Judo is deeply rooted in the history of feudal Japan and more specifically, in the traditions of a class of warrior nobility called the Samurai.

Judo, meaning “the gentle way”, integrates principles from various martial arts, but its foundation draws primarily from the Bushido code of the Samurai. Judo’s evolution and techniques emerged from a caste system that restricted the use of weapons by lower members of society, and thus leading the Samurai class to create their own form of unarmed combat. It’s traditions emphasizes moral and ethical values and its core principles of discipline, honor, and effectiveness.

Modern Judo was developed by Sensei Jigoro KANO in the 19th Century to transform martial arts training into a method for personal development and education and inspired by the Samurai’s holistic approach to martial arts. Judo incorporates elements of randori (free practice) and kata (prearranged forms) into its philosophy. Even the concept of using an opponent’s force against them, a central tenet of Judo, is a strategic principle employed by the Samurai.

The color belt system, ubiquitous throughout all Martial Arts schools, owes its origins to Judo. The various color belts which symbolizes a practitioner’s level of expertise, can be traced back to the practice of ranking within the Samurai class. This hierarchical structure reflects the Samurai’s commitment to continuous improvement and the endless pursuit of excellence.

The warrior nobility influence on Judo goes far beyond mere technique. It extends to the philosophical and ethical foundations that shape the art. Judo’s evolution from Bushido warrior traditions has resulted in a martial art that not only emphasizes physical prowess but also moral character and the pursuit of mutual benefit and respect, that echoed the timeless values of the Samurai.

Famous Judo practitioners

Far from a comprehensive list, some of the most notable names who have studied and incorporated Judo into their lives for various reasons and benefits.

Rhonda ROUSEY – Beijing Olympics Bronze Medalist in Judo, she is probably the most recognizable judoka for mainstream audiences. Rhonda ROUSEY is the main reason a women’s division was even incorporated into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC.) She not only ruled the UFC Women’s Circuit for two years, she DOMINATED the competition, often defeating opponents under 30 seconds.

Theodore ROOSEVELT – One of the United States pioneer judokas, the 26th President of the United States trained under the venerable Sensei YOSHIAKI Yamashita. So impressed with the discipline, Theodore Roosevelt, training with his Secretary of Defense and future 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft, together instituted Judo into the curriculum of The Military Academy at West Point that is still adhered to today.

The fictional character played on the big screen by Keanu REEVES, dispatches dozens of adversaries in often brutal ways. However, throughout all his movies, John WICK often uses dozens of legitimate judo techniques that demonstrates judo's practicality and effectiveness.

In the real world, Keanu REEVES, studied Judo under Nomura TADAHIRO Sensei and has attained a black belt, legitimizing himself, not only as an actor, but a true martial artist.

The United States Military Academy at West Point, The United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy – Since Sensei YOSHIAKI Yamashita’s introduction of Judo to the United States, this element of unarmed combat is now required curriculum for all cadets, midshipman and airmen in the finest Military Institutes in the world.

Tua TAGOVAILOA – NFL quarter back of the Miami Dolphins, suffered multiple concussions during the 2022-2023 football season. His career jeopardized by his repeated head injuries, he trained in Judo during the off season, learning the correct methods to “fall.” The result the following year greatly improved his effectiveness and minimized his injuries, suffering ZERO concussions during the 2023-2024 football season.

Franklin D. ROOSEVELT – like his uncle Theodore ROOSEVELT, the 32nd President of the United States, studied Judo under the founder of Danzan Ryu, Sensei “Henry” OKAZAKI and he credits him for the only relief he got from the debilitating effects of his polio diagnosis.

Police – Many police forces worldwide incorporate Judo into their training programs, including those in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and Brazil. Judo helps officers develop physical fitness, grappling skills, self-defense techniques and most importantly, using non-lethal methods of apprehension where guns are prohibited, even by police (such as UK and Japan.)

Chuck NORRIS – long before he was Karate World Champion and long before he fought Bruce LEE on the Silver Screen, Chuck NORRIS was an enlisted Military man stationed in South Korea, and the first martial art he ever studied was Judo.

Vladimir PUTIN – the controversial President of the Russian Federation is one of the most accomplished foreign political judokas in history achieving the rank of jūdan, a 10th degree black belt.

James CAGNEY – the accomplished actor of “Yankee Doodle Dandy and the “Frisco Kid” was also an accomplished judoka black belt. His skills can be seen translated to the big screen in his movie “Blood on the Sun,” where many movie critics still often praise his fighting sequences as more realistic than many of the action movies of today.

Gurkha – an elite special forces unit of the British Royal Army, considered by many military experts as the greatest fighting force in the world, incorporates judo as a staple of their training in unarmed combat.