⚽ Sports and games 🏅 The Olympics and athletics

Judo

📖 In short

Judo is a Japanese sport whose name means “the gentle way”. A judoka tries to throw their opponent to the ground or pin them down, using balance, timing and skill more than strength. It's an Olympic sport practiced by millions of people.

🤩 Did you know?

A judo match lasts roughly 3 to 7 minutes.
A judoka can score by throwing their opponent or holding them down for a set time.
Judo grew out of an old Japanese art called jujitsu.
Judokas train on a soft mat called a tatami.

🔎 Find out more

🌟 The opponent's strength

Judo's clever idea is not to meet force with force, but to use your opponent's own strength. If they push you, pull them and make them lose their balance, and you can throw them even if they're bigger than you.

🔍 Learning to fall

The first thing a judoka learns is how to fall without getting hurt, slapping the mat with their arms and rolling. It's a useful skill in life too!

💡 The uniform and belt

Judokas wear a strong white or blue uniform called a “judogi”, and a belt whose color shows their level, from white for beginners to black for experts.

🎯 Respect

Judokas start training and matches by bowing out of respect for each other and for the coach. Judo teaches discipline, patience and respect for others.