Jigoro Kano

Jigoro Kano, born on October 28, 1860 in Mikage, Japan, was a man who not only invented the art of judo, but also brought it into the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. As the son of a wealthy family, Kano had the privilege of enjoying a first-class education. But despite his intellectual inclinations, he was rather scrawny as a child and was often teased by his classmates. This awakened in him a desire to strengthen himself physically and learn self-defense. Thus began his journey into the world of martial arts.

In 1877, while studying at the University of Tokyo, Kano began training in various styles of jujutsu. He was an eager student and soon combined the most effective techniques he had learned with his own innovative ideas. In 1882, he finally founded his own school, the Kodokan, and named his new martial art judo, which means "the gentle way." Kano was not only a pioneer in the development of judo, but also a visionary who emphasized the importance of education and character development in martial arts. He believed that judo was not only a method of self-defense, but also a means of personal and social improvement.

Interesting fact:

Kano was not only a master of judo, but also a passionate advocate of the sport in general. He was the first Asian to become a member of the International Olympic Committee and played a key role in introducing judo as an Olympic discipline at the 1964 Tokyo Games. Another curious detail about his life is that despite his small stature of only 1.57 meters, Kano had an imposing presence and was often referred to as a "giant" in the world of martial arts. He was also an avid traveler and used his travels to spread judo around the world, earning him the nickname "Ambassador of Judo".

Here are 10 famous "works of art" by Jigoro Kano that will remain unforgettable in the world of Judo:

• 1882 - Founding of Kodokan Judo
• 1886 - Introduction of Randori (free practice)
• 1887 - Development of the kata "Nage-no-Kata"
• 1895 - Introduction of the kata "Katame-no-Kata"
• 1900 - Founding of the first judo school outside Japan
• 1909 - Joins the International Olympic Committee
• 1911 - Founding of the Japanese Amateur Sports Association
• 1920 - Introduction of the kata "Kime-no-Kata"
• 1922 - Founding of the Kodokan Cultural Society
• 1934 - Publication of the book "Judo Kyohon"

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