Judo
Translation: "The way of Gentleness"
Country of Origin: Japan
Created: 1882

In the late 19th century jiu-jitsu had something of a bad reputation within Japan which was rapidly modernising to compete with an industrialised West. Disturbed by public opinion, as well as by what he considered dangerous practices within jiu-jitsu itself, Professor Jigoro Kano, a Japanese educationalist resolved to do something about it. Kano believed that with some changes, jiu-jitsu training could prove advantageous in the physical and moral development of people of high character. So in 1882 with 9 students (of high character) and a few mats he started the Kodokan Judo Club in Tokyo. In the early days all students were required to place a seal of blood on an open register and declare five oaths. Fortunately that bit hasn't lasted. Kano removed many of the striking techniques of Jiu-Jitsu and concentrated on the grappling - throws, trips, chokes and holds. His dream was to create an international Judo community, which he managed very well when it became an Olympic sport in 1964. Strangely enough if he had still been alive then he probably wouldn't have approved because he had always considered the competitive side as merely a small part of the martial art and discouraged tournaments. Interestingly enough what helped Judo gain recognition was the adoption of standard uniforms and the creation of the first coloured belt ranking system. A practice swiftly followed by many martial arts.

Wide range of judo uniforms, including IJF (International Judo Federation) approved gi
Selection of Judo DVDs also available from Paragon Martial Arts