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

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

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

From BBC

Archery, judo, para equestrian, sitting volleyball, wheelchair tennis The PlayLA Adaptive Youth Sports Program has a full calendar of camps and classes for ages 5 to 17.

From Los Angeles Times

Powell is following in a family tradition when he takes to the judo mat in Paris.

From BBC

Related Words

• karate
• wrestling

More About Judo

What is judo?

Judo is a martial art and unarmed self-defense system focused on throwing or pinning with a minimum amount of physical effort. It is based on jujitsu.

Judo is also a sport and an event in the Summer Olympic Games.

In the sport of judo, the object is to score points by throwing or pinning one’s opponent. Names of points awarded for different kinds of throws or holds include yuko and waza-ari. A point known as an ippon is awarded to a competitor who displays perfect technique and results in an automatic victory in the match. A minor penalty is called a shido. A major penalty is known as a hansoku-make and results in disqualification.

Many of the throwing techniques used in judo have been adopted in other sparring sports, including in mixed martial arts.

A person who practices or competes in judo can be called a judoka.

Example: I practice judo, but not competitively—just for self defense and exercise.

Where does judo come from?

The first records of the word judo in English come from the 1880s. It comes from the Japanese word jūdō. The first part, jū, is also used in jujitsu and means “soft” or “gentleness.” It derives from the Middle Chinese róu, “soft.” The ending dō also derives from Middle Chinese and means “way” or “method.” The do in the name of the Korean martial art tae kwon do is based on the same root.

Judo was developed from the traditional Japanese martial art of jujitsu, a system of unarmed self-defense perfected by the samurai. In 1882, Japanese educator Kanō Jigorō established a training school to teach a form of jujitsu he had developed that aimed to eliminate some of its more dangerous elements. Judo spread throughout Japan and was eventually developed into a sport that gained popularity internationally.

Judo was first featured as a special event in the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. It was made a permanent Olympic event in 1972. The women’s judo event was added in 1992.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to judo?

• judoka (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with judo? 

• jujitsu
• tae kwon do

What are some words that often get used in discussing judo?

• martial art
• self-defense
• belt
• grappling
• pin
• throw

How is judo used in real life?

Judo is practiced as both a martial art and a sport. It is especially known for its throwing techniques.

BREAKING: Judoka Shohei Ono won gold in the the men's under-73 kilogram division on Monday at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan, giving Japan a fourth judo gold medal in just the third day of competition in the sport. #tokyo2020 🥋 https://t.co/De7c9FtTGU

— The Japan Times (@japantimes) July 26, 2021

Kosovo's Judoka Nora Gjakova won the Olympic gold medal in the women's -57 kg weight division on Monday, beating Sarah-Leonie Cysique of France in the final. https://t.co/CT003FT3lW

— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) July 26, 2021

All judo matches are four minutes long with no designated rest periods, but the clock will stop during breaks in action to ensure that the athletes compete for the full four minutes.#Tokyo2020

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) July 26, 2021

Try using judo!

True or False?

In the sport of judo, a score known as an ippon results in an automatic victory.