Judo

History of Judo

Judo is considered to have originated in 1882. The International Judo Federation was established in 1951. The first Pan-American Judo Championships were held in Havana in 1952, followed by the first World Judo Championships in Tokyo in 1956. That championship had no weight divisions and included representatives from 21 countries. Men’s judo was later introduced to the Summer Olympic programme in Tokyo. The first Women’s World Championships were held in 1980. Judo entered the Paralympic programme for the first time in Seoul in 1988.

Rules of Judo

Judo is a situational, technically complex, acyclic combat sport requiring speed, strength and coordination. Two judoka compete to win through standing techniques, including throws, or ground techniques, including joint locks, strangles and holds, in strict accordance with the competition rules.

Judo in Kazakhstan

The Kazakhstan Judo Federation joined the Judo Union of Asia in 1993, opening a new stage in the development of judo in Kazakhstan and the wider Asian region. During the years of independence, Kazakhstan’s judoka competed in six Summer Olympic Games, eight World Championships, eighteen Asian Championships and six Asian Games. They won three Olympic medals: Askhat Zhitkeyev earned silver in the 100 kg category at Beijing 2008, while Yeldos Smetov won silver at 60 kg and Galbadrakh Otgontsetseg won bronze at 48 kg at Rio 2016.