Overview: Judo, or the "gentle or soft way," is a modernized, more practical form of jiu-jitsu, created in the nineteenth century. In judo, competitors learn to use leverage to throw an opponent of any size to the floor. In 1964, the discipline gained the legitimacy of acceptance as a medal-status Olympic sport.
Physical emphasis: The objective of a judo technique is to throw your opponent off-balance, using skill rather than strength to take him/her down. It is therefore in many ways more of a mental than physical discipline. Having said that, a judo student will find that his/her general health, strength and flexibility will improve moderately with regular training.
Availability: Generally high, though schools may be somewhat easier to find in urban areas.
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