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Article: The role of judo in health promotion.(Judo)
- Article from:
- Coach and Athletic Director
- Article date:
- August 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Scholastic, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Judo is the most popular martial art in the world and the second most popular sport (behind soccer) in the world. Around the world there are more people registered with nationally-affiliated judo clubs than any other martial art.
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So why isn't it more popular in the U.S.? Perhaps because coaches and physical educators view judo as a uniquely un-American activity. That's probably true. But judo just may be more American than we realize.
Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, developed the first school for teaching judo (the Kodokan) in 1882. Kano's judo originated from the heavily engaged forms of ju-jitsu. He selected the safe ...