A LONG, RICH HERITAGE
The Olympic sport of judo had its origin in Japan in 1882 when Its founder, Dr. Jigoro Kano, an educator and statesman, decided to transform the ancient art of ju-jitsu into a modern sport. Aided by a visiting American educator, John Dewey, Dr. Kano added to his beloved judo a philosophical basis by which certain principles could be emphasized and learned through the physical realm. 

Inherent in the process of learning any physical activity are lessons to be learned. These lessons, when applied to everyday living, place judo into the category of being an instrument for the purpose of elevating our life experience. Such lessons are discipline, perseverance, loyalty, understanding the experience of success efforts expended, and working through the process of inquiry to achieve excellence, are not uncommon in the practice of Olympic judo. 

The activity itself involves the learning falling of techniques, throwing techniques, and matwork techniques. Of added benefit is the ability to learn and experience a cultural activity at its best. 

Practiced by men, women, and children of all ages, judo is regarded as one of the most respected martial arts in the world. Judo is a fascinating Olympic sport. More than that, it is an art form. It is now practiced in almost every country of the world.