Judo introduction into South Africa began in 1945 by soldiers of World War II.

Alec Butcher, an immigrant from Britain was among the pioneers alongside Jack Robinson for Jujitsu.

During the late 1970s and the 1980s the sport was controlled at various times by a body made up of rival members from both SAAJA and SANAJA.

This body was named the South African Judo Union (SAJU).

[6] The main tournament organised is the annual South African Judo Championships.