or “Gentle Way”. In 1882, the Kodokan, the first school of Judo, was started in Tokyo, Japan. By 1952, Judo had spread to the United States and was recognized by the AAU. In 1964, Dr. Kano’s dream was realized as Judo became an official sport in the Olympics. Worldwide recognition had been achieved at last.  In 1984, Women’s Judo was added to the Olympics.

Why Do We Bow?

In the time of the Samurai Warriors, the large weapons were carried on the back. When two warriors came together for a peaceful meeting or contest, they bent forward to show that they were not carrying a weapon. This was the way bowing started. 

     In the Western World, when the Roman Soldiers came together for a peaceful meeting or contest, they held out their hand to show that they weren’t carrying a weapon. This was how the handshake began. 

    The bow was how they signified that they would play by the rules of the contest. It was the way they greeted their opponent and later thanked them for the contest.  As Judo spread to other countries around the world, the terms and traditions were kept in Japanese. Tournaments and matches begin with a bow. Calls are in Japanese. Judo was the first Martial Art to become an Olympic Sport. In every country around the world, the rules, terms and customs are the same in a Kodokan Judo Dojo.