Judo kanji by Windsong Dojo T-Shirt

Judo was developed from ancient, combative styles of Japanese jujutsu into a modern art and sport focused on physical, mental and spiritual growth by Dr. Jigoru Kano in the late 19th century. In contrast to the striking approach common in many other martial arts, judo focuses on throwing or taking an opponent to the ground, immobilising or subduing them with a pin, or compelling them to submit by way of a joint lock or choke.