JUDO HISTORY

JUDO´S HISTORY

The origin of Japan's martial arts is vague, and what we know of it, is more legend than truth.

In 1882, Dr. Jigoro Kano (The Father of Judo) made a comprehensive study of these ancient self defense forms and integrated the best of these forms into a sport which is known as Kodokan Judo.

ON THE FOUNDING OF JUDO

In the seaside town of Mikage, near Kobe, Japan, Jigoro Kano was born on October 28, 1860. In 1871, Kano's family moved to Tokyo.

In 1882, Kano having pulled from ancient jujitsu the best of its throws and grappling techniques, added some of his own, and removed such dangerous techniques as foot and hand strikes. Kano at the age of 22, presented his new sport-Judo. He called this sport Kodokan Judo. The term Kodokan breaks down into ko (lecture, study, method), do (way or path), and kan (hall or place). Thus it means "a place to study the way." Similarly Judo breaks down into ju (gentle) and do (way or path) or "the gentle way."

The categorization of Kodokan Judo was completed about 1887. The Kodokan had three broad aims: physical education, contest proficiency and mental training. Its structure as a martial art was such that it could be practiced as a competitive sport. Blows, kicks, certain joint locks, and other techniques too dangerous for competition, were taught only to the higher ranks.

In 1892 Judo began to spread its wings across the world when Takashima Shidachi lectured the Japan Society in London on the history and development of Judo.

In 1895 Kano classified the Judo throws into the Go Kyo No Waza. In 1900, the Kodokan Dan Grade Holders Association was established.

When Japan hosted the 1964 Olympics, Judo was given its first opportunity as an event. Judo was no longer a Japanese sport but had developed to become an olympic sport.