Martial arts competition is deeply rooted in the Olympic Games. From the beginnings of the games, over 1500 years ago, Olympians competed in wrestling and other combat sports. That leads us to today’s second part on martial arts and the Olympics.

If you’re just now joining us, part one of this series gave us an overview of when the Olympic Games, both ancient and modern, started. We also listed the different types of martial art competitions that are held at the Games. Read more about martial arts and the Olympics here.

In today’s second installment, we’re going to cover Olympic Judo and Taekwondo. If you’re looking for honest martial arts classes in Raleigh, Gracie should be your number one choice for summertime training. Don’t wait! Call today for more details.

More Martial Arts and Olympic Games Information

Olympic Judo

Men’s Olympic Judo was first included in the Tokyo Games of 1964. It has been a martial arts staple ever since, except for the 1968 Games. Women’s Olympic Judo was first demonstrated at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul‎, South Korea. The women got to finally compete in the 1992 games in Barcelona, Spain, and have done so ever since.

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the weight classes.

Men’s Events

• – 60 kg
• 60 – 66kg (Half-Lightweight)
• 66 – 73kg (Lightweight)
• 73 – 81kg (Half-Middleweight)
• 81 – 90kg (Middleweight)
• 90 – 100kg (Half-Heavyweight)
• + 100kg (Heavyweight)

Women’s Events

• – 48kg (Extra-Lightweight)
• 48 – 52kg (Half-Lightweight)
• 52 – 57kg (Lightweight)
• 57 – 63kg (Half-Middleweight)
• 63 – 70kg (Middleweight)
• 70 – 78kg (Half-Heavyweight)
• + 78kg (Heavyweight)

Judo is also part of the Special Olympics and the Paralympics.

Olympic Taekwondo

Olympic Taekwondo was introduced to the Games during the 1988 and 1992 events. It wasn’t until the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia that it was added as an official sport where athletes could win medals. This combat sport is governed by the World Taekwondo Federation. The WTF was founded in 1973. In the sport of Olympic Taekwondo, athletes compete in full contact sparring.

Men’s Events

• – 58 kg men
• 58 – 68kg
• 68 – 80kg
• + 80kg

Women’s Events

• – 49kg
• 49 – 57kg
• 57 – 67kg
• + 67kg

Hopefully the last two posts have given you a better understanding of just how integral martial arts are in the Olympics. Our next post will be highlighting Olympic Boxing and Fencing. If you’ve read these posts and are inspired to push yourself to the next level, keep reading to see how Gracie Raleigh can help.

Affordable Martial Arts Classes in Raleigh NC | Gracie Raleigh

Gracie Raleigh specializes in jiu jitsu, muay thai, kickboxing and self defense and our classes are for anyone who wants to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. What you learn in our martial arts classes in Raleigh NC will also translate into helping you fight the daily battles of your life, such as weight loss, stress reduction, relationship problems, and self-confidence issues.

We even offer free classes. You can feel confident before you commit with Gracie Raleigh. We also have martial arts classes for kids, and there are no contracts for children. If you have any questions, please give us a call today.