‘柔道’ (jūdō) is the Chinese term for the Japanese martial art ‘judo’, literally meaning ‘the gentle way’. The character 柔 (róu) means ‘soft’, ‘gentle’, or ‘flexible’, while 道 (dào) means ‘way’, ‘path’, or ‘principle’. Together, they reflect judo’s core philosophy: using an opponent’s force and momentum against them through yielding, balance-breaking, and controlled throws—rather than brute strength. It emphasizes respect, discipline, and mutual welfare.

In Chinese-speaking communities, 柔道 refers specifically to the modern Olympic sport codified by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century—not traditional jujutsu or other grappling arts. It is widely practiced in schools, universities, and national sports programs across China, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities. While not a native Chinese tradition, it is fully integrated into the Chinese sports lexicon and often taught alongside other martial arts like 武术 (wǔshù) or 跆拳道 (tǎiquándào).