Japanese martial art

JUDO

Hint: This grappling-based sport emphasizes throws and leverage, and it became an Olympic event in 1964. (This hint provides additional context about the martial art's characteristics and history without directly naming it, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring some deduction.)

The clue "Japanese martial art" directly points to the answer "JUDO" because Judo is a well-known martial art that originated in Japan. The word itself is derived from Japanese characters meaning "gentle way," and it is widely recognized as a traditional Japanese combat sport.