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JUDO
Judo, meaning “the gentle way” in Japanese, is a martial art and Olympic sport that emphasizes skill, technique, and discipline over brute force. Created by Jigoro Kano in 1882, judo is practiced by millions around the world and has become a symbol of respect, self-control, and resilience. Unlike other martial arts that rely heavily on strikes, judo focuses on throws, grappling, and submissions, making it both dynamic and highly strategic.
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Source: FISU
How Judo Is Played
Judo matches take place on a mat called a tatami, where two athletes (judoka) face off in a contest of strength, balance, and technique.
Objective: The aim is to throw the opponent onto their back with control, hold them down, or force a submission with a joint lock or choke.
Scoring:
Ippon (full point) – Awarded for a perfect throw or successful submission; it ends the match immediately.
Waza-ari (half point) – Given for a throw or hold that is strong but not perfect; two waza-ari equal an ippon.
Match Duration: A standard match lasts four minutes for both men and women. If tied, a sudden-death overtime (Golden Score) is played until one athlete scores.
Respect is central to judo—athletes bow before and after a match, reflecting its philosophy of honor and humility.
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Champion Countries and Athletes in Judo
Judo has produced champions from across the globe, with Japan at its heart but many nations excelling on the international stage:
Japan – The birthplace of judo and the most dominant nation. Legends include Tadahiro Nomura, the only judoka to win three Olympic golds, and Ryoko Tani, a seven-time world champion.
France – A powerhouse in European judo. Teddy Riner, a 10-time World Champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist, is one of the greatest judokas in history.
Cuba – Known for Idalys Ortiz, an Olympic gold medalist and multiple World Champion.
Brazil – Produced champions like Rafaela Silva, who won Olympic gold in 2016.
Georgia – Famous for its strong heavyweight judokas, consistently earning medals at world events.
South Korea – A leading Asian judo nation with multiple Olympic champions, especially in lighter weight categories.
These athletes show that while judo was born in Japan, its values and spirit are embraced worldwide.
Source: Paralympic.org
How Judo Brings People Together
Judo is more than a sport—it’s a philosophy. Its founder, Jigoro Kano, believed in “mutual welfare and benefit,” meaning athletes should grow together in body and mind. This spirit is seen in:
International competitions, where judokas from every continent compete with respect and honor.
Cultural exchange, as judo teaches values of discipline, humility, and cooperation.
Youth development, with millions of children worldwide learning confidence, self-control, and resilience through judo training.
By combining athletic excellence with life lessons, judo unites people beyond nationality, culture, and language.
Source:KCP International
Judo at the 2027 FISU World University Games in Chungcheong
At the 2027 FISU World University Games, judo will be held in Cheongju, one pof the main host cities of Chungcheong. As university athletes step onto the tatami, they will not only compete for medals but also experience the true spirit of judo—discipline, respect, and unity.
For many judokas, this will be a special opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage, inspire the next generation, and create friendships across borders.
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Judo vs. Taekwondo: What’s the Difference?
Both judo and taekwondo are martial arts with deep cultural roots in East Asia, but they differ in style and focus:
Origin: Judo was developed in Japan; Taekwondo was developed in Korea.
Techniques:
Judo focuses on throws, grappling, and submissions on the mat.
Taekwondo emphasizes high, fast kicks and striking techniques.
Objective:
Judo aims to control and subdue an opponent through technique.
Taekwondo aims to score points through precise strikes.
Protective Gear:
Judo requires only a judogi (uniform) and belt.
Taekwondo athletes wear headgear, chest protectors, and guards.
Together, these sports showcase the diversity of martial arts—one built on leverage and balance, the other on speed and striking. At Chungcheong 2027, both will shine, offering fans thrilling displays of strength, skill, and tradition.
