judo

[ joo-doh ]

noun

1. a method of defending oneself or fighting without the use of weapons, based on jujitsu but differing from it in banning dangerous throws and blows and stressing the athletic or sport element.
2. the sport of fighting by this method. Compare jujitsu, karate.

adjective

1. of or relating to this fighting method or sport.

judo

/ ˈdʒuːdəʊ /

noun

1. 1. the modern sport derived from jujitsu, in which the object is to throw, hold to the ground, or otherwise force an opponent to submit, using the minimum of physical effort
   2. ( as modifier )

      a judo throw

Derived Forms

• ˈjudoist, noun

Other Words From

• judo·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of judo¹

1885–90; < Japanese jūdō < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese róu soft + dào way

Word History and Origins

Origin of judo¹

Japanese, from jū gentleness + dō way

Example Sentences

The Golden State’s liberal leaders and progressive activists are already gearing up for four more years of legal judo against Trump’s hard-right agenda.

From Los Angeles Times

"He's groping and trying to kiss me. Luckily, I'd done judo at an all-girls' convent school and fought him off," recalls Wiltshire.

From BBC

Will Stone, the MP for Swindon North, has practised the martial art for 17 years and is also a black belt in judo.

From BBC

Judo; diving; rhythmic, artistic and trampoline gymnastics; fencing; and table tennis are among a dozen that will be clustered in or near downtown Los Angeles, the most transit rich-pocket in Southern California, with multiple rail and bus lines converging.

From Los Angeles Times

Britain’s Dan Powell said his first Paralympic judo medal was a reward for going through "hell" over the past 16 years.

From BBC

Related Words

• karate
• wrestling