The History of Judo

The origin of Japan’s martial arts

The takenouchi-ryu martial art system founded in 1532 is considered the beginning of Japan’s Jujitsu forms. Judo was derived from Jujitsu, the art for either attacking others or defending oneself with nothing but one’s own body.

The Kodokan Judo

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

Prof. Kano adopted the superlative parts of all the Jujitsu schools, got rid of precarious parts and the Kodokan Judo was recognized in a few years to be excellent since its students overwhelmed the Jujitsu athletes at the Police Bujitsu Contest.

The categorization of Kodokan Judo was completed about 1887. The Kodokan had three broad aims: physical education, contest proficiency and mental training.

The Olympic Sport

Proceeding with the organization of the Kodokan and enacting the regulations of Judo, Prof. Kano became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee in 1909 and worked for the spread of Judo world-wide. Judo became an official event in the Olympic Games of Tokyo in 1964, backed by Judo fans and sport promoters all over the world.

Jigoro Kano

In his lifetime, Jigoro Kano attained a doctorate degree in Judo, a degree equivalent to the twelfth dan, awarded to the originator of Judo only. He constantly worked to ensure the development of athletics and Japanese sport in general, and as a result is often called the ”Father of Japanese Sports”. In 1935 he was awarded the Asahi prize for his outstanding contribution to the organizing of sport in Japan during his lifetime.

Main Events

European Judo Championships Senior
European Judo Championships Junior
European Judo Championships Veterans
European Judo Championships Team
European Judo Championships Open
European Judo Championships U23
European Judo Championship Kata
European Club Cup
Super World Cups
World Cups
Cup of Russian President 500.000 USD
World Masters 500.000 USD
Grand Prix 100.000 USD

European Judo Union

Judomen from Britain, Italy, Holland, and Switzerland gathered to form the European Judo Union (EJU). In 1951, when EJU leaders met in London, two more countries joined the organization: Austria and Holland. Here, inclusion of judo in the Olympic Games was first mentioned. Young French publisher Henry D. Plee suggested that he print a translation of the Kodokan’s monthly magazine in English and French; the EJU agreed to make it an official organ of the EJU.

European Judo Foundation

It was established in 1999 to popularize our loved sport and to support competitors and countries to achieve successful results.