It is achieved through a successful throw (both shoulder blades on the ground), a 20-second ground hold, or a stranglehold or arm lock that forces the opponent to submit.
When a judoka wants to compete, they should discuss it with their sensei. The sensei will assess and guide them toward appropriate competitions based on their age, rank, and abilities.
No, not at all. Not all judokas compete, and that’s completely normal. Many practice judo for recreation.
Many clubs offer classes starting at age 4, whether through parent-child sessions or beginner children’s classes. It’s best to contact the club directly. However, judo can be started at any age, with training adapted to each individual’s physical abilities.
The beauty of judo is that there is no age limit since each judoka can adapt their practice, and fall prevention has no age restrictions!
Like any sport, judo involves some risks. However, the right word is not “dangerous” but “effective.” That’s why it is practiced in a safe environment under the supervision of qualified senseis (instructors).
No strikes are allowed in judo. The sport primarily consists of throws and holds.
Definitely ! Judo is beneficial for both body and mind. Practicing judo helps build self-confidence, expand social circles, and learn effective self-defense techniques.
Judo is a very effective method of self-defense in real life, thanks to its ability to neutralize an opponent using throws, holds, and ground control. It stands out for its effectiveness in using the opponent’s strength, its ability to reduce the risk of injury, and the development of a calm and confident mindset.
Judo engages and develops many muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, legs, back, and abdominal muscles. It helps build muscle mass and endurance. Judo also improves flexibility and coordination, making it a well-rounded sport for overall physical fitness.
Judo is not more dangerous than other martial arts, as long as it is properly supervised and practiced correctly. If you train in a dojo with a good instructor and partners who follow the rules, the risk of injury remains low. Moreover, judo places strong emphasis on important values such as respect, self-control, and safety.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to be a black belt in more than one martial art. Many people practice multiple disciplines and reach a high level in each of them.
When you start judo for the first time, even if you already practice another martial art, you will generally begin with a white belt.
Each martial art has its own techniques, principles, and philosophy. The belt system is an effective way to measure progress, but it is not the same in all martial arts.
It is not recommended. Judo requires the durability of a judogi. It is much thicker and sturdier than a karate gi or most of the clothing you have at home. Your karate gi could get damaged or even torn.
For ground fighting, your experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will be noticeable, but you will need to invest in learning throws and adapt to the rules and pace of judo.
It’s the full point. When an ippon is scored, the match stops immediately, and the judoka who scored the ippon is declared the winner. It represents the perfect execution of a technique
The introduction of the blue judogi in judo competitions (in 1997) was mainly motivated by visibility and the need to differentiate competitors, making it easier to judge matches and making the sport more accessible to spectators, especially on television.
Judo is not more difficult for women. With regular practice, women can excel just as much as men.
To become a referee, you first need to be a judoka. You must have experience as a judoka, know and understand the rules of judo, attend referee training and updates, pass referee exams, and gain experience both as a referee and as a judoka.
Yes! And I’d love to meet you there one day! You can find the schedule on judocanada.org and on the websites of provincial judo associations. Many clubs also post upcoming competitions and events. Join us!
There are different ways to win: either by Ippon, which is a full point, or by Waza-ari, which is a half point, or if the opponent gets 3 Shidos, which are penalties.
An Ippon is the full point, and it immediately ends the match. A Waza-ari is a half point, and a single Waza-ari does not end the match. Two Waza-ari combined automatically give an Ippon, and therefore the victory.
Yes! The penalties are called Shido. There are several ways to get a Shido. When a judoka receives three (3) Shidos, the match is over, and their opponent wins. When competing, it is important to know the rules in effect to avoid penalties.
You can start practicing Judo as early as age 5, but some clubs offer specially adapted classes from age 3, known as “Baby Judo.” The key is to find a class that matches the child’s physical and mental development, with a focus on play and safety.
Kodokan Judo
This style is the most widespread and forms the foundation of modern Judo. Kodokan Judo emphasizes throwing techniques (nage-waza), groundwork techniques (ne-waza), as well as philosophical aspects such as respect, discipline, and self-control.
Yes! There are even team competitions now included in the Olympic program! These are mixed team events, where men and women form one team to compete against another team. Each fighter is from a different weight category and competes against the opponent of the same weight class from the other team. The women face the women, and the men face the men — each match and point earned goes toward their team’s overall score.
Kosen Judo (focused on groundwork), places greater emphasis on ground control techniques (ne-waza) and a deeper learning of each technique, outside the competitive framework found in Kodokan Judo.
Judo was invented by Jigoro Kano in 1882 in Japan. He wanted to create a more modern and educational method by drawing inspiration from jiu-jitsu techniques while eliminating the most dangerous aspects. He aimed to create a system that would be both an effective martial art and a method of physical, mental, and moral education.
The Kodokan is the dojo (training center) founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 in Tokyo, Japan, and it is considered the birthplace of modern judo. The term “Kodokan” literally means “the place to study the way.”
The Kodokan is, therefore, the school where one studies the way of judo!
Yes, it is possible to visit and train at the Kodokan in Tokyo, which is open to judokas from all over the world. The Kodokan Judo Institute, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, is now a world-renowned training center and an iconic place for all judo enthusiasts. The Kodokan welcomes visitors and judokas of all levels, and it is possible to participate in training sessions or simply visit the place to learn more about the history of judo. The Kodokan also has a museum and a library dedicated to the history of judo and its development. These facilities offer the opportunity to discover historical artifacts and documents related to the evolution of judo, the life of Jigoro Kano, and major competitions.
The Kodokan logo, with its octagonal shape or eight-petaled flower, symbolizes harmony, balance, mutual prosperity, and the constant pursuit of improvement — all fundamental concepts of judo as taught by Jigoro Kano.
Of course! Judo helps tone the body and strengthen the mind. Since judo engages the entire body, it not only improves cardiovascular health for a strong heart but also enhances flexibility, balance, the ability to fall safely, and overall physical agility.
No, judo is practiced in a dojo, which is a safe and supervised environment. One of the key principles in judo—at all levels—is to adapt your practice to your partner’s skill level. A higher-ranked judoka must reduce their intensity to avoid injuries and ensure that their partner also enjoys the experience. It’s a team effort.
Judo is not more difficult for women. With regular practice, women can excel just as much as men.
Yes! Absolutely! Women are involved in all roles within the world of judo.
Children can start judo as early as age 4, or at the age when the club you attend begins offering judo classes for little ones.
Judo is a great source of cardio training because it requires sustained effort from the entire body with rhythm. It also helps to build endurance.
Women are included in competitions with their own categories, just like men, both in regional and international competitions! Since 1992, women’s judo has been a fully recognized Olympic discipline.
Of course! Many women hold black belts, and many are high-ranked, with 6th dan and beyond! The grading system is the same for all practitioners.
There are videos where techniques are reviewed and explained, but they will never replace the instruction given during a judo class in a dojo. These videos are mainly uploaded to allow for review, as they can be watched and rewatched without limits. The Judo Canada YouTube channel is a great reference.: www.youtube.com/@highperformance3176
These are 8 values established by Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, which lie at the heart of the practice. Just as you need to learn and practice your techniques, you also need to learn and live by the moral code.
The 8 values are: Courage, Friendship, Modesty, Self-Control, Sincerity, Politeness, Respect, and Honor.
Isn’t judo amazing!?
Oh! You know about interior decorating! I actually have some posters myself to help me study the techniques. You can find them here:
I’m from the Atlantic provinces, which I love!
It’s true! Ada and I are very good friends. I also have great friends named Scott, Ma, Kan, Do, and Ju! We’re all Canadian judokas, and together, we’ll introduce you to judo!
It takes a lot of practice and perseverance! Don’t give up, you’re here to learn. The best athletes didn’t become the best in just a few weeks!
The best way will always be to experience it yourself! Many clubs offer trial classes. Inquire with your club or the one you’re interested in trying with your friend.
Yes, I’d be happy to share it with you, it can be found in the vocabulary section of this website!
https://judo.ca/en/2025/03/16/competition-vocabulary/
The truth is, it takes effort—you need to learn the names of the techniques and practice them in order to progress. The belt represents what the judoka has learned. With the first belt colors, you can’t do or receive certain techniques, so it’s important to be represented by the right color!
It all depends on each person’s learning pace and how much time they’re willing to dedicate to judo each week, over the course of several years. Advancing to a new belt is not automatic—it happens when the judoka shows they’re ready to take the exam for the next grade. With serious training, it’s possible to reach the black belt level in about 5 years.
For belts from yellow to brown, it’s an authorized sensei at the club who can award them. For the black belt, judokas must submit their grading request to Judo Canada to be eligible to take the exam administered by the National Grading Committee.
Yes, in Canada you are eligible to take the exam for the black belt grade at the age of 15.
A judogi, whether it’s white or blue.
A dojo, which means a place for the study and practice of martial arts.
Both of Japanese origin, the judogi is a technical garment for judo made of thick cotton. The kimono is decorative, made of silk or light fabrics, and is a traditional Japanese outfit used for cultural or formal occasions.
There’s no rush, young judoka!
Progression in judo is designed to be a gradual and complete journey. If you’re really good and put in a lot of time and effort into your practice, you might progress faster than others, but it’s essential to respect the process to properly integrate the techniques and values of judo.
You can search on my map to find your provincial association, and then find a club by browsing their website or contacting them directly. Plus, Judo Canada offers a club directory on its website www.judocanhttps://judocanada.org/club-finder-tool/ada.org, which will help you locate a dojo in your area—don’t wait!
No, you don’t lose your rank when you switch judo clubs across Canada. Your rank is recorded by your club or your provincial association.
To become a member, you must register with a club affiliated with Judo Canada.
Fees vary depending on the club and the province. You should contact the club of your choice directly to get specific information about costs and registration schedules.
Before registering, talk to your coach to see if the competition is suitable for you and if you meet the eligibility criteria. Each club has its own process for competition registrations, so it’s important for you to know how to register! Make sure to respect the deadlines!
Judo Canada was founded under the name Canadian Kodokan Black Belt Association (CKBBA) in 1956. While the name Judo Canada has been used informally for many years, it was officially adopted in 2011 when the CKBBA legally became Judo Canada!
In 2024, Canadian judo celebrated its 100th anniversary, as the first permanent dojo, named Tai Iku Dojo, was opened in British Columbia in 1924 by Steven Shigetaka Sasaki, the “father of Canadian judo.
Yes! Many volunteers help us during the various competitions throughout the year by performing tasks such as welcoming spectators, preparing meals and snacks, weighing in competitors, and more.
The selection of an athlete depends on their performance, ranking, and the decisions of Judo Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee, according to the qualification criteria established by the International Judo Federation (IJF).
This is a total of 8 medals since the introduction of judo to the Olympic Games in 1964, starting with the silver won by Doug Rogers and the very first gold medal won by Christa Deguchi at the most recent Paris 2024 Games.
At its introduction as an Olympic sport in 1964, Canada already had a top-level judo athlete, and he has since become a legend in judo with his silver medal at the Olympic Games that same year: Doug Rogers.
It was Nicolas Gill who won the bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games in the men’s 86 kg category, and his second medal, this time silver, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the men’s 100 kg category.
Yes, since 1960, they are held every 4 years in the same city as the Olympic Games and use the same facilities. Before 1992, the two events were not always held in the same city.
Since its introduction to the Paralympic program in 1988, a total of 5 medals have been won. 3 bronze medals by Pier Morten, 1 bronze medal by Eddie Morten, and 1 silver medal by Priscilla Gagné.
No, each country has limits on the number of judokas it can send to the Olympic Games. These limits are determined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and in collaboration with the international federation, Judo Canada.
For both men and women, the matches last 4 minutes. If there is a tie at the end of these 4 minutes, the match goes into “Golden Score.” The Golden Score is an extension with no time limit. The judoka who scores a point wins the match.
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