Judo

What is judo?

Judo is a martial art that looks similar to karate and wrestling.

How to compete

In judo, opponents use a series of moves to earn points. An opponent may kick or punch an opponent during a match to weaken them, but points are earned throwing an opponent to the mat with moves that sometimes look similar to wrestling moves. Judo moves include throws, arm locks and holds to gain physical advantage over an opponent. Athletes wrestle against opponents in the same weight class.

How to win

The athlete needs to score only one point to win a match. A full point can be earned by perfectly throwing an opponent to the mat, by making two less-than-perfect throws to the matt, or by pinning the opponent on his/her back for 25 seconds.

Equipment

Kimono – the robe worn in competition
Belt – competitors wear different colours to signify their skill level. The belt for the first skill level is white, then yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and then black, for the highest level of expertise.

Sport lingo

Throw – a move in which an athlete picks up an opponent and throws him/her to the ground
Strike – a blow to the body with a punch or kick
Joint lock – a move that involves putting pressure on a joint, such as the elbow, to cause pain, immobilize an opponent and set up another move