Calm in Mind, Swift in Action

 

Jujitsu Judo Kenjitsu Self-Defense Red Dragon Tactical Seminars Marketplace History of Ju-Jitsu Rank Requirements Techniques Videos What's New? Meet the Sensei Meet the Instructors Request Information Special Offers Prices Class Schedule Location Pictures Message Board	History of Judo Judo was developed in 1882 by Dr. Jigaro Kano. Dr Kano was born in 1860. He graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1881. He earned degrees in literature and philosophy. Dr. Kano was a educationalist and active in the Japanese Olympic movement. Dr. Kano began studying Ju-Jutsu as a young man. At that time, Ju-Jitsu had fallen out of favor. Ju-Jitsu Masters struggled to earn a living. Although the Masters wanted to pass on their skills, there was little interest among the next generation. In 1883, Dr Kano began teaching the public. He borrowed a small room at Eishoji temple and opened the first Kodokan school of Judo. Kodokan representatives travelled throughout Japan demonstrating Judo and lecturing on the principles behind the new method. In 1886 a match was held to determine which system of Ju-Jutsu should be approved for use in military academies, police departments and public schools. The 15 strong male Kodokan team defeated all opponents and Judo became a government approved sport. After World War II, the occupation forces prohibited all practice of the martial arts in schools and public institutions. The ban remained in place until 1951. However, private instruction in judo was tolerated and the police were excepted from the general prohibition. The Kodokan was able to rebuild without interference from authorities. Dr Kano had taken a stand against militarism in pre-war Japan. In addition, new draft rules were established which removed the mention of Judo's martial origin. This made Kodokan Judo acceptable to the authorities. In 1949 the occupation authorities allowed the yudanshakai (dan grade society) to be reconstituted as a single democratic organization. As a result the Japanese Judo Federation was formed. Risei Kano, the only son of Jigoro Kano, presided over the organiziation. Its headquarters remained at the Kodokan. Today Jigoro Kano's grandson Presides over the All Japan Judo Federation. Judo was introduced to many countried outside of Japan from 1902 to the 1930's. President Theodore Roosevelt expressed an interest in Judo. As sign of goodwill Dr. Kano sent Yoshiaki Yamashita, a high ranking member of the Kodokan, to America in 1902 train President Roosevelt personally. A room was set aside at the White House for Judo purposes. Judo became an Olympic Sport in 1964. Today, Judo is practiced by millions of people around the world.