Judo — “the gentle way” — was founded in Tokyo in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, who synthesised traditional jujutsu techniques into a modern martial art and educational system. Today judo is practised by tens of millions worldwide and has been an Olympic sport since 1964. Visiting the Kodokan — judo’s birthplace and global headquarters in Tokyo — offers direct connection to one of Japan’s most influential cultural and athletic exports.
Jigoro Kano and the Founding of Judo
Jigoro Kano (1860–1938) was a slight, bookish young man who took up jujutsu as a teenager to improve his physical condition. Studying under masters of two major jujutsu schools, he identified the most effective throwing and grappling techniques and, crucially, developed a training methodology that allowed full-force practice without injury: the ukemi (falling technique) and the principle of jū (yielding to force rather than resisting it directly). In 1882, aged 22, he opened the Kodokan dojo in Tokyo and began formalising what would become judo.
Kano’s contribution extended beyond technique. He developed the dan/kyu ranking system now used across all martial arts globally, introduced the white and coloured belt system (originally only white and black), and was the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee. His educational philosophy — judo as a vehicle for moral and physical development, encapsulated in the principles seiryoku zen’yo (maximum efficiency, minimum effort) and jita kyoei (mutual benefit and welfare) — positioned judo as a lifelong practice, not merely a fighting method.
The Kodokan, Tokyo
The Kodokan Judo Institute in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, is judo’s spiritual centre and a functioning training facility with approximately 600 practice sessions per year. The eight-story building houses multiple training floors, a museum documenting judo’s history and Kano’s life, and administrative offices managing the global judo certification system.
Visitors may observe training sessions on the main floor (eighth floor) during scheduled practice times — afternoon and evening sessions are most active. The Kodokan Museum on the fourth floor contains historical photographs, Kano’s personal effects, early training records, and examples of the original dojo equipment. A small gift shop sells official Kodokan merchandise including branded judogi (training uniforms).
Foreign judoka with existing grade certification can arrange to participate in training sessions by contacting the Kodokan in advance. Casual visitors without judo experience observe only. The building is open Monday–Saturday; confirm current observation hours through the Kodokan’s website as sessions vary seasonally.
Judo Technique and Competition
Judo competition centres on throwing the opponent to the ground with force, speed and control (ippon — one full point, decisive victory) or holding them on their back for 20 seconds (also ippon). Ground techniques include arm locks (kansetsu-waza) and choking techniques (shime-waza). The competition mat (tatami) is typically 14 × 14 metres.
At the Olympic level, judo is contested by weight category from 60 kg to over 100 kg (men) and 48 kg to over 78 kg (women). Japan consistently produces Olympic and World Championship medallists across multiple weight categories — the national team trains at the Ajinomoto National Training Centre in Ajinomoto, Tokyo, not directly accessible to public observers.
Experiencing Judo in Japan
Beyond the Kodokan, municipal sports centres (taiiku-kan) across Japan operate judo clubs that occasionally accept visitor participation by prior arrangement. Tourism operators in Tokyo and Osaka offer introductory judo sessions (90 minutes, approximately ¥5,000–¥7,000) covering ukemi, basic throwing techniques and supervised randori (free practice). These sessions are suitable for adults with no prior experience and include judogi rental.
The All Japan Judo Championship held at the Budokan in late April is the premier domestic competition event; tickets are available through the Japan Judo Federation website. International Grand Slam events are held in Tokyo (December) with higher international competition level and full English information available through the International Judo Federation’s website.