Kano Jigoro – The Father of Judo

Born in 1860 in Mikage (now part of Kobe), Kanō Jigorō嘉納治五郎 moved to Tokyo with his father at the age of 11. Although he was known as a child prodigy at school, he often faced adversity. To develop his strength, he decided to study the martial art of Jujutsu . During his time as a student at Tokyo University, he finally found someone who would teach him: Jujutsu master and former samurai Fukuda Hachinosuke .

Judo means “the smooth or light path” and is based on principles such as justice, courtesy, safety and modesty. Kanō saw the martial art as a way to bring people together, even while throwing opponents to the mat.

Judo was born during a Jujutsu sparring match when Kanō incorporated a western wrestling move to bring his much larger opponent to the mat. By eliminating the most dangerous techniques used in Jujutsu , ” Judo ” was created, a safe and cooperative sport based on Kanō’s personal philosophy of Seiryoku-Zenyo (maximum and efficient use of energy) and Jita-Kyoei (prosperity). mutual of self and others)

In 1882, Kanō opened his own dojo (a type of gym to develop martial arts) the well-known Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, where he would develop and teach Judo for years. He also welcomed women into the sport in 1893.

Kanō became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1909 and in 1960, the IOC approved Judo as an official Olympic sport.

Google Doodle has honored Kanō to celebrate his 161st birth anniversary.