Japanese

"Judo"

During the Meiji period (1822), "Kodokan" was established by an educator, Jigoro Kanoh in Shitaya area of Tokyo as a Judo school, and this was considered the beginning of what we know as a contemporary Judo. Jigoro Kanoh was a superior student in his school days, but often he was teased by classmates because of his weak health and delicate personality. Not to give in to them, he started to learn Jujitsu. He eagerly researched every school of Judo, adopted good points from each school, contrived critical points, and constructed the development of contemporary Judo from the ancient style of Judo. The primal goal of his Judo is education, purpose of his training to make a stronger body by repeated practice of attack and defense, while building a nobler character by mental training, and contributing to the society. Thus, he held up his ideal; (1) for competition, (2) for physical training, and (3) for moral training.

A contestant of Judo matches on 50 tatami mats spread over 9 by 9 meters. They grapple each other and demonstrate their technique where the target is to make the opponent lose his balance and to keep one in good position and posture in order to attack the opponent. As a basic tenet of Judo, this act is meant to be able to exercise one's body and spirit effectively. Meanwhile, through repeated, interactive demonstrations of techniques with the opponent, it is said that one naturally comes to understanding of the basic principles of Judo, learning it by first-hand contact, and making use of this principle in real life.

As for the belt of Judo, the only white was used in the past, but now different colors are used to distinguish the grade of learning and one's ability, which is classified in white, brown and black. White means void and not yet being influenced from anything, therefore a beginner would put white belt on and change brown and black as his ability and grade rose.
Judo is loved all over the world. Many are fascinated by the idea that Judo is not simply about competition, but also to train and horn one's spirit. (End)