ENGLISH
REFERENCE

judo

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˈdʒuˌdoʊ// UK //dʒˈuːdəʊ// ju·do

n. a sport from Japan where you use your hands and body to throw your opponent to the ground. It focuses on using the other person's weight and strength against them.

n. a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport characterized by the use of grappling, throws, and joint locks to subdue an opponent. Developed in the late 19th century, it emphasizes maximum efficiency with minimum effort.


SIMPLE

She practices judo at the local gym twice a week.

CONTEXTUAL

The instructor taught the beginners how to fall safely before they practiced their first judo throws.

COMPLEX

While many martial arts rely on striking, judo focuses on leverage and balance, allowing a smaller practitioner to overcome a much larger opponent through superior technique.

Origin

Borrowed from Japanese 柔(じゅう)道(どう) (jūdō, literally “the soft way”).

Usage

Typically used with the verb 'do' (e.g., 'to do judo') rather than 'play'.

Pitfall

I play judo every TuesdayI do judo every TuesdayEnglish speakers use 'do' for martial arts and individual sports that do not involve a ball.

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