History of Judo

Judo has its origins in the 19th Century. The word Judo has the same root as Jujitsu. The Ju element may mean "gentleness", "softness", "suppleness", and even "easy", depending on its context. The soft method is characterized by the indirect application of force to defeat an opponent.

More specifically, it is the principle of using one's opponent's strength against him and adapting well to changing circumstances. For example, if the attacker was to push against his opponent he would find his opponent stepping to the side and allowing (often with the aid of a foot to trip him up) his momentum to throw him forwards (the inverse being true for pulling). The main difference with Jujitsu is that Judo discards relying solely on superior strength and instead favours those moves which involved redirecting the opponent's force, off balancing the opponent, or making use of superior leverage.

Judo is a fascinating Olympic sport. More than that, it is an art form. It is now practised in almost every country of the world.

The founder of Juso was Professor Jigoro Kano was born in 1860, he graduated with a degree in literature from Tokyo Imperial University in 1881 and took a further degree in philosophy the following year. Apart from being the founder of judo, Kano was a leading educationalist and a prominent figure in the Japanese Olympic movement.

Judo in Britain

With the intention of establishing a ju-jutsu school in England, Mr E W Barton Wright sponsored a visit in 1899 of a team of Japanese judo experts. The project failed but those who stayed took to the stage to earn a living. Best known among them was Yukio Tani, who toured music halls offering challengers £1 per minute for every minute they lasted beyond five and £50 if they defeated him. The prize money was rarely (if ever) paid.

Tani remained in England after his compatriots had returned home and in 1920 was formally appointed chief instructor to a new club for "the study of systems developed by the samurai” :the Budokwai. Neither he nor the club's founder Gunji Koizumi, could have foreseen that they were creating an institution soon to become the most famous judo school outside Japan.

Britain's first Judo Club

Tuition was given in judo, kendo (swordsmanship) and other aspects of Japanese culture; Tani continued as instructor until a stroke forced him to retire in 1937. Koizumi was to European judo what Kano was to world judo. He first came to Britain in 1906 and after a few years in the USA he returned to open the Budokwai as a cultural centre and social club for the Japanese community in London. The official opening took place on 26 January 1918 and within 4 months the membership had grown to 44 including 2 Englishmen.

The British Judo Association

Koizumi's vision for the growth of judo on an international basis began to materialize in 1948. On 24 July that year the British Judo Association (BJA) was established as the representative national body.

Judo for VI

The techniques involved in Judo can be divided into two categories - standing techniques (throws), and groundwork (hold downs, arm locks and strangles). There are many throws to be learned, which, when they have become second nature, can be fitted together fluently in order to outwit and overcome your partner or opponent. In contest Judo, the competition is over when one player scores Ippon (a full point) either by a clean throw or by a submission or hold down in groundwork. If a throw does not rate an Ippon score, the players may continue the contest into groundwork, seeking a hold down - pinning their opponent on the back for 30 seconds - or a submission from a strangle or arm lock.

Adaptation for VIs

As a contact sport, Judo has required relatively little adaptation to make it accessible to VI players. Once the players have taken their grips, there is no difference in the style or skills required. Anyone interested in taking up Judo should find an accredited club with a qualified instructor.