A Japanese combat sport based on throws and ground grappling in which one decisive technique can win the bout.
Origin and rules
Jigoro Kano founded judo in 1882, refining jujutsu into a safer educational system. Two athletes in a heavy cotton uniform grapple on a mat, trying to throw the opponent onto their back or control them on the ground.
How it plays
A bout lasts four minutes for adults. A clean throw, called ippon, ends the contest. Lesser scores called waza-ari can add up to ippon. Pinning the opponent for 20 seconds, or forcing a submission, also ends the match.
Competition
The IJF World Championships and the Olympic tournament are the leading events. Japan, France, South Korea, and Brazil are traditionally strong. Judo entered the Olympic programme at Tokyo 1964 and the women’s event was added in 1992.
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