Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on throws, joint locks, and pins, with the goal of using an opponent's force and balance against them. Developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century, Judo evolved from traditional Japanese Jujutsu but was restructured to become a more systematic and sport-oriented practice. What sets Judo apart from other martial arts is its emphasis on throws and grappling techniques, with minimal striking involved. Unlike martial arts such as boxing or karate, which focus on punches and kicks, Judo centres on using balance, timing, and control to off-balance and take down an opponent.

Judo was founded in the late 19th century by Jigoro Kano, who sought to create a modern, systematic martial art based on traditional Japanese Jujutsu. Kano wanted to preserve the effective techniques of Jujutsu while making it safer for practice and more accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds. Judo rapidly grew in popularity, spreading both throughout Japan and internationally. In the early 20th century, Kano helped introduce Judo into educational institutions, and in 1964, it became an official Olympic sport. Over the years, Judo evolved into a global sport, focusing on both competition and personal development, while maintaining its roots in self-discipline, respect, and the principles of maximum efficiency with minimal effort.

Judo competitions generally fall into a few main categories, each focusing on different aspects of the sport. The most common types include individual competitions, the World Judo Championships, Olympic Judo, team competitions, and Junior and Cadet Competitions. Individual competitions are the standard events where athletes compete individually in their weight categories. Competitors face off in elimination-style brackets. Matches are won by scoring an Ippon (a full point), or by accumulating more points than the opponent during the match.