Judo

Judo is a martial art and combat sport developed in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, a master of trained martial arts from Japan. Judo is based not on physical strength but on intelligence, speed, balance, strategy and technique. At its core, it involves using the opponent’s movements to one’s own advantage and unbalancing them to bring them to the ground. The aim of judo is to neutralize the opponent by leveraging their own strength. Judo means “gentle way” and is not merely a physical sport but also a discipline that promotes mental and ethical development.

^{Jigorō Kanō, Image:} DOJO SAINT GERMANAIS

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

The fundamental techniques of judo consist of various combat methods performed standing and on the ground. These techniques aim to unbalance, throw or neutralize 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 (Large 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 grabbed and pulled over the shoulder to throw them to the ground.
   3. Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Sweep): A technique where the leg is inserted between the opponent’s legs and swept inward to disrupt their balance and cause them to fall.
   4. Tai Otoshi (Body Drop): A technique where the opponent is pulled in and rapidly turned sideways to throw them to the ground.

1. Ne-Waza (Ground Techniques): Combat techniques performed on the ground. These include:
2. 1. Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold): The opponent is laid on their back, their head is controlled and their upper body is immobilized.
   2. Yoko Shiho Gatame (Side Control): The opponent is laid on their side and their upper body is controlled and immobilized.
   3. Ude Garami (Arm Entanglement): A technique that involves bending the opponent’s arm to gain control over them.

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

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

Judo classifies athletes hierarchically according to their experience, technical knowledge and experience levels. This ranking is indicated by the color of the belt worn by the athlete.

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

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

Judo is not merely a combat sport but also an educational tool. Athletes learn values such as discipline, respect, self-control and mutual trust through judo. In judo’s philosophy, the term “do” means “way” and 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.

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 an independent federation. Following a regulation change in 1993, it started electing its president. The first Turkish Championship was held in 1967, and since then judo has spread throughout the country.

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

Judo began spreading beyond Japan in the early 20th century and was included in the Olympic program at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Since then it has gained global popularity and is now widely practiced in many countries. Judo has become popular not only as a combat sport but also as an educational tool.

Today, judo is regarded as one of the most prestigious combat sports in the Olympics, and professional judo organizations exist in many countries. Judo not only enhances athletes’ physical development but also contributes to the formation of their character.