Documentario jigoro kano biography

Jigoro Kano

Martial arts master, creator of judo, founder of the Kodokan school.
Date of Birth: 28.10.1860
Country: Japan

Content:
  1. Biography of Jigoro Kano
  2. Beginnings of Judo
  3. Founding Kodokan
  4. Development of Judo
  5. Recognition and Legacy

Biography of Jigoro Kano

Early Life and Education

Jigoro Kano, a master of martial arts and the creator of judo, was born in 1860 in the small coastal town of Mikage near Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Coming from an ancient samurai family, Kano received a comprehensive upbringing from a young age. Despite being physically weak and short by Japanese standards, he worked hard to strengthen his body through various sports, including baseball, which had recently been introduced to the country. It was around this time that Kano first heard about jujutsu, a martial art that allowed even those with limited physical strength to defend themselves against stronger opponents.

Beginnings of Judo

At the age of 18, Kano made the decision to dedicate himself to jujutsu. He faced difficulties finding a suitable instructor, but eventually began practicing the art at university. Despite his physical limitations, Kano quickly mastered the techniques of throws and holds. He trained under several notable masters, including Yagi Tenosuke and Fukuda Hachinosuke, becoming one of their best students.

Founding Kodokan

Following the death of his previous mentor, Kano continued his training with Masamoto Iso, who was the son of the founder of the school. Kano learned a valuable lesson during this time when he was easily defeated by a novice student due to his own arrogance. This experience taught him the importance of humility and never underestimating an opponent. After Masamoto's death, Kano sought further training from Iikubo Tsunetoshi, a master who emphasized abstract symbolism in his teachings. Kano's relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery eventually led him to establish his own school, which he called Kodokan, in 1883.

Development of Judo

Kano's goal was to systematize the principles of jujutsu and adapt them to modern conditions. He believed that judo could be more than just a martial art; it could be a discipline of the mind and body that cultivated moral virtue and wisdom. Drawing inspiration from Zen teachings and the biographies of other martial arts masters, Kano worked tirelessly to perfect and expand his system of judo.

Recognition and Legacy

Kano's efforts to promote judo were met with initial resistance from the jujutsu community, but he persevered. Within a few years, judo became a traditional sport in Japan and was included in school and university curricula. Kano's dream of spreading judo beyond Japan came true when he embarked on a journey to Europe in 1889. This trip resulted in the establishment of judo schools and the exchange of knowledge and experiences between judo practitioners in different countries.

Kano's contributions extended beyond judo. He played a key role in the development of other sports and physical education in Japan, founding the Japan Athletic Association in 1911. He also served as the first Japanese member of the International Olympic Committee but held mixed views on judo's inclusion in the Olympic Games, fearing it could become a tool for nationalism and racial superiority.

Kano continued to teach and travel until his death in 1938. His son, Risei Kano, took over the dissemination of judo after his passing, ensuring the continued growth and influence of the martial art. Jigoro Kano's legacy as the founder of judo and the Kodokan lives on, with judo remaining a popular and respected sport worldwide.