From Martial Art to Olympic Sport: A Brief History

Judo was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, who sought to create a discipline that would improve both the body and the mind. Originally called jūjutsu, Kano refined the art into a system focused on throws (nage-waza), grappling (katame-waza), and leverage over brute strength. By the early 20th century, judo spread globally, and in 1964, it made its Olympic debut in Tokyo, just months after the city hosted the Summer Games.

The sport’s inclusion was a testament to its universal appeal—accessible yet deeply technical, requiring both physical prowess and tactical intelligence. Today, judo is practiced by millions worldwide, with competitive circuits spanning from the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Championships to the Olympic stage.

The Olympic Journey: Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic) showcased judo’s global reach, with athletes from Japan, France, Georgia, and Montenegro dominating the medal table. The sport’s popularity surged, thanks in part to its inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where it will feature in the Grand Palais Éphémère, a temporary venue designed specifically for the Games.

Paris 2024 will mark the first time judo is contested in a mixed-gender format, with men and women competing in the same weight classes. This change reflects the sport’s ongoing evolution toward gender equality, though debates persist about the fairness of mixed-gender competition in combat sports.

Mastering the Techniques: What Makes Judo Unique

Judo is often described as the “gentle art,” but its techniques are anything but passive. The sport is divided into two primary categories: nage-waza (throws) and katame-waza (grappling). Here’s a breakdown of the moves that define judo:

• Ouchi-gari (Major Outer Reap):

  A foundational throw where the judoka sweeps the opponent’s leg from the outside, using leverage to unbalance them. Used effectively by Teddy Riner, the French judoka and 10-time world champion.

• Seoi-nage (Shoulder Throw):

  A classic upper-body throw where the judoka lifts the opponent over their shoulder, often used in close-range combat. Kayla Harrison, the American double Olympic gold medalist, is renowned for her precision in this technique.

• Uchi-mata (Inner Thigh Throw):

  A powerful hip throw that relies on timing and explosive movement. This is a staple in the arsenals of Lasha Shavdatuashvili of Georgia, one of the most dominant judokas of the past decade.

• Ne-waza (Groundwork):

  Once on the ground, judokas use pins (osaekomi), chokes (shime-waza), and joint locks (kansetsu-waza) to submit their opponents. Shinobu Shiraishi, the Japanese judoka, is a master of this phase, often controlling matches from the ground.

What sets judo apart from other grappling sports is its emphasis on kuzushi (balance-breaking), tsukuri (posture-making), and kake (execution). A single misstep in any of these phases can turn the tide of a match.

The Athletes Shaping Judo’s Future

Judo’s competitive landscape is dominated by a mix of veteran champions and rising stars. Here are the athletes to watch as Paris 2024 approaches:

• Teddy Riner (France)

  The 37-year-old is the most decorated judoka in history, with 10 world titles and 3 Olympic golds. Known for his unmatched reach and technical mastery, Riner remains a force in the +100kg category. His rivalry with Lukáš Krpálek of the Czech Republic has defined modern heavyweight judo.

• Kayla Harrison (USA)

  A two-time Olympic gold medalist (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), Harrison’s dominance in the women’s -78kg division has made her a household name in American sports. Her precision and adaptability have set new standards for female judokas.

• Shinobu Shiraishi (Japan)

  Nicknamed the “Samurai,” Shiraishi is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (-66kg) known for his aggressive ground game. His ability to control matches from the bottom has redefined ne-waza strategy.

• Lasha Shavdatuashvili (Georgia)

  One of the most consistent performers in men’s judo, Shavdatuashvili has won two Olympic golds (-100kg) and multiple world titles. His explosive uchi-mata throws have made him nearly unstoppable in his prime.

• Romane Dicko (France)

  A rising star in the men’s -66kg division, Dicko has already won a world title (2023) and is poised to challenge Shiraishi’s dominance in his weight class.

Why Judo Captivates Fans Worldwide

Judo’s global appeal lies in its accessibility, its rich history, and its dramatic matches. Unlike sports that rely on brute strength, judo rewards technique, strategy, and mental resilience. Here’s why fans and athletes alike are drawn to the sport:

• Universal Rules:

  Judo’s scoring system is straightforward: ippon (full point) for a clean throw or submission, waza-ari (half point) for a partial, and yuko (quarter point) for a minor advantage. This clarity makes matches easy to follow, even for newcomers.

• Gender Equality:

  Paris 2024 will be the first Olympics where men and women compete in the same weight classes, a milestone for women’s sports. While debates continue about fairness, the inclusion reflects judo’s commitment to progress.

• Cultural Significance:

  In countries like Japan, France, and Brazil, judo is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. Clubs like the Kodokan in Tokyo, the birthplace of judo, train thousands annually, blending tradition with modern competition.

• Dramatic Comebacks:

  Judo matches often hinge on split-second decisions. A single throw or a well-timed pin can turn the tide, making every match unpredictable. The Tokyo 2020 final between Lasha Shavdatuashvili and Aaron Wolf of Israel, which went to a sudden-death playoff, is a prime example.

What’s Next: Paris 2024 and Beyond

The road to Paris 2024 is already underway, with qualifiers and world championships shaping the Olympic field. Here’s what to expect:

• Qualification Timeline:

  Athletes can qualify through the IJF World Ranking, continental championships, or Olympic qualifiers. The top judokas from each weight class will secure their spots by early 2024.

• Venue Highlights:

  The Grand Palais Éphémère will host judo, offering a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 10,000 spectators. The venue’s design ensures optimal viewing for both fans and broadcasters.

• Key Rivalries:

  Watch for reigning champions like Teddy Riner and Kayla Harrison to defend their titles, while younger athletes like Romane Dicko and Miku Tashiro (Japan) aim to make their mark.

• Post-Olympics:

  After Paris, judo will continue to evolve, with discussions around mixed-gender competition and potential rule changes to enhance safety and fairness.

Paris 2024 Judo Schedule Highlights

Competition Dates: July 27–August 1, 2024

Venue: Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris (Local Time: All matches start at 11:00 AM unless otherwise noted)

Notable Events:

• July 27: Opening ceremonies for judo competition
• July 30: Men’s +100kg final (featuring Teddy Riner)
• August 1: Women’s -78kg final (Kayla Harrison’s potential defense)

How to Follow Judo in Paris 2024

For fans eager to dive deeper into judo, here’s how to stay updated:

• Official Sources: Follow the International Judo Federation (IJF) for schedules, results, and athlete profiles.
• Broadcast Coverage: Major networks like NBC Sports (USA) and EUROSPORT (Europe) will provide live and on-demand coverage.
• Social Media: Athletes like Teddy Riner and Kayla Harrison share training insights and match previews on platforms like Instagram and X (Twitter).
• Local Clubs: Many cities host judo clubs where fans can train alongside athletes or watch practice sessions.

As Paris 2024 approaches, judo’s blend of tradition and innovation ensures its place as one of the most captivating sports on the Olympic stage. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer, the art of throwing—and the science of strategy—will leave you on the edge of your seat.