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| Judo has its roots in Ju-jitsu which goes back many centuries in Japanese history when it was a brutal and often lethal method of self defense and unarmed combat. Judo was established as a modern physical activity when, in 1882, Professor Jigoro Kano founded his Kodokan Judo. Responsible for education he was aware that physical education in his country at that time was sadly lacking. Jealous Ju-jitsu masters began to question this system and the matter could only be settled by arranging a tournament between the various schools. This was done in 1886 and the outcome was a totally victorious Kodokan. The Japanese police officials had been watching the |
| proceedings closely. They were looking for an acceptable method of apprehending and controlling aggressive law-breakers without restoring to weapons. To them Judo was the answer and it is used in Japanese police training to this day. From that time, Judo schools were established in many countries and the first Judo club to open in Europe, the Budokwai which still operates today, was funded in 1918 by Gunji Koizumi who became know later as 'The Father of British Judo'. There are now 1,000 Judo clubs registered with the British Judo Association in the United Kingdom. |
| Since the inclusion of Judo in the 1964 Olympic Games it has been regarded as a modern Olympic combat sport although some followers still consider it very much an 'art form'. Kano said that Judo is a teaching for life itself and with it we learn to overcome the pitfalls and obstacles of everyday living. |
| Although the accident rate is far lower than in other sports it has to be said that Judo is a tough combat sport. It is therefore wise to have a license which gives you insurance cover. Gradings and competitions take place all over the country and throughout the year under BJA rules and at which anyone who is taking part must have a licence. A calendar of events containing details of competitions can be obtained from BJA head office. |
| Judo is an ideal form of physical education. The beginner concentrates on getting the techniques right, and during the process inevitably improves general fitness. The bonus is stamina improvement which equips one better for the rigors of day to day life. |
| Is Judo the complete Self- Defence? |
| There is no complete self-defence and it is foolish to make such claims. However, because of its close contact, Judo helps to develop a keen awareness of danger. It offers the best self-defence training at close quarters than any other sport. The British Judo Association has specially trained self-defence instructors who run registered courses. |
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