Judo 01: The Birth of Judo and the Kodokan

In 1882, a historic moment in martial arts took place when the first Judo dojo, called the Kodokan, was established by Professor Jigoro Kano. Located in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo, the Kodokan began as a small training hall, but as Judo grew in popularity, Kano moved the dojo several times to accommodate more students.

The name "Kodokan" holds significant meaning. “Ko” means “lecture” or “practice,” “Do” translates to “the way,” and “Kan” means “hall.” So, Kodokan is "the hall for practicing the way."

In 1958, the Kodokan found its final home in Tokyo’s Bunkyo-ku district. Today, it’s a modern facility with over 500 mats in its main dojo, along with lodging, study areas, a library, and even a museum. People from all over the world come to practice here, and it remains the heart of Judo, symbolizing the legacy and teachings of Professor Kano.