Judo is many things to different people. To some it is a sport, an art, a craft, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life.
Judo is unique in that people of all ages, sexes, and abilities can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. Judo is an inexpensive, year-round activity, that appeals to people from all walks of life and ages.
An attitude of seriousness and respectfulness is necessary to progress towards understanding the “Maximum-efficient use of energy” and “Mutual welfare and benefit of practitioners” – two basic principles of Judo.
Judo was founded in 1882 in Japan by Dr. Jigoro Kano, who modified the more dangerous techniques in ju-jitsu and developed Judo from a martial art into an Olympic sport. He also gave Judo a physical education emphasis and a strong moral orientation.