A martial art derived from Jiu-jitsu, Judo shows beautifully on film. Some of my favourite YouTube videos featuring martial arts are of Judo. As a bit of a lighter post today, I figured I share a few of my favourites.

This first video is a demo that was put on at a festival celebrating the sport, performed by two Olympic-level Judoka. Their core strength is awe-inspiring as they demonstrate Judo throws in slow motion (both forward and in reverse). Also LOVED the Jedi-style throwing from a distance (which can only be seen to be understood). Have a watch:

This second video features a series of videos showing some of the most amazing “ippon’ (Judo points) I’ve ever seen. So much respect for these athletes! Be sure to check out the shoulder wheel (kata guruma) at 3:10.

This third video is a beautiful slow motion feature of Judo performed at Kyoto University in Japan. It really shows of the flow of the style.

This next video shows Kyozo Mifune, arguably one of the greatest Judo masters of all time, performing randori with a number of high-ranking, younger Judoka. If you think Judo is all about size and strength, watching this man will change your mind.

This last video is a 10-min clip from the recent documentary that was released about Keiko Fukuda, the only woman to ever earn the rank of 10th Dan in Judo. Her life story touches me very deeply. I have so much respect for her and the life choices she had to make to dedicate herself to her art. A particularly poignant moment in the video is when Fukuda talks about how she chose Judo over marriage. She knew that if she married, she would be expected to follow the norms of Japanese society, to have children and keep home for her family. She knew that she would only be able to commit herself to Judo if she never married. Watching her speak about this and the emotions she expresses while doing so makes me think she would have liked to marry if she could have done so and maintained her commitment to Judo. It makes me feel truly grateful to have been born in a time in which I not only didn’t have to choose one or the other, but could choose to do both, having a relationship that not only allows for my commitment to the martial arts but enhances it.

Got any other great Judo videos to that I may have missed? Please feel free to share them in the comments. 🙂

Tags: judo videos | keiko fukuda | kyozo mifune