Judo (柔道; "Gentle Way") is a martial art and Olympic sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano.
Description
Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the objective is to either throw or takedown an opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue an opponent with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke.
There are three basic categories of techniques in Judo: nage-waza (投げ技; "throwing techniques"), katame-waza (固技; "grappling techniques") and atemi-waza (当て身技; "striking techniques"). Judo is most known for nage-waza and katame-waza, as striking techniques are not allowed in Judo competition or free practice.
Nage-waza includes all techniques with the aim of throwing or tripping the opponent, usually breaking his balance, then turning in and executing the throw, using the arms, the legs, or a lifting motion from the hips. This can be performed in a standing position or "sacrificing" the upright position in order to perform the move.
Katame-waza includes holding techniques, strangulation and choking techniques, and joint manipulation techniques (in competitive Judo, this is currently limited to elbow joint manipulation).
In the Tekken series
Paul Phoenix's fighting style is listed as a Judo-based hybrid system of martial arts. The influence of Judo can be seen in his throws, reversal techniques and ground grappling. His use of striking techniques could be interpreted as his style being old-school Judo, specifically, Judo before atemi-waza or striking techniques were removed from it's syllabus.
Practitioners
- Paul Phoenix
- Jun Kazama - Although not officially stated, Jun has some Judo moves in her martial arts style.
- Mokujin - Through mimicry.
- Tetsujin - Through mimicry.
- Combot - Tekken 4 only; through mimicry.
- Unknown - Tekken Tag Tournament only; through mimicry
Non-playable
- Kinjin - Through mimicry.
Trivia
- Judo has been one of the primary martial arts displayed in Mixed Martial Arts competitions since MMA’s inception, and one of the most prominent training bases for the grappling side of the competition. Many MMA fights are ended by submission holds most of which derive from Judo.
External Links
- Judo at Wikipedia.