Judo

Judo literally means "gentle way". It is an unarmed combat sport in which no punching or kicking is allowed. It was founded in 1882 by "Jigoro Kano", a Japanese educator and athlete. Judo was the first Japanese martial art to become an official Olympic sport. The main aim of the sport is to score an ippon (one point) and win by throwing the opponent to the ground, by pinning him/her down or by forcing a submission using an armlock or choking technique. The sport is a part of Summer Olympic Games since 1964 for men and 1992 for women. 

Objective

To beat the opponent by scoring maximum points with the points being scored for throws, holds and other legal techniques. 

Participants

Two athletes of same weight category compete during a judo match.

Playing Area

The competition area of judo is covered with mats and have a minimum of 14 x 14 m dimension. It is divided into two sections with the inner area of 8 x 8 m to 10 x 10 m called the contest area and an outer area of at least 3 x 3 m called the safety area. The mat is usually made of vinyl-covered foam and is called "tatami".

Credits: fujisports.com

Prominent Players

Kanō Jigorō (Japan)

Kanō Jigorō was a Japanese educator and athlete, the founder of Judo.

Photo Credits: pinterest.com

Ryoko Tani (Japan)

Ryoko Tani is a retired Japanese female judoka (extra-lightweight class), and a politician. She has won seven world titles and five Olympic medals.

Photo Credits: judoinside.com

Kim Jae-bum (South Korea)

He is a retired judoka from South Korea who is the 2012 London Olympic champion, a two-time World champion, a two-time Asian Games winner and a five-time Asian Champion.

Photo Credits: wikimedia.org

Teddy Riner (France)

He is a two-time Olympic champion, a seven-time World champion and a five-time European champion French judoka. 

Photo Credits: pinterest.com