Judo is a sport that evolved in Japan during the 1880s from various martial arts used by Samurai warriors. The difference between the older arts and judo is the techniques cannot seriously harm competitors. The usual costume, known as 'judogi', is a loose jacket and trousers of strong white cloth, with a belt tied around the waist. Novices or beginners of the sport start by wearing a white belt, then progress through other colours until they reach the highest level: black belt.

According to the International Judo Federation, there are over 2.2 million 'judoka' (practitioners of judo) worldwide. Whilst the most black belts are registered in Asia, France has more 'judoka' than Japan. Judo became popular in France when the Judo Federation was established after World War II.

Judo counts as both a martial art and a sport. It became an Olympic sport at the 1964 Tokyo games, but it's also practiced by special forces, military, and police units around the world.

Kano Jigoro (1860-1938), the founder of the University of Education in Tokyo, Japan, developed the sport's rules, which emphasise strategic control rather than brute force.' Judoka' are taught techniques that use the least amount of strength necessary to throw an opponent. Throwing or pinning an opponent are the main aims of judo. Pinning can be done by applying pressure to arm joints or to the neck to cause the opponent to yield.

More Info: www.britannica.com