About Judo

At the end of the 19th century, a young teacher named Jigoro Kano noticed a simple thing: the old schools of hand-to-hand combat teach you how to win, but they hardly teach you how to grow. He assembled what works from jujutsu, removed unnecessary rigidity and added the main thing — pedagogy. So in 1882, the Kodokan opened in Tokyo: a small hall where they practiced the "path of gentleness" — judo. Gentleness here is not about weakness, but about the ability to use the moment, balance and energy correctly.

Kano immediately sewed two supports into the system. The first is maximum efficiency: do not rush head—on, but look for a smart solution. The second is mutual benefit: you become better together with your partner and team. Hence — clean throws instead of dangerous techniques, fall insurance, understandable steps of progress. Judo turned out to be both a sport and a way of character education.

The story went on quickly. The Kodokan fights showed that technique and timing are stronger than brute force — and interest in the new school went beyond Japan. At the beginning of the 20th century, clubs opened in the USA and Europe, and the first national federations appeared. Judo ceases to be a "Japanese exotic" and becomes the universal language of movement: you enter the tatami in another city or country and instantly understand what to do.

By the middle of the 20th century, the sport was officially registered. The International Judo Federation was founded in 1951, and the first World Championship was held in Tokyo in 1956. And in 1964, judo entered the Olympics, a symbol of recognition and a huge boost to development. At first, only men competed; since 1992, women have also competed on the Olympic tatami, and this completely changes the picture.

Today, judo is practiced almost all over the world — they talk about two hundred countries. The leaders are Japan, France, Russia, South Korea, Georgia and other strong schools. In addition to the Olympic Games, there are world and continental championships, junior leagues, and judo. But if you rewind the whole story back to the beginning, the meaning remains the same: judo is about smart strength and respect. It's about how training makes you more technical and your character calmer. And how one small gym in Tokyo turned into a global community of people who learn to win beautifully.

Russia got to know judo not through YouTube, but through a man who returned from Tokyo one day with a suitcase full of kimonos and ideas. His name was Vasily Oschepkov. At the beginning of the 20th century, he studied in Japan, trained at the Kodokan, received an official dan, and brought to Russia what seemed exotic at the time —the "path of gentleness."

Pioneers and a new language of struggle

Oshchepkov opened sections in Vladivostok and Moscow and began to teach not to "break by force", but to work with balance and momentum. He systematically adapted Japanese techniques to the Russian school and reality. Our own field, sambo, grew out of this work together with other coaches. Judo and sambo are like two native languages of martial arts: one came from Japan, the other grew up here, but they have common roots.

The trajectory of the sport was not straight: There have been spikes and failures, including due to attention to "one's own" SAMBO and historical upheavals. But Kano's idea lived in sections and clubs — through coaches, enthusiasts and students.

Getting on the big stage

By the middle of the 20th century, the world was already hosting judo championships, and the USSR was gradually joining the international game. There were national teams, a calendar, and refereeing rules — it became clear that this was a great sport, and not just "exotic from Japan."

The turning point — 1970- The 1980s: Soviet athletes reach the pedestals of the World and European championships. The symbol of the era is Shota Chochishvili, the first Olympic champion of the USSR in judo (and a true idol for an entire generation of wrestlers). Since that time, judo in the country is no longer an "addition" to SAMBO, but an independent discipline that everyone understands.

###90s and 2000s: Growth and popularity

After the collapse of the USSR, judo in Russia is undergoing a reboot: federations are being formed, the youth base is expanding, strong schools and coaching centers are emerging. Young athletes from regions, not just from megacities, are increasingly taking to the tatami. Public support for judo at the very top also played a big role, as attention to the sport boosted infrastructure, clubs, and media interest.

Great victories of the new wave

The 2010s were the decade when Russia loudly declared itself. At the 2012 Olympics, our guys took three gold medals (weight categories up to 60, up to 73 and up to 100 kg) — a rare dominance for one country in one tournament. There were two more gold medals at the 2016 Olympics. It was a signal to the whole world.: The Russian judo school is mature, diverse and very dangerous for competitors.

Today and tomorrow

Now judo in Russia is:

• thousands of children who learn to fall properly and get up quickly (both on the tatami and in real life);
• strong regional centers and competitive schools;
• participation in Olympic Games, World and European Championships;
• development of judo and junior leagues;
• a culture where clean technology, respect, and smart power are valued.

And if you look back, it all started with a few kimonos brought in a suitcase, and the idea that reasonable gentleness is stronger than brute force. Today, this path is open to anyone: you enter a gym in your city and become a part of a great story that began in the Kodokan and continues on your tatami.

Judo is not only about throws and belts. It’s an operating system for body and mind: it teaches to win with intellect, respect your partner, and become better every day.

Two Main Principles by Jigoro Kano

Seiryoku Zen’yō — “Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort”

The idea is simple: don’t push your head against the wall, but look for the smartest way. On the tatami it means:

• use the inertia and weight of your opponent instead of fighting with brute force;
• choose the moment when they lose balance and you don’t;
• spend energy precisely, like a sniper, not “wastefully like a sprinter in a marathon.”

In life: don’t cram all night if you can make a plan, find patterns and solve tasks faster. Don’t argue about “who’s louder,” but ask questions and guide the conversation.

Jita Kyōei — “Mutual Help and Prosperity”

Training together helps both grow. You protect your partner during falls — tomorrow they’ll help you. The ability to work in a pair or team accelerates progress for everyone, and a tournament isn’t a war, but a test of how fairly and skilfully both have prepared.

In life: share knowledge, ask for feedback, acknowledge others’ success. An environment where people can safely make mistakes and learn creates champions.

What This Changes in Training

• Not a struggle of strength, but of balance. Watch the centre of gravity, step, grip. Half a step — and the “heavy” opponent becomes light.
• Timing matters more than muscles. Late — you hit the wall. Early — you miss. On time — it works.
• Clean technique. The cleaner the move, the less effort and fewer injuries. Aesthetics = efficiency.
• Partner — not an “enemy,” but a mirror. You practise — they give honest resistance. Together you upgrade your skill.

The Judoka Code

• Courage. Don’t avoid tough fights.
• Humility. Win — thank. Lose — analyse.
• Politeness. A bow is respect for the person and the place.
• Devotion. Regularity matters more than bursts of motivation.
• Care for others. Protect falls, keep it safe.
• Self-control. Emotions are energy. Manage them, don’t suppress.

How to Apply the Principles Beyond the Tatami

• Study: break the topic into key techniques (concepts), practise through exercises, ask for “randori” — quick mini-tests.
• Communication: listen, rephrase, find common interests. Guide the energy of conversation, not break it.
• Projects/Sport: first technique and plan, then volume. Progress comes from consistency, not heroics.

Small Rituals That Make You Stronger

• Bow at the entrance to the tatami. Switches you into “I’m here to learn” mode.
• Three questions after training: what worked? what was out of control? what one micro-step will I do better tomorrow?
• Clean judogi and neat belt. Outer discipline shapes inner discipline.

Judo teaches to win not at any cost, but correctly: with mind, timing and respect. The one who learns faster and treats themselves and others with care wins. It works in sport, study, and projects — anywhere growth and teamwork matter.

Match Format

A match lasts 4 minutes of pure time for both men and women. If there is no winner — golden score without a time limit: the bout continues until the first scoring action or decisive penalty; all points and warnings from the main time are carried over.

How to Win

Ippon — a clean victory: a perfect throw onto the back with control/force/speed, a submission from a choke or joint lock, or a hold for 20 seconds. The match ends immediately.

Waza-ari — “almost ippon”: a throw missing one of the criteria, or a hold for 10–19 seconds. Two waza-ari = ippon.

Penalties

Shido — for passivity and prohibited actions. Three shido = hansoku-make (disqualification). Hansoku-make can also be direct — for dangerous techniques (for example, diving head-first).

Grips below the belt (legs/pants) in standing position — shido each time; exception — when the situation has clearly moved into groundwork.

Groundwork and Boundaries

• A hold started before the end signal continues until a result is achieved.
• Groundwork begun inside the area may continue outside if there is progress (hold/choke/lock).

Referee Commands (to recognize by ear)

• Hajime — start/continue;
• Mate — stop;
• Osaekomi — hold started;
• Toketa — hold broken;
• Sono-mama — freeze (no change of position);
• Yoshi — continue;
• Sore-made — end of the match.

Cheat Sheet

• Time: 4 min. Then — golden score with no limit, points and shido carry over.
• Ippon: perfect throw / 20 sec hold / submission. Waza-ari: 10–19 sec hold or “almost ippon.” Two waza-ari = ippon.
• 3 shido = hansoku-make; direct hansoku — for dangerous actions.
• No leg grabs in standing position: each time — shido (allowed only in clear groundwork).

Judogi (Kimono)

• Colour. At major tournaments — white and blue; in clubs, usually white. The pair “white + blue” must fit identically.
• Fit. The jacket covers the hips and allows a firm grip on the lapels; sleeves reach the wrists, trousers the ankles. Nothing should be too tight or stretched.
• Fabric. Dense judo fabric (single/double weave), without tears or stretched areas.
• Cleanliness. Judogi must be dry, odour-free, and spotless. Wash after every training session.

Belt (Obi)

• The colour corresponds to grade (kyu/dan). The knot is flat, centred; the belt wraps twice, ends of equal length.
• The belt should not be a “rope” (too tight) or a “ribbon” (too soft).

Appearance and Hygiene

• Nails on hands and feet must be short and neat.
• Jewellery, watches, piercings — remove. No metal objects on the body.
• Hair longer than shoulders must be tied with a soft elastic. Hard clips or pins are forbidden.
• Deodorant is allowed; creams or oils making the judogi slippery are not.

What to Wear Under the Judogi

• Men: no T-shirt.
• Women: plain elastic T-shirt or top in skin-tone or white, without prints (according to tournament rules); sports tops are allowed if fully covered by the judogi.
• Thermal underwear under trousers — only if permitted by competition rules and not visible.

Footwear and Movement

On the tatami — barefoot. Up to the edge of the tatami — in slippers/sandals (*zori*). No outdoor shoes inside the dojo.

Protective Gear and Medical Aids

• Mouthguard — optional, without hard edges.
• Groin guards/hard protectors — generally prohibited. Soft knee/elbow supports are allowed if they don’t hinder grips and have no rigid inserts.
• Bandages, tapes — allowed if they give no advantage and are safe for the partner (with doctor/referee approval).

Patches and Markings

• For international events: surname + country on the back (backnumber), and approved federation/club patches.
• Advertising, large logos, and custom patches — only if authorised by the tournament regulations.
• The belt colour or club uniform must not obscure grips.

Uniform Check

• Before the bout, uniform inspection may include: size, density, cleanliness, nails, hair, absence of jewellery.
• If something is incorrect, the athlete must adjust or change the outfit before the match. In disputed cases — the chief referee decides.

Cheat Sheet

• Judogi clean, sleeves to wrists, trousers to ankles; colours — white/blue.
• Belt centred, double-wrapped, flat knot, even ends.
• Nails short, no jewellery, hair tied with soft elastic.
• Men — no T-shirt; women — plain covered top per rules.
• Barefoot on tatami; slippers only to the edge.
• Mouthguard — allowed; hard protectors — not; soft supports — with referee’s permission.
• Patches and backnumber — per tournament rules; if unsure, remove extras.

How the System Works

• Kyu (student grades) — the path from beginner to skilled technician. Usually 6th kyu → 1st kyu.
• Dan (master grades) — black belt level and above: 1st dan and beyond.

Kyu/Dan is a technical certification system in judo. It is not the same as sports qualifications (such as Candidate for Master of Sport or Master of Sport); it is a parallel, specifically judo-based scale.

Belt Colours (general rule)

• Kyu: white → yellow → orange → green → blue → brown (the exact order and number of kyu may vary between federations and youth programs).

Dan:

• 1–5 Dan — black belt (standard for training and competition).
• 6–8 Dan — red-and-white “checkerboard” belt (for ceremonies, seminars; usually not used in matches).
• 9–10 Dan — red belt (highest, usually honorary ranks).

What “Dan” Means in Practice

• 1st Dan — your technique is stable, you understand basic principles, and can teach juniors.
• 2nd–3rd Dan — greater technical and tactical depth, first meaningful coaching or methodological contribution.
• 4th–5th Dan — system-level mastery, contribution to school/club development, refereeing or teaching expertise.
• 6th+ Dan — recognised expert and mentor, contributing to judo at the regional, national, or global level.

How Dan Grades Are Awarded

Who Awards Them

Examination commissions of federations (national/regional), sometimes with IJF or continental federation participation at higher levels.

Criteria (typical model)

• technical skill (including kata — usually Nage-no-kata, Katame-no-kata, etc., depending on level);
• experience and minimum age (for 1st dan in many federations — from around 15 years; requirements increase with rank);
• competitive achievements and/or coaching, refereeing, organisational activity;
• reputation and contribution to the judo community.

Format

Examination (practice + theory/kata) and/or honorary conferment (for higher ranks).

Important

Exact requirements are set by each federation’s regulations. At youth level, the focus is on technique and discipline; at senior levels — on methodology and contribution.

How to Wear the Belt and What Is Allowed

• Black belt — standard for yudansha (dan holders) and coaches in daily training and competitions.
• Red-and-white/red — mainly for ceremonies, seminars, and demonstrations.
• Embroidery of name/club at the belt ends is acceptable if it doesn’t violate tournament regulations or interfere with grips.

Dan Cheat Sheet

• Kyu — student grades and “coloured” belts; Dan — black belt and above.
• 1–5 Dan — black; 6–8 — red-and-white; 9–10 — red.
• Awarded by federation commissions: technique + kata + experience + contribution/results.
• For training and contests — black belt; red-and-white/red — mainly for ceremonies.
• Sports ranks (CMS, MS) are a separate system: sports results; Kyu/Dan — technical and methodological progression in judo.

At the end of the 19th century, a young teacher named Jigoro Kano noticed something simple: the old schools of hand-to-hand combat taught how to win, but hardly taught how to grow. He took from jujutsu what worked, removed unnecessary brutality, and added what mattered most — education.

Thus, in 1882, the Kodokan was founded in Tokyo: a small dojo where people practised the “way of gentleness” — ju-do. Gentleness here did not mean weakness but the ability to use timing, balance, and energy correctly.

Kano built his system on two pillars. The first — maximum efficiency: don’t rush head-on, seek the smart solution. The second — mutual benefit: you become better together with your partner and team. Hence — clean throws instead of dangerous techniques, safe falling methods, and clear steps of progress. Judo became both a sport and a way to develop one’s character.

Then the story accelerated. The bouts of Kodokan practitioners showed that technique and timing are stronger than brute force — and interest in the new school spread beyond Japan.

In the early 20th century, clubs appeared in the United States and Europe, and the first national federations were formed. Judo ceased to be “Japanese exotica” and became a universal language of movement: you could step onto a tatami in another city or country — and instantly understand what to do.

By the mid-20th century, the sport had taken official shape. In 1951, the International Judo Federation was established; in 1956, Tokyo hosted the first World Championships. And in 1964, judo entered the Olympic Games — a symbol of recognition and a massive boost for its development. At first, only men competed; since 1992, women have also fought on the Olympic tatami — changing the landscape entirely.

Today, judo is practised almost worldwide — in nearly two hundred countries. The leading nations include Japan, France, Russia, South Korea, Georgia, and other strong schools. Beyond the Olympics, there are World and Continental Championships, junior leagues, and Para-judo.

But if you rewind the entire story back to the beginning, the meaning remains the same: judo is about intelligent strength and respect. About how training makes your technique sharper and your character calmer. And how one small dojo in Tokyo grew into a global community of people learning to win gracefully.

Film / Show Business

Guy Ritchie

Role: Director

Connection to Judo: Black belt; trained at Budokwai (London), also holds a black belt in BJJ.

Description: One of the few directors with high judo qualifications; promotes grappling in the Western film industry, advocates for technical precision and respect for fundamentals, which is reflected in his works.

Teaches: Discipline, long-term focus, respect for technique

Tags: film, UK, black belt

Scott Adkins

Role: Actor, stunt performer

Connection to Judo: Trained since age 10, later mastered other martial arts.

Description: Popular among young audiences for frequently using judo throws in movies; skillfully combines grappling elements with striking techniques.

Teaches: Early foundation, discipline, versatility

Tags: film, UK, fundamentals

Politics / Society

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin

Role: President of the Russian Federation

Connection to Judo: Black belt; Master of Sport, co-author of a book on judo.

Description: A lifelong practitioner who systematically supports judo in Russia and worldwide; conducts master classes and publicly promotes judo’s ethics and educational value.

Teaches: Resilience, respect for partners, self-control

Tags: politics, Russia, black belt

MMA — Judo as a Base

Ronda Rousey

Role: Athlete, actress, media personality

Connection to Judo: Bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympics; later a global star in UFC/WWE.

Description: A symbol bridging Olympic judo and pop culture; popularized the practical use of judo techniques in MMA and entertainment fighting.

Teaches: Skill transfer, mental resilience

Tags: MMA, USA, Olympic medalist

Fedor Emelianenko

Role: MMA fighter

Connection to Judo: Master of Sport; applied judo-based throwing techniques.

Description: His foundation in sambo and judo helped him become a legendary figure in world MMA.

Teaches: Calmness, solid fundamentals

Tags: MMA, Russia, fundamentals

Karo Parisyan

Role: UFC fighter

Connection to Judo: Black belt under Gokor Chivichyan.

Description: Proved the effectiveness of judo stand-up in the cage; one of the few fighters to base most of his victories on judo techniques.

Teaches: Adaptation of technique, work against the cage

Tags: MMA, USA, black belt

Dong Hyun Kim

Role: Former UFC contender

Connection to Judo: Black belt; representative of the Korean judo school.

Description: Known for foot sweeps and reaps from judo; successfully adapted rhythm and timing for cage fighting.

Teaches: Timing, clinch work

Tags: MMA, Korea, black belt

Shinya Aoki

Role: ONE champion, Japanese media athlete

Connection to Judo: Black belt in both Judo and BJJ.

Description: Uniquely blends stand-up, ground transitions, and positional control in the spirit of judo.

Teaches: Positional thinking, technique transfer

Tags: MMA, Japan, black belt

Hector Lombard

Role: Cuban Olympian, MMA veteran

Connection to Judo: Competed at the 2000 Olympics; known for his powerful clinch game.

Description: An example of an Olympic-level judoka who later achieved success in MMA.

Teaches: Structured body mechanics, clinch control

Tags: MMA, Cuba, Olympics

For Film Roles (trained under judo experts)

Keanu Reeves

Role: Actor ("John Wick")

Connection to Judo: Trained for action scenes through 87Eleven.

Description: Judo throws are a signature of the franchise; trained with judo specialists and stunt coordinators.

Tags: film, USA, role/training

Charlize Theron

Role: Actress ("Atomic Blonde")

Connection to Judo: Learned throws (including tai-otoshi) for fight choreography.

Description: Demonstrates that technique outweighs brute strength; trained systematically for her role.

Tags: film, USA, role/training