In the East in the late 19th century, the practical need for hand-to-hand fighting skills was declining, and the martial arts tradition was in danger of dying out. Dr. Jigaro Kano, a Jujitsu instructor created the sport of Judo, or “The Gentle Way”, from the combat of Jujitsu. Kodokan Judo features techniques of grappling, throwing, locking, and choking which turn an opponent’s strength and balance against him or her. It is sometimes called a “physical form of chess”. While Judo is very popular today as a competitive sport, Kyodai focuses more on the arts’ practical applications. Kyodai Judo incorporates elements of karate and jujitsu and teaches the most fundamental techniques necessary to self-defense.
