Judo literally means "the gentle way".

The legend tells that the fondations of judo were developed by the master Jigoro Kano in 1882, during a very harsh winter. Disciple and specialist of the Ju-Jitsu, master Kano “observed a willow tree whose branches were covered with snow. Unlike the pine tree, which stood erect and broke before the storm, the willow yielded to the weight of snow on its branches, but did not break under it. In this way, he reflected jujutsu must be practiced.”

Jigoro Kano taught judo as an art, a philosophy aiming at developing the body and mental balances. To practice judo means to develop its own body and spirit by the attack and defensive games and thus, to reach a harmonious development oh its own being to contribute to the prosperity of all human beings.

Mizuno and the judo: a common story since 1964
After extended all over the world at the end of the Second World War, judo became a discipline really prevailing at the beginning of the sixties, until the Olympic recognition.

1964
The judo is enrolled at the Olympic Games program of Tokyo. As a Japanese company sharing the same values than judo, Mizuno decided to invest in this sport and to product judogi.

1965
Production of the first judogi.

1980
Given the success of the first judogi and the satisfaction of the judoka, Mizuno decided to pursue its investment in judo and to contribute to its development offering the best products to exercise their sport.

1984 Olympics Games of Los Angeles
4 of the 8 medal winner were wearing Mizuno’s Judogi, and among them the Austrian judoka Seisenbacher, in the under 86 kg category.  This is the first time that a judoka sponsored by Mizuno win gold medals. Through these victories, Mizuno obtain recognition of the world of judo for the quality of its products.
From then on, each olympic competition was the occasion to see judokas fitted out with Mizuno brand distinguished themselves.
In Sydney, the « Mizuno » judokas win 6 medals (3 for men and 3 for women). During the Athens' Olympic Games, 9 podiums wore Mizuno.

April 1997
The Mizuno brand becomes the partner of the International judo federation. The quality of the Mizuno products and the involvement of the brand entirely satisfy the demands of the Japanese athlete who always replace their trust in Mizuno.

2006
Since more than 50 years, Mizuno contribute to the worldwide judo. At the time when Mizuno celebrate its hundredth birthdays, Mizuno shows the same will to contribute to the judo development providing always more efficient products.

2008
Launching of the new Mizuno Judo website.
Mizuno become the official supplier for 3 years. Through this collaboration, Mizuno will provide to the judokas the technical equipment essential for training and competition.