Is it true that Judo originated in Irish primary schoolyards where a couple of lads grabbed each other's geansaís and swung each other around until one or both ended up on the ground?
No. Judo, meaning ‘gentle way,’ was created as a physical, mental and moral pedagogy in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano and is derived from the battlefield martial art of jujutsu that dates back to 14th century Japan. Kano refined the art, inspiring both Russian (Sambo) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu derivatives, and also the sport of Judo that was included in the Olympics in 1964 (men) and 1992 (women).
So what’s the story with the pyjamas you know the jacket, pantaloons and belt?
A judo uniform is called a Judogi or as it has been abbreviated in the western society, to a ‘gi.’ The jacket is called an uwagi, the belt is an obi and the trousers are zubon. In modern elite competition one competitor wears a blue Judogi, the other a traditional white one to help distinguish one from the other on the ground. Someone who practices judo is known as a Judoga. Black belts go up to 10th dan but the latter can only be conferred.
Is it true Judo’s different techniques share a common derivative term-wise and were named after Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland?
That’s very droll. There are three basic categories of waza (techniques): nage-waza (throwing techniques), katame-waza (grappling techniques) and atemi-waza (striking techniques). Judo is most known for nage-waza and katame-waza with the striking techniques limited to Kata and not permitted in competition. Finger locks and toe locks are also illegal.
Is it true Kano was ambivalent about Judo's inclusion as an Olympic Sport?
Yes. He said: "Judo in reality is not a mere sport or game. I regard it as a principle of life, art and science. Only one of the forms of judo training, so-called Randori or free practice can be classed as a form of sport. Judo should be free as art and science from any external influences, political, national, racial . . ."
Does Ireland have any celebrated Judoga?
Well one man who could lay claim to that title is John Ryan, a Sligo-born black belt, living in London when he represented Ireland in Tokyo (1964), the first time the sport was included in the Olympics. He reached the quarter-final of the middleweight division.
Isn’t there a song, The Girl from Ipanema, which celebrates the decisive moment in a contest?
Ippon (one full point) ends a contest. A judge may award it for executing a throwing technique which results in one contestant being thrown on the back with considerable force or speed, maintaining a pin for 25 seconds, when one contestant cannot continue and gives up, when a contestant is disqualified for violating the rules (hansoku-make), applying an effective armbar or an effective stranglehold, or earning two waza-ari (half point). Yukos are the lowest form of scoring.
