Judo is a sport that requires not only strength and agility but also determination to overthrow the opposition. There is no kicking or punching in judo, but tactical and careful movements.

The aim is to score ippon (the equivalent of a knockout punch) by throwing an opponent to the ground, pinning an opponent down or forcing a submission using an arm lock or choke.

Anyone can practice judo – there are different weight classes which means there are no size restrictions and it is open to both sexes.

Did you know...?

Judo is Japanese for “gentle way” and refers to the aim of turning an opponent’s strength to your own advantage.

Samurai warriors used the hand to hand combat technique of Jujitsu from which Judo is partly derived.

An opponent must be held or pinned down for 25 seconds to the floor in order to win a match.