Kodokan

The Judo was taught since 1882, in Dojo of Jigoro Kano, was baptized Kodokan or “school for study of the way”.

The first pupil was registered on June 5th, 1882. These first pupils were old from 15 to 18 years. Jigoro Kano lodged them and dealt with them like father. It was one enthralling, but difficult period; the young professor was without money and the carpet measured hardly 20 m ². The following year the dojo had grown and its carpet measured a few 40 m ².

Two years later Jigoro Kano made build Dojo whose carpet measured nearly 80 m ². The meetings between various schools of Ju Jitsu multiplied. Kodokan gained its first bright victory in 1886 at the time of famous tournaments held with the dojo of the police force of Tokyo. The young school gained many others of them thereafter, in particular thanks to Shiro Saigo, one of the most famous pupils of Jigoro Kano, entered in Kodokan at the 16 years age. Sections of Kodokan were based in Nirayama.

When Jigoro Kano undertook its first voyages around the world, he entrusted to his best pupils the direction of Kodokan.

In 1887 a national school of all martial arts is created by the Japanese government, it is Butokukai. Although placed under the aegis of Jigoro Kano this school will not be long in becoming rival of Kodokan. A few years later Kosen created by the imperial university of Tokyo appears.

In spite of competition, Kodokan continues its rise, its last dojo is largest of Japan: 185 m ², little time after this surface are carried to the double.

In 1909 Kodokan becomes public institution, it is at that time that the katas established for Butokukai are taught. Thereafter a female section is open, moreover Kodokan sees itself equipped with religious organizations and committees of research.

It is into 1934 that Kodokan is placed in a new building of three stages. It has 2 ' 000 m ² of carpet. One says from now on of Kodokan that it is Mecque of the Judo. After the defeat of Japan, the Americans prohibited all the activities inspired of Bushido, martial arts were prohibited and the professors of Kodokan were only authorized to teach with the American troops.

The Judo was allowed later with the denomination sport and not martial art.

Since 1958 a new building lodges Kodokan, it is much more roomy and modern that the precedent. In addition to its immense carpet, it shelters special rooms reserved to the women, to the children, to the particular pupils, it lodges also instructors with residence.

Ichiro Abe is one of the teachers of Kodokan, and contributed to promote it in Europe.

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