THE HISTORY OF JUDO - TENNESSEE BJJ ACADEMY MURFREESBORO & ASURA COMBAT SPORTS - JUDO MURFREESBORO, TN

Judo is a modern martial art that originated in Japan during the late 19th century. It was developed by Jigoro Kano in 1882 as a way to emphasize not just combat skills but also personal development and education. Kano, a practitioner of traditional jujitsu, sought to create a system that would maintain the effectiveness of traditional techniques while also making the practice safer and more academic.

Kano opened the first judo school, the Kodokan, in Tokyo. His approach included the integration of principles such as "maximum efficiency with minimum effort" and the importance of mutual welfare and benefit, which became foundational philosophies of judo. This emphasis on education and self-improvement distinguished judo from other traditional martial arts.

The sport gained popularity in Japan, quickly spreading across the nation and beyond. In the early 20th century, judo was introduced to the western world, with demonstrations held in various countries, particularly in Europe and the United States. The first international judo competition took place in Paris in 1910.

Following World War II, judo's profile grew significantly, becoming an Olympic sport in 1964 during the Tokyo Games. The inclusion in the Olympics helped to globalize the discipline, leading to the establishment of national federations and international competitions. Today, judo is practiced worldwide, with millions of practitioners and a rich tradition that continues to evolve while staying faithful to its roots in self-defense, discipline, and the development of character.