In the words of the founder of judo, Kano Jigoro, judo is “the way to the most effective use of both physical and spiritual strength. By training you in attacks and defenses it refines your body and your soul and helps you make the spiritual essence of judo a part of your very being. In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is final goal of judo discipline." In more lament terms, judo is the “gentle way” or “way of softness.” It is a modern martial art which is regularly practiced as a sport, and a style of grappling. This includes “throwing (nage waza), locking the elbow joint (kansetsu waza), chokes (shime waza), and hold downs (osaekomi waza).” Such as many of the other genai budo arts, judo places a significant emphasis on physical, spiritual, and personal growth and development.
Judo is essentially an education system that holds importance in freestyle practice and competition. It's first school, Kokodan, is a popular sport and art that has practitioners all around the world. In fact this martial art is so popular, it became an Olympic sport in 1964.
