DISCIPLINE
FITNESS
RESPECT
BALANCE
TRADITION
For almost 2,000 years, Japan had little contact with the outside world. During that time, there were
many civil wars. Because of these wars, Samurais were the knights of Japan and important men in
the development of Japanese civilization. Their training included barehanded combat (Jiu-Jitsu).
Modern day Judo was developed directly from this tradition and is its ultimate refinement. Judo was
founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano who modified and improved existing Jiu-Jitsu styles. Dr. Kano,
a professor at the University of Tokyo, eliminated the more dangerous techniques in Jiu-Jitsu and
developed Judo from a martial art to a sport. He also gave Judo a physical education
emphasis and a strong moral
orientation.
Developed from Jiu-Jitsu, the Samurai name for unarmed combat, Judo emphasizes controlling an
opponent and turning their attacking force against them. From a martial art Judo has become the
gentle way. This emphasis on control and self-defence makes Judo appropriate for all ages and
sexes where combat is replaced with competition. Judo is a sport that is played from local levels to
the Olympics.
Judo works on all muscle groups and provides excellent aerobic training, strength training, overall
conditioning, co-ordination and balance. Mental preparation and self-discipline are also emphasized.
Judo is a complete exercise and promotes both physical and mental health.
Men, women, boys and girls can all participate in Judo. In fact, it is a sport the entire family can enjoy
together. The level of participation and intensity is entirely up to you. The commitment can range from
casual easy-going recreation, to informal competition, to the excitement and challenge of world
competition.
The choice is yours!
Many people go beyond participation and find it rewarding to teach, coach, referee or administer at
tournaments. There’s something for everyone in Judo.
Every Judo participant must be a member of Judo Ontario upon entering the Judo program. Judo
Ontario is the governing body for Judo in as recognized by the Province of Ontario, Judo Canada
and the International Judo Federation. Judo is a highly organized and structured martial art. As
part of this structure, Judo Ontario enables athletes to reach their desired level of participation,
from simple recreation to the Olympic Games.
Judo created the system of ranks now used in most other martial arts that recognizes a person's
degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and
seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts; their are ten degrees of advanced grades for
black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve their
potential.