A judoka is a practitioner of judo, a modern martial art that originated in Japan. Judokas train to master various techniques, including throws, pins, and joint locks, emphasizing balance, leverage, and timing. The sport promotes physical fitness, discipline, and respect for others. In competitions, judokas wear a traditional uniform called a gi and are categorized by weight classes. Matches are held on a tatami, a mat designed for safety. Judokas can earn different colored belts, indicating their skill level, with black being the highest rank. The ultimate goal is to achieve mastery in judo techniques and principles.