Judo – JSS2 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Judo is a martial art and combative sport in which two opponents use movement, balance and body force to gain an advantage over each other. It was developed from the Japanese martial art jujutsu by Professor Jigoro Kano in 1882, and it became an Olympic sport in 1964.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define judo and name its founder;
• state when judo became an Olympic sport and when it received official support in Nigeria;
• list the five basic skills of judo;
• list the equipment used in judo;
• state the rules and regulations governing judo.

History of judo

Judo was adopted from a traditional Japanese martial art known as jujutsu. It was founded by a Japanese professor, Jigoro Kano, in 1882.

Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964, when the Games were held in Tokyo, Japan.

Judo in Nigeria

Judo first got official support in Nigeria in 1972, during the preparation for the 22nd All-African Games. The Nigeria Amateur Judo Association (NAJA) was later renamed the Nigeria Judo Federation in 1993 and affiliated to the International Judo Federation.

What are the basic skills of judo?

1. The stance
2. The gripping
3. The movement
4. The falling
5. Throws

What equipment and facilities are used in judo?

1. Mat (tatami)
2. A belt, which is worn to show the judoka’s standard or rank
3. Judogi (judo suit)
4. Timepiece for the officials, to keep the time
5. Writing materials for the officials

What are the rules and regulations governing judo?

1. At the beginning and end of each bout, the two judoka must bow to each other.
2. A judo match takes between 3 and 10 minutes.
3. Punching or putting a hand, foot, leg or arm on an opponent’s face is prohibited.
4. Judoka must not make derogatory remarks to their opponents. Foul language is not allowed.
5. Judoka must be clean and have dry skin and short nails on both fingers and toes.

Evaluation

1. What is judo?
2. Who founded judo, and in what year did it become an Olympic sport?
3. List the five basic skills of judo.
4. State three items of equipment used in judo.
5. State three rules governing judo.

Assignment

Write short notes on the history of judo in Nigeria, and list any four rules and regulations of judo.