IN terms of participants judo is among the world's most popular sports - an activity steeped in a tradition and practised by millions of people worldwide.

The sport originated in Japan and can be traced back hundreds of years to the days of the samurai warrior.

Today community and leisure centres across Gwent hold weekly classes for all ages and abilities and the sport is as popular as ever. The Caldicot judo club is typical of the scores in Gwent.

In 2002 the Caldicot club was renamed Kawagoya Judokwai. Kawagoya being a literal translation of the original Anglo Saxon name for Caldicot - meaning 'the bridge over the river, with a hut on the bridge'.

The club has had a string of international representatives, including Nathan Pugh - a Commonwealth games bronze medallist in 1988.

A spokesman for the club said: "Following these achievements by past and present club members, our aim is to coach and encourage future players to achieve these standards and beyond, or for those not so energetic there is always the chance to become a competition official."

What makes judo unique among combat sports is that unlike most martial arts, it does not involve kicking, punching, or striking techniques of any kind.

Instead, judo simply involves two people who, by gripping the judo uniform or judogi, use the forces of balance, power, and movement to attempt to restrain the other.

The word judo consists of two Japanese characters, ju, which means "gentle", and do, which means "the way".

The sport's organisers speak highly of the qualities judo teaches its participants outside of training through its culture and ethics and the emphasis on controlling emotions.

The Caldicot club holds two sessions a week at Portskewett Recreation Hall on Monday evenings and Caldicot Leisure Centre on Wednesday evenings.

All coaches are fully qualified and recognised by the Welsh Judo Association to which the club is affiliated. Gareth Phillips