The first judo school dates back to 1882 in Tokyo. Traditionally a Japanese practice, it has gradually spread across the planet and established itself as one of the world's most popular combat sports.
The first judo school dates back to 1882 in Tokyo. Traditionally a Japanese practice, it has gradually spread across the planet and established itself as one of the world's most popular combat sports.
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Literally meaning "gentle way," judo techniques harness an opponent's force to your own advantage by throwing and pinning them to the ground.
Literally meaning "gentle way," judo techniques harness an opponent's force to your own advantage by throwing and pinning them to the ground.
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Judo was first seen at the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, and a women's competition was added at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
Judo was first seen at the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, and a women's competition was added at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
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No judoka has more world championships gold medals than Teddy Riner. In September 2017, the legendary Frenchman won his ninth title, before hitting double figures at an open weight competition in Marrakech.
No judoka has more world championships gold medals than Teddy Riner. In September 2017, the legendary Frenchman won his ninth title, before hitting double figures at an open weight competition in Marrakech.
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"It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
"It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
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On the women's side, Ryoko Tani's record stands out. The Japanese Judoka has seven world titles, and upon her retirement <a href="https://japantoday.com/category/sports/ryoko-tani-named-best-female-judoka-ever-by-intl-judo-fderation" target="_blank" target="_blank">was hailed</a> as the "best female judoka ever."
On the women's side, Ryoko Tani's record stands out. The Japanese Judoka has seven world titles, and upon her retirement was hailed as the "best female judoka ever."
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Majlinda Kelmendi tears up after being crowned Kosovo's first ever gold medalist at the Rio Olympics in the women's 52 kg weight category.
Majlinda Kelmendi tears up after being crowned Kosovo's first ever gold medalist at the Rio Olympics in the women's 52 kg weight category.
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At 218 kilos, judoka Ricardo Blas Jr. (seen here on the right competing at London 2012) is the world's heaviest Olympian.
At 218 kilos, judoka Ricardo Blas Jr. (seen here on the right competing at London 2012) is the world's heaviest Olympian.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is a judo master, denoted by wearing a black belt.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is a judo master, denoted by wearing a black belt.
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