Judo

Judo is a modern martial art that originated in Japan and evolved from Jujitsu, the hand-to-hand combat technique used by ancient Samurai warriors. It involves throwing opponents to the ground and subduing them through grappling and submission techniques. Founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, Judo was designed not only as a method of self-defence but also as a system for physical, intellectual, and moral development. Kano was inspired by traditional martial disciplines and sought to create a sport that emphasized physical fitness, mental discipline, and sportsmanship, while removing the more dangerous elements of Jujitsu. His philosophy centered on the principles of “maximum efficiency with minimum effort” and “mutual welfare and benefit.”

Judo made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Games in Tokyo, a fitting tribute to its Japanese roots. However, it was not included in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, before returning to the Olympic programme permanently at Munich 1972. Women’s judo was later added to the Olympic Games at Barcelona 1992, marking a significant step toward gender inclusion in martial arts. Today, men and women compete in seven weight categories each. At Tokyo 2020, Judo introduced a mixed team event for the first time, highlighting the sport’s spirit of cooperation and equality. An open-weight category for men had existed until the 1984 Los Angeles Games, after which it was discontinued.

Doha hosted the 2023 World Judo Championships, attracting the world’s top judokas and reaffirming Qatar’s growing prominence in staging world-class martial arts and Olympic sport events.