When translated, the term “Judo” means “The gentle way” or “The way of gentleness.” The school of Kodokan Judo was founded in the late 1800s by Dr. Jigoro Kano.  Kano was a disciple of several classical Jujutsu schools.  However, he recognized that the modern world had little need for such archaic practices.  So instead of watching his treasured arts slowly fade away, he sought to preserve them in a way that could be passed on to further generations easily.  Gathering up what he deemed to be the most technically efficient methods the old schools had to offer and modifying them so that they could be safely taught simultaneously as a sport, self-defense, and a way of life, Master Kano had successfully transmuted “Jujutsu” (gentle art) into “Judo” (gentle way).

Judo is perhaps best known for its beautiful throwing techniques, powerful joint-locks and chokes, and as the father of Brazilian Jujitsu.  However, there is a great misconception among people that Judo can only be performed by large and powerful men.  This is entirely untrue and the strategies employed by the Judo tactician allow their techniques to be applied to almost anyone regardless of size or strength.  As stated by Jigoro Kano himself “To become truly undefeatable in Judo one should not rely on one's strength; for when one meets a stronger opponent one will surely be beaten…There are various defensive methods, but the principle is to evade the opponent's strength or by changing one's position to reduce the effect of the strength applied. Another method is by pushing or pulling, to weaken the force the opponent intends to apply. To be able to effect any of these defensive actions, one must acquire a free and quick movement of the body.”  Therefore, the Judo student always strives to make the most efficient use of his own strength and manipulate that of the opponents to defeat them.