Judo was developed in Japan by Dr Jigoro Kano towards the end of the 19th century and has evolved from being a martial art into one of the world's most popular sports. Since its inclusion in the 1964 Olympic Games Judo has progressed rapidly and is without doubt the worlds most popular combat sport.

Judo is however much more than a sport, it is also seen to be effective as an educational system in both physical and moral spheres.

Why Play Judo?

Judo is an ideal sport for all ages, males or females and attracts many disability groups. Confidence and self-esteem are enhanced as a player progresses through the ranks and the very nature of the grading system ensures that the next goal is always realistic and achievable with effort. The grading system also ensures that regardless of their skill level all Judo players can actively compete with players of similar ability and hence they have a reasonable chance of emerging victorious.

Because of the nature of the sport of Judo, strict discipline is essential and great importance is placed on safety, hygiene and etiquette.

• Safety techniques such as mastering the several methods of break-falling to fall and land safely, this gives players the confidence to participate fully. Safety is also controlled by the contest rules, which are modified for certain ages and belt levels and are constantly updated to exclude harmful actions - this allows Judo to be practiced in a spirited manner without undue risk of harm or injury.
• Hygiene is essential due to the close physical contact between players and Judo etiquette instils respect, modesty, politeness and general social skills on all participants.
• Discipline and self-control - it is rare indeed to see a player ungracious in defeat at any level from Club training to International competition. A handshake almost always follows the traditional courteous rei (bow) at the end of a contest and the defeated player, though perhaps disappointed with the result, remains respectful of the winner.

Judo has also been seen to actively reduce bullying, bullies can only get away with their reigns of terror in relatively uncontrolled environments and the disciplined Dojo (training hall), removes them from their position of power. At the same time they themselves learn discipline and self control, quite often whilst losing to players who were previously a victim of their bullying, this gives them a new perspective and a newfound respect for such players.

Dr Jigoro Kano the founder of Judo said, "Judo is a teaching for life itself and with it we learn to overcome the pitfalls and obstacles of everyday living" his words still ring true.