• Judo used to be practiced by peasants in Japan. False. Judo is based on ancient traditions but it is not what they did. Their self defence had kicking and punching and weapons.
• Judo is popular in the middle east because it is good for self defence. True. Although it is also very popular all over Europe too.
• Opponents only use violence because they respect each other. False,
• In judo you can only throw or hold your opponent, not punch or kick. True. In fact the punching and kicking part of the ancient peasant tradition became the martial art of JuJitsu.
• You don’t need a lot of equipment to practice judo. True, you just need a suit and somewhere to practice.
• The best way for young people to learn judo is to join a club. True.
• Judo is easy to learn if you are strong. False. You need time and a lot of practice.
• Practitioners of judo are given coloured belts to show how good they are. True. The first belt is white for beginners, then yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black.
• Judo is a gentle sport. False. It not gentle at all.

Judo is a martial art which originated in Japan. It was developed in the late 19th century and it’s based on ancient methods of self defence practiced by peasants. The sport is increasing in popularity in Western and Middle Eastern countries because it’s an excellent way of keeping fit and defending yourself.

There are two competitors in a judo bout, and although they use physical violence against each other they are very respectful to their opponent and bow to each other before and after each contest.

In Judo there is no kicking, punching or striking the opponent. The idea is to throw the opponent using one of many special techniques or to hold them on the ground until they submit, either using a holding move or a pressure move.

Judo is a sport which does not require much equipment, just a loose fitting suit called a Judogi. It’s very suitable for young people if they join a club with properly qualified instructors and with proper attention given to safety.

Judo is a physical and demanding sport which requires strength, skill and a lot of practice to master. Judo practitioners can improve their level by winning coloured belts in competitions which they wear to tie up their Judogi jacket.

The sport uses traditional Japanese names for everything. For example the names of throws, such as Tani Otoshi, a body drop, or of points, Yuko, 5 points or Ippon. Ten points. Even the area the sport is practiced in has a Japanese name, Dojo which means 'way place' the name Judo means the gentle way, but it isn’t very gentle at all.