Judo 04: Judo’s Challenges During World War II

Judo faced significant challenges during World War II. In 1945, the Allied forces, led by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, banned Judo in Japan, viewing it as too militaristic. Many Judo schools (dojos) were shut down, and the practice of Judo was prohibited in both Japan and North America.

In the United States and Canada, there was widespread discrimination against people of Japanese descent. Many Judo instructors were sent to internment camps, where they continued to practice Judo in secret, though the sport’s progress slowed down during this period.

Despite these hardships, Judo survived. In 1948, the first post-war All-Japan Judo Championships were held, and in 1951, the International Judo Federation was established, allowing Judo to spread worldwide once again.