judo

American  

[joo-doh] / ˈdʒu doʊ /

noun

1. a method of defending oneself or fighting without the use of weapons, based on jujitsu but differing from it in banning dangerous throws and blows and stressing the athletic or sport element.

2. the sport of fighting by this method.

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adjective

1. of or relating to this fighting method or sport.

judo British  

/ ˈdʒuːdəʊ /

noun

1. 1. the modern sport derived from jujitsu, in which the object is to throw, hold to the ground, or otherwise force an opponent to submit, using the minimum of physical effort

   2. ( as modifier )

      a judo throw

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Usage

What is judo? Judo is a martial art and unarmed self-defense system focused on throwing or pinning with a minimum amount of physical effort. It is based on jujitsu. Judo is also a sport and an event in the Summer Olympic Games. In the sport of judo, the object is to score points by throwing or pinning one’s opponent. Names of points awarded for different kinds of throws or holds include yuko and waza-ari. A point known as an ippon is awarded to a competitor who displays perfect technique and results in an automatic victory in the match. A minor penalty is called a shido. A major penalty is known as a hansoku-make and results in disqualification. Many of the throwing techniques used in judo have been adopted in other sparring sports, including in mixed martial arts. A person who practices or competes in judo can be called a judoka. Example: I practice judo, but not competitively—just for self defense and exercise.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• judoist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of judo

1885–90; < Japanese jūdō < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese róu soft + dào way

Explanation

Judo is a Japanese martial art. Practicing judo is sometimes dance-like and meditative, but it can also be competitive, with opponents attempting to throw each other to the ground. Like most other modern martial arts, judo is an unarmed fighting technique that requires both a well-trained body and mind. It was created in the 1880s by a Japanese athlete and teacher who was strongly influenced by jujitsu. Today, millions of people practice judo, some of them competing annually in tournaments. You can tell how experienced someone is by the color of their belt, ranging from white (beginner) to black.

Example Sentences

Proof of concept: he's a black belt in judo and jiujitsu -- and also working on a PhD.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

From winning Olympic judo bronze for America in 2008 to being the first woman to sign for the UFC, Rousey has built a career on doing the seemingly impossible.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

While working as a military policeman there, he joined a judo club.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Bruce Wayne had Alfred Pennyworth; Yamamoto has Yada Sensei, personal trainer Osamu Yada, a 60-something Japanese judo therapist whose unique training regimen has helped turn his star pupil into a world-beater.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

In addition to the regular school sessions and the recreation program, classes of every kind were being offered all over camp: singing, acting, trumpet playing, tap-dancing, plus traditional Japanese arts like needlework, judo, and kendo.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

Related Words

• karate
• wrestling