Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life.
Judo was founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 and eventually introduced into the Olympics Games in 1964. It is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. Judo has become the most practiced martial art and the second most popular sport in the world.
Judo is best known for its spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling (ground techniques) utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and chokes. Judo emphasizes safety, mutual welfare and benefit, maximum efficiency, and the pursuit of perfection. Judo emphasizes safety first and foremost and is practiced on special mats for comfort and safety.