Judo history and culture: Jigoro Kano, the Kodokan, kata and values
Where judo comes from, how it became an Olympic sport, what its values and kata teach, and the Japanese vocabulary you hear on the mat.
History of judo: from jujutsu to the Olympic Games
The history of judo in key dates: samurai jujutsu, the Kodokan in 1882, the gokyo, the international federation, Tokyo 1964 and women's judo in 1992.
Jigoro Kano: life and legacy of the founder of judo
Jigoro Kano (1860-1938), the founder of judo: his jujutsu training, the Kodokan in 1882, his career as an educator, the IOC and the principles he left us.
Judo at the Olympics: history, format and weight classes
Judo at the Olympics since Tokyo 1964: the 1968 absence, women's judo in 1992, the mixed team event, 14 weight classes and how the Olympic bracket works.
Judo bow (rei): standing and kneeling bow explained
How to do the judo bow (rei): ritsurei standing, zarei kneeling, which knee goes down first, when to bow in the dojo and in competition, and common mistakes.
Judo in Japan: schools, universities, police and training trips
Judo in Japan: its place in schools, university and police dojos, how Japanese judo style differs, and practical tips for training in Japan as a foreigner.
Judo kata: the 7 Kodokan kata and what each one is for
Judo kata explained: the Kodokan forms from nage no kata to koshiki no kata, what each one contains, its role in dan gradings and why it helps your randori.
Judo meaning: why judo is called the gentle way
What does judo mean? Ju (gentle, flexible) and do (way), the jutsu vs do difference, seiryoku zenyo and jita kyoei explained with examples from the mat.
Judo moral code: the 8 judo values and what they mean
The judo moral code and its 8 values: where it comes from, how it links to Jigoro Kano's principles, and what each value looks like on the mat.
Judo terminology: Japanese judo terms with meanings
Judo terminology list with meanings: dojo and uniform words, referee commands, scores, stances, technique families and counting in Japanese, sorted by topic.
Katame no kata: the 15 groundwork techniques in 3 sets
Katame no kata explained: the 15 techniques in 3 sets (pins, strangles, joint locks), the role of uke, kneeling movement and common mistakes at dan gradings.
Kodokan: history, role and visiting the home of judo
The Kodokan, founded in Tokyo in 1882 by Jigoro Kano: its history, its role today in grades and kata, and how to visit or train at the Kodokan Institute.
Nage-no-kata: the 15 throws in 5 sets explained
Nage-no-kata step by step: the 15 techniques in 5 sets, the roles of tori and uke, what black belt gradings ask for and the mistakes that cost points.