Is judo primarily a sport or self defense?

Answer 1

Judo is primarily a sport. Our rules have been adjusted to create a sport like environment. Most of the martial arts aspects of the sport have been removed (like kicking and punching - we used to have 'em back in the day). In conversation most judoka call themselves “players” rather than martial artists.

This doesn’t preclude it from being used as a martial art.

Answer 2

Judo is both and is the only martial art that is a recognized sport in the Olympics. In the United States it is also recognized by the AAU as well. It has it's early inception and beginnings as a means of self-defense that was developed in Japan for police officers. It like many other martial arts can be employed both offensively or defensively depending on the person and situation.

Answer 3

hello there, its depend to that person, the main objective he learn and try to practice that martial art..some people learn for their own satisfaction (i mean hobby) some people think its a way to self defense, if he target to get medals or win in a competition it become a sport..so for me judo primarily a self defense,

thanks, syam

Answer 4

Judo has really gone downhill since it was featured in the Olympic games, since then it has slowly and slowly become weaker and weaker, if you can find a good old school Judo school thats great, and maby since MMA is getting really big Judo will go back to teaching much stronger methods, but i would recomen BJJ as a better alternative

Answer 5

-i agree, booth. is that how you spell it?

- i think its better to practice a Martial art that one can compete in. WHY, because it gives one an opportunity to practice techniques in an adrenalin filled situation. Practicing with some body that is just standing still is different than practicing with somebody thats coming after you.

- if you don't think judo will work in a real fight, look up karo parysian. he is a well known, and successful mma (mixed martial art) fighter.

Answer 6

Sport Judo is a sport.
Judo is a defense art.
So, both.

Answer 7

Both, it depends on how you train. Gi, no gi, SD, or competition. However, being good at one will make you better at the other, to a certain degree.