Definition

1. Noun:
   • A martial art and sport: Judo is a modern Japanese martial art, combat sport, and Olympic sport. Its core principle involves using an opponent's force and momentum against them, rather than directly opposing it. The primary techniques involve throws, takedowns, and grappling on the ground.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She has a black belt in judo.
  • Judo emphasizes balance, leverage, and technique over brute strength.
  • They practice judo at the local community center.

Advanced Usage

• "The gentle way": This is the common English translation of the Japanese term "judo" (柔道), reflecting its philosophy of yielding and flexibility to overcome an opponent.
  • Judo, meaning "the gentle way," teaches practitioners to redirect an attacker's energy.

Variants and Related Words

• Judoka (n): A practitioner of judo.
  • The experienced judoka demonstrated a perfect throw.
• Jujutsu/Jujitsu (n): The older Japanese martial art from which judo was derived. Judo is a refined, sport-oriented adaptation of jujutsu.

Synonyms

• Martial art: A general term for systems of combat and self-defense.
• Grappling sport: A sport focused on gripping and controlling an opponent, such as wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Related Phrases

• Judo throw: A specific technique used to unbalance and throw an opponent to the ground.
  • He won the match with a spectacular judo throw.
• Judo gi: The traditional uniform worn in judo, consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt.
  • She tied her judo gi securely before practice.

Noun

1. a sport adapted from jujitsu (using principles of not resisting) and similar to wrestling; developed in Japan