Judo is a Japanese word that means "gentle way." It is a sport, a martial art and a philosophy. It was formed in 1882 and has become one of the most popular and renowned forms of martial arts today.

Judo techniques are all about maximum efficiency in all movements. Much like Jujitsu, Judo focuses on using the momentum and energy of an opponent against him. If an attacker is attempting to push you, the Judo way would be to move aside and trip the opponent or use a Judo throw to attack. Judo focuses on redirecting the force of an opponent, attacking the opponent when he is off balance, and using superior leverage and balance.

There are two phases of Judo - the standing phase and the ground phase. Opponents usually begin in the standing phase and attempt to use strikes and throws to get their opponent on the ground. Holds, locks and chokes are used on the ground to force opponents into submitting.

Judo is primarily a martial art, but it has also developed into a sport over the years. Many Judo schools teach this sport. There are many weight divisions for competition. The goal of Judo as a sport is to throw your opponent to the mat, thereby winning the match. The other ways to win a match are to pin your opponent or to make him submit. Men and women compete separately.