Judo is centered on the application of chokes, arm locks, holds and throws. Judo's main concepts are "mutual welfare and benefit" and "maximum efficiency".

Judo's origins can be traced back to a martial art called Jujitsu. Jujitsu was an art frequently used by the Samurai in Japan. Other martial arts involving strikes were not effective in disabling the enemy during combat, because normal strikes could not penetrate the strong armor that the samurai wore. Although the armor was impervious to normal strikes, the armor did not offer protection to the vulnerable and weak joints. For this reason, Jujitsu uses different types of arm, knee, wrist and leg locks, as well as strikes and throws aimed at those joints. Professor Kano studied Jujitsu for a very long time before he devised Judo. Although Jujitsu was a very effective and efficient martial art, Professor Kano's main area of interest was with physical education. He wanted a martial art that could be practiced with speed and safety, but still provide a good workout. He removed the dangerous techniques like certain joint locks and established a series of rules.

Judo was officially established in 1882 with the founding of the Kodokan ("school for studying the way") by Professor Jigoro Kano. He became the 1st Asian member of the International Olympic Committee in 1909 and worked for the spread of Judo world-wide. What began as a small dojo with only Twelve mats, has grown into an enormous institute with Two large buildings, Seven and Eight stories high. Not only has Judo's popularity grown fast in Japan, but also worldwide. The popularity of Judo has grown to such an extent that in 1964, The Sport became an official Olympic event. Today, Judo continues to be very popular in almost every nation around the world.

The International Judo Federation is the world governing body of the sport.

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