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The Exciting History of Judo
by: Copyright 2005 Jon Weaver
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Judo is based on the movements of Ju-jitsu. The origins of
Ju-jitsu can be traced back two thousand years, though it
is probable that the forms practiced
then were more like
modern Japanese Sumo wrestling than Judo as we know it.
Some historians think that Ju-jitsu
originated in China and came to Japan about 1645, but there is evidence that it was
known in Japan long before this date. The reasons for the
growth of Ju-jitsu were: (1) the need for warriors to have
a means of self-defense on occasions when they were
forbidden to wear their swords, and (2) the tradition that
a warrior should be able to overcome a person of lower rank
without the use of weapons.
In the middle of the eighteenth century, however, feudalism
declined in Japan, and with it the martial arts. Ju-jitsu
masters were forced to close their schools for lack of
pupils, and the art might have been lost altogether, but
for a Dr. Jigoro Kano. He was at that time a student at the
Tokyo Imperial University, and became interested in
Ju-jitsu because he was of small stature and he had heard that
Ju- jitsu tricks would enable people like him to hold their
own in combat with bigger people. Kano studied under
various masters, selecting those tricks which he thought
most valuable for his own study.
In 1882 he opened his own school, The Kodokwan, in Tokyo.
As he progressed, Kano came to see that Ju-jitsu was more
than a way of defense against attacks; it was a way of life
that developed the intellect and the spirit. Kano selected
those movements most suitable for practice as a sport from
the many he had learnt, and he called the system he
compiled "Judo" as distinct from "Ju-jitsu". "Judo" means
"the gentle way", in distinction to "Ju-jitsu", which means
"the gentle art".
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"Judo" is the word commonly used now throughout the world,
and the principles of Dr. Kano have had a lasting effect on
the movement. There is a very high tradition of good
behavior and helpfulness amongst students.
Judo's beginnings in the United States are rather hazy, but
it is believed that the sport was brought to America by
President Theodore Roosevelt who, upon witnessing an
exhibition, was so impressed that he immediately imported a
Japanese instructor from whom he took lessons. Today there
are many Judo clubs in the U.S., though most of them are
unaffiliated with the main organization, the Judo Black
Belt Federation.
In Britain, an early school to be established was The
Budokwai, set up in London in 1918, by Mr. G. Koizumi. Mr.
Tani became the Chief Instructor there. Before World War I
there were about forty clubs in Britain affiliated to that
school, and of course a number of independent schools as
well. Judo became so popular after the war, however, that a
larger organization was necessary, and the British Judo
Association was founded in 1948, with The Budokwai and its
affiliated clubs as early members. In the past twelve years
about four hundred clubs have become affiliated to this
organization.
The popularity of Judo as a sport throughout the world
today is so great that it has been recognized by the
Olympic Committee for inclusion in the Olympic Games. Judo
provides a great way to remain healthy and at peace. If
this subject peaks your interest, I strongly suggest you
look into it further, as you may find it to be a positive
influence in your life.
About
The Author
Jon Weaver
100 FREE Judo lessons are waiting for you. Practice at your
own pace and in the comfort of your own home, zero
pressure.
No email, no names, no obligations, just 100 FREE
lessons. Click here: http://www.OfficialJudoTechniques.com
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