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  • Kanō Jigorō

    嘉納 治五郎
    Japan
    b. 1860-10-28, KobeBorn 1860-10-28, Kobe
    d. 1938-05-04, Pacific OceanDied 1938-05-04, Pacific Ocean
    id_cardfamily_historyconversion_path
    military_tech 100.0 · Foundational

    Description

    Jigoro Kano (嘉納 治五郎, 10 December 1860 – 4 May 1938[3]) was a Japanese educator, athlete, and the founder of Judo. Along with Ju-Jutsu, Judo was one of the first Japanese martial arts to gain widespread international recognition, and the first to become an official Olympic sport. Pedagogical innovations attributed to Kanō include the use of black and white belts, and the introduction of dan ranking to show the relative ranking among members of a martial art style. Well-known mottoes attributed to Kanō include "good use of energy" (精力善用 seiryoku zen'yō) and "mutual welfare and benefit" (自他共栄 jita kyōei).

    Teachers (4)

    • person
      Fukuda Hachinosuke
      sports_martial_artsTenjin Shin'yō-ryū Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Well-documented as Kano's first jujutsu teacher in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from 1877-1879; Wikipedia and Token Corporation's independently published Judo Channel biography both directly state Fukuda accepted Kano as a student after Yagi's referral
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onFukuda Hachinosuke dojo badge (1877–1879)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Well-documented as Kano's first jujutsu teacher in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from 1877-1879; Wikipedia and Token Corporation's independently published Judo Channel biography both directly state Fukuda accepted Kano as a student after Yagi's referral
      “His search brought him to Yagi Teinosuke, who had been a student of Emon Isomata in the Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū school of jūjutsu. Yagi, in turn, referred Kanō to Fukuda Hachinosuke, a bonesetter who taught Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū in a 10-mat room adjacent to his practice.”
      — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info
      “Yagi finally relented and introduced Jigoro to another jujutsu practitioner named Hachinosuke Fukuda. Fukuda accepted him into his dojo, and Jigoro's jujutsu training then began.”
      — The life of Jigoro Kano: Jigoro Kano, father of body and mind educationlink history info
    • person
      Iso Masatomo
      sports_martial_artsTenjin Shin'yō-ryū Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onOtamagaike dojo badge (1879–1881)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      3 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it.
      “Kanō began studying with Iso, who had been a friend of Fukuda. Despite being 62 years old and standing only 5 feet (1.52 m) tall, Iso had gained a powerful build from jūjutsu training. He was known for excellence in kata, and was also a specialist in atemi, or the striking of vital areas. In Iso's method, one began with kata and then progressed to free fighting (randori). Due to Kanō's intense practice and his solid grounding in the jūjutsu taught by Fukuda, Kanō became an assistant instructor at Iso's school.”
      — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info
      “Following the passing of his second Tenjin Shinyo jujutsu master, Masatomo Iso, he took up the study of Kito style jujutsu”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “After much thought, I decided that it would be in my best interests to enroll at Masatomo Iso’s dojo in an effort to improve myself further in jujutsu.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Iikubo Tsunetoshi
      sports_martial_artsKitō-ryū Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Kano's own memoir states he took lessons in Kitō-ryū from Iikubo; a secondary account adds that Iikubo issued him a menkyo in October 1883; the menkyo itself is not cited
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onEishōji badge (1881)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own memoir states he took lessons in Kitō-ryū from Iikubo; a secondary account adds that Iikubo issued him a menkyo in October 1883; the menkyo itself is not cited
      “Kanō began training in Kitō-ryū with Iikubo Tsunetoshi (Kōnen). Iikubo was an expert in kata and throwing, and fond of randori. Kanō applied himself thoroughly to learning Kitō-ryū, believing Iikubo's throwing techniques in particular to be better than in the schools he had previously studied. Iikubo issued Kanō a formal jūjutsu rank and teaching credential, namely a certificate of menkyo in Kitō-ryū, dated October 1883.”
      — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “was Tsunetoshi Iikubo and that he had taught for a time at the Kobusho. Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to Iikubo from whom I subsequently took lessons in Kito style jujutsu”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Oshima Masateru
      sports_martial_artsYagyū Shingan-ryū Probable
      Probable
      Mentioned by Kano himself as having practiced Yagyū-ryū bōjutsu with Oshima, though Kano noted his practice 'had not reached the level of shugyō'
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      (1881)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Mentioned by Kano himself as having practiced Yagyū-ryū bōjutsu with Oshima, though Kano noted his practice 'had not reached the level of shugyō'
      “When I was young, I practiced Yagyū-ryū bōjutsu with a man named Oshima. As my practice of this discipline had not reached the level of shugyō (NOTE: dedicated, austere study), usually I do not mention it. However, since then I thought there was value in bōjutsu shugyō”
      — Lance Gatling. (2023). The Kodokan and Bōjutsu (jō) Staff Fighting and Jūdō. The Kano Chronicleslink history info

    Lineage

    • Tenjin Shin'yō-ryūFukuda Hachinosuke ← Iso Masatomo ← Iso Masatari Mataemon · 3 generations
    • Kitō-ryū Iikubo Tsunetoshi ← Takenaka Tetsunosuke Issei ← Takenaka Motonoshin ← Takino Yūken ← Hotta Sagoemon · 5 generations

    Ranks (2)

    • sports_martial_artsKitō-ryū
      receipt_longMenkyo Kaiden Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it. They differ on the date: October 1883, or shortly after Kano first threw Iikubo, around 1885.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      Menkyo Licence System
      granted by Iikubo Tsunetoshi
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it. They differ on the date: October 1883, or shortly after Kano first threw Iikubo, around 1885.
      “Kitō-ryū: Menkyo kaiden (total transmission license)”
      — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Shortly thereafter Iikubo presented me with a license certifying me as a master of Kito jujutsu together with a jujutsu suit and the densho that a master confers on his student following his gaining master proficiency.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • sports_martial_artsTenjin Shin'yō-ryū
      receipt_longMenkyo Kaiden Probable
      Probable
      Received instruction and likely certification in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from Iso Masatomo
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      Menkyo Licence System
      granted by Iso Masatomo
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Received instruction and likely certification in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from Iso Masatomo
      “Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū: Instructor (formal rank unclear)”
      — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

    Offices held (3)

    • corporate_fareHead (館長, 1st)Kodokan Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      1882 – 1938
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      4 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it.
      “Founder and first director of Kodokan Jigoro Kano [...] Term as head 1882 to 1938”
      — About the Kodokan: History of Kodokan Heads link info
      visibilityFirst-hand alt_routeIndirect
      “主とするところは「術」ではなくこの原理と目的により自己完成をめざす「道」であるとして、術から道へと名をあらため、その道を講ずるところという意味で名づけられたのが「講道館」という名でした。”
      — 講道館の歴史link info
      alt_routeIndirect
      “In 1882, Kano established the Kodokan (“school for the study of the way”) in the storeroom of a small Buddhist temple in Tokyo.”
      — Green, Thomas A.; Svinth, Joseph R.. (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation info
      “However, in May 1938, Kano died aboard a ship at sea while returning to Japan from a meeting of the International Olympics Committee, and his nephew, Nango Jiro (1876–1951), succeeded him as the second head of the Kodokan.”
      — Green, Thomas A.; Svinth, Joseph R.. (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation info
    • location_onPresidentTokyo Higher Normal School Probable
      Probable
      One authored history.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      1893
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      One authored history.
      reviewsPeer-reviewed
      “The highly influential educator and martial artist Kanō Jigorō became the school's president in 1893”
      — Bennett, Alexander C.. (2015). Kendo: Culture of the Swordlink info
    • corporate_fareCo-headDai-Nippon Butokukai Judo Kata Committee Probable
      Probable
      Kano's own account only.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      1906
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account only.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “The committee of jujutsu teachers, headed by Totsuka, Hoshino and I, finalized the eight seated and twelve standing techniques for Kime no Kata.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo

    Students (26)

    • Vasili Oshchepkov
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Single source; OCA says he trained under Kanō, which may mean only at the Kodokan. The Kodokan records his entry in 1911.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      location_onKodokan badge (1911–1917)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      3 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Single source; OCA says he trained under Kanō, which may mean only at the Kodokan. The Kodokan records his entry in 1911.
      “Oshchepkov spent much of his life living in Japan and training judo under its founder Kano Jigoro.”
      — OCA Asia article - Oshchepkov biography link
      alt_routeIndirect
      “admitted to the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, founded by Jigoro Kano, on October 29, 1911.”
      — English Wikipedia - Oshchepkov biography link history
      visibilityFirst-hand alt_routeIndirect
      “Mr. Oshchepkov became a disciple of the Kodokan in 1911”
      — Special exhibition of the material concerning Mr. Vasili Oshchepkov - Kodokan Judo Institutelink history info
    • Yokoyama Sakujiro
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Wikipedia and Kanō's own memoirs state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1886)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      3 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Wikipedia and Kanō's own memoirs state it.
      “Yokoyama Sakujirō [...] was one of the earliest disciples of Kanō Jigorō.”
      — Yokoyama Sakujiro - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info
      “1886年(明治19年)、23歳、4月に嘉納治五郎の講道館に入門。”
      — 横山作次郎 - Wikipedia (Japanese). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Those who were specializing in judo included Shiro Saigo, Yoshitsugu Yamashita, Sakujiro Yokoyama”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • Yamashita Yoshitsugu
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Well-documented student of Jigoro Kano, entered Kodokan in August 1884 as the 19th member, mentioned in multiple reliable sources including Wikipedia and Judo Channel
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1884)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      3 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Well-documented student of Jigoro Kano, entered Kodokan in August 1884 as the 19th member, mentioned in multiple reliable sources including Wikipedia and Judo Channel
      “Yoshitsugu Yamashita was the son of an Odawara Han martial arts instructor, and he entered Kodokan in August of 1884.”
      — Kodokan hall of fame: Yoshitsugu Yamashita (Judo Channel)link
      “In August 1884, he joined the Kodokan judo dojo of his childhood friend Kano Jigoro as its nineteenth member”
      — Yamashita Yoshitsugu - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Another man, who is now on the Kodokan Board of Trustees, Itsuro Munakata, became my student in February 1884. In August, the current highest dan grade holder, Yoshitsugu Yamashita, joined my dojo.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • Uchida Ryōhei
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1893)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it.
      “Miyakawa remained a Gen’yōshamember and became a Kōdōkan top-executive (Kōdōkan Saikō Kanbu講道館最高幹部) closely associated with Kanō Jigorō, as was Uchida Ryōhei”
      — Kodokan Judo's Three Orphaned Forms of Counter Techniques - Part 1: The Gonosen-no-kata (ResearchGate)link
      “He was also an accomplished jūdōka, a favorite of Kanō shihan 師範 (master), one of the three most senior 5th dan rank holders in Kodokan history, and a noted street brawler.”
      — Lance Gatling. (2023). Ki 気 in Jūdō 柔道 - Uchida Ryōhei and the Secrets of Budō 武道極意. The Kano Chronicleslink history info
    • person
      Tomita Tsunejirō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1882)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      3 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it.
      “青年期より講道館創始者の嘉納治五郎と寝食を共にし、同館で最初の入門者・初段位取得者となって”
      — Japanese Wikipedia - Tomita Tsunejirōlink history
      “Tsunejiro Tomita, Kano’s first student, wrote in his journal of those early days”
      — Stevens, John. (2013). The Way of Judo: A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and His Studentsinfo
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Among my earliest students at the Kodokan in 1882, were several non-residents and a few who actually lodged there, among these was Tsunejiro Tomita [...] He was my first judo student.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Tomiki Kenji
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1910)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it.
      “Circa 1910, Tomiki began practising at the Kodokan, under Judo founder Jigoro Kano.”
      — Kenji Tomiki - Wikipedialink
      “Kenji Tomiki (1900–1979) was a student of both judo (under Kano) and aikido (under Ueshiba).”
      — Stevens, John. (2013). The Way of Judo: A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and His Studentsinfo
    • Toku Sanpō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1906)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it.
      “After being scouted by Kaichiro Samura, he moved to Tokyo and joined the Kodokan school in May 1906.”
      — Sanpo Toku - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English) link history info
      “Samura recommended Toku for admittance to the Kano Academy and the Kodokan. Kano accepted Toku”
      — Stevens, John. (2013). The Way of Judo: A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and His Studentsinfo
    • person
      Toharitaki Saburō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Kano's own account only.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account only.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Those who were specializing in judo included Shiro Saigo, Yoshitsugu Yamashita, Sakujiro Yokoyama, Saburo Toharitaki, Nori Sato and Muneji Kimotsuki.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Satō Noritaka
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Kano's own account only.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account only.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Those who were specializing in judo included Shiro Saigo, Yoshitsugu Yamashita, Sakujiro Yokoyama, Saburo Toharitaki, Nori Sato and Muneji Kimotsuki.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Samura Kaichirō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      The Wikipedia article records his 1898 Kodokan entry, implying Kano's direct authority over him
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      location_onKodokan badge (1898)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      The Wikipedia article records his 1898 Kodokan entry, implying Kano's direct authority over him
      “he joined the Kodokan in 1898 and was awarded his 10th dan in April 1948”
      — Kaichiro Samura - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
    • Saigō Shirō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      One of Jigoro Kano's earliest students, enrolled at Kodokan in August 1882, mentioned in Kano's memoirs with quotation about becoming his student shortly thereafter
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1882–1890)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      One of Jigoro Kano's earliest students, enrolled at Kodokan in August 1882, mentioned in Kano's memoirs with quotation about becoming his student shortly thereafter
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Shortly thereafter, in August 1882, the now famous Shiro Saigo became a student of mine”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Nangō Jirō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Kano's own account of his student.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1884)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account of his student.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “In November of 1884, a member of the Kodokan committee, naval officer Jiro Nango, came for judo instruction.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Nagaoka Shūichi
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Early student of Kodokan judo under Jigoro Kano, started training at Kodokan in January 1893 and earned 1st dan in September 1894, as documented in multiple sources
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1893)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Early student of Kodokan judo under Jigoro Kano, started training at Kodokan in January 1893 and earned 1st dan in September 1894, as documented in multiple sources
      “In January 1893 he started training at the Kodokan, earning his first dan in September 1894.”
      — Shuichi Nagaoka - Wikipedialink history
      “He came to Tokyo in 1892 and entered Kodokan in January of 1893. He subsequently taught Judo at the First Higher School, as well as in other schools in Tokyo.”
      — Shuichi Nagaoka - Judo Channellink
    • person
      Munakata Itsurō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Kano's own account of his student.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1884)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account of his student.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Another man, who is now on the Kodokan Board of Trustees, Itsuro Munakata, became my student in February 1884.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • Mochizuki Minoru
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Explicitly mentioned in the Dragon Magazine interview as the judo master who enrolled him at the Kodokan in 1926 and later sent him to study with Ueshiba, Shimizu and Nakayama; two other sources corroborate it
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1926–1930)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      4 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Explicitly mentioned in the Dragon Magazine interview as the judo master who enrolled him at the Kodokan in 1926 and later sent him to study with Ueshiba, Shimizu and Nakayama; two other sources corroborate it
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Je me suis inscrit au Centre Mondial du Judo de Jigoro Kano sensei en 1926.”
      — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info
      “1929年(昭和4年)、嘉納治五郎の直接指導を受け始める。”
      — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
      “Mochizuki was one of the direct students of Judo founder Jigoro Kano, Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate.”
      — Minoru Mochizuki - Wikipedialink history
      “after I started to take part in training in the classical arts I came to the attention of Kano Sensei. "You have the makings of a leader," he told me. After that I was to report to him once or twice a month on the progress of my training.”
      — Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1, Aikido Journal, November 2002link
    • Mifune Kyūzō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Direct student of Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan, stated in JA and EN Wikipedia; Wikipedia only
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      location_onKodokan badge (1903–1965)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Direct student of Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan, stated in JA and EN Wikipedia; Wikipedia only
      “1903年(明治36年)に上京して講道館に入門。”
      — Japanese Wikipedia article on Mifune Kyūzō link history
      “Coached by Kanō Jigorō”
      — English Wikipedia: Kyuzo Mifunelink history
    • Kotani Sumiyuki
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Well-documented as one of Jigoro Kano's last direct students, with multiple reliable sources including Judo Info and biography book
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge (1921–1938)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Well-documented as one of Jigoro Kano's last direct students, with multiple reliable sources including Judo Info and biography book
      “He was one of Jigoro Kano’s direct students, and only the 7th man to receive a 10th Degree Black Belt while he was still alive.”
      — Judo Info: Profiles of Judo 10th Dan Holders link
      “Kotani can be considered Kano's last direct disciple. [...] Kano often chose Kotani as a traveling instructor on his teaching tours overseas.”
      — Stevens, John. (2013). The Way of Judo: A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and His Studentsinfo
    • person
      Kimotsuki Muneji
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Kano's own account only.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account only.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Those who were specializing in judo included Shiro Saigo, Yoshitsugu Yamashita, Sakujiro Yokoyama, Saburo Toharitaki, Nori Sato and Muneji Kimotsuki.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • Itō Tokugorō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed
      Confirmed
      Independent sources state it.
      The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
      location_onKodokan badge
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Independent sources state it.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “1902(明治35)年、講道館に日本柔道の創始者嘉納治五郎の門下に入る。”
      — Cosmos, Daisen City Lifelong Learning Information Magazine, No. 3 , Daisen City Lifelong Learning Promotion Headquarters, December 15, 2008link history
      “中退後は講道館で嘉納治五郎門下となって磯貝一・徳三宝・三船久蔵らと共に柔道に励んだ”
      — 伊藤徳五郎 - 日本語版ウィキペディア link history
    • person
      Honda Masujirō
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Kano's own account only.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      (1883)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account only.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “In October of the same year the well-known scholar of English Literature, Masujiro Honda, became a student of mine.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Although a number of Kano Juku students including Itsuro Munakata, Masujiro Honda, Takejiro Yuasa, Katsukazu Tamura, Katsutaro Ota, Tokusaburo Kano and Hidetsuke Oshima, were not specializing in judo, nevertheless, they trained together with, and just as strenuously, as my judo trainees.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Hirose Takeo
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Kano's own account only.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account only.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “My judo students Takarabe, Hirose and others were senior students enrolled at this academy.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
      “Studied judo under Kano, naval commander, hero in the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • person
      Michigami Haku
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      The Michigami memorial site records him joining practices with Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan in the late 1930s.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      location_onKodokan badge (1937)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      The Michigami memorial site records him joining practices with Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan in the late 1930s.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Although he joined practices with Tokyo University, Kohdohkan, and Master Jigoro Kano, they did not accept any matches.”
      — Haku Michigami's Personal History. Haku Michigamilink history info
    • Fukuda Keiko
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Possiblebalance
      Possible – conflicting evidence recorded
      While a very popular assertion, more direct proof is needed and Lance Gatling's analysis stands.
      Some evidence points to the claim, but it is thin, indirect, or in unresolved conflict with other evidence.
      location_onKodokan badge (1935–1966)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      2 sources expand_more
      fact_check
      While a very popular assertion, more direct proof is needed and Lance Gatling's analysis stands.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Keiko Fukuda is the granddaughter of Professor Jigoro Kano's first jujitsu instructor. She began studying the art at Professor Kano's request at age 21 and since that time has taught in Australia, Canada, the Philippines, the U.S. and, of course, the Kodokan where she has received all her promotions [...] In the Kodokan, sometimes we would all sit around the mat with Professor Kano and just talk and ask questions so we would know what each other was thinking”
      — Johnson, G. (1974): «A single reed that bends gracefully in the wind.» Black Belt, 12(6):28–33. link
      blockdisputes
      “Fukuda sensei devoted her life, effort and passion to judo [...] but I really doubt she was a “direct student” of Kanō shihan in any reasonable sense of the term.”
      — Was Fukuda Keiko sensei a "direct student" of Kanō shihan? How did Kanō shihan approach jūdō training for women?(The Kano Chronicles© 嘉納歴代©)link
    • person
      Arima Sumiomi
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      Kano's own account only.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Kano's own account only.
      visibilityFirst-hand
      “Among my former non-resident judo students were some who eventually gained black belt status and who are now members of the House of Peers. These politicians include Naruyasu Okeguchi and Sumifumi Arima, chamberlain to the imperial family.”
      — Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    • Sarah Mayer
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable
      Probable
      In September 1934 Kanō Jigorō met with Mayer, devised a training regime for her and allowed her to practise in the Kodokan main dojo with the men, unprecedented for a woman; Wikipedia lists him as coach.
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      location_onKodokan badge (1934–1935)
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      In September 1934 Kanō Jigorō met with Mayer, devised a training regime for her and allowed her to practise in the Kodokan main dojo with the men, unprecedented for a woman; Wikipedia lists him as coach.
      “he met with Mayer. According to Mayer, they discussed philosophy, and he devised a training regime for her [...] he allowed her to practise in the Kōdōkan main dojo with the men, which was unprecedented for a woman.”
      — Callan, Mike; Heffernan, Conor; Spenn, Amanda. (2018). Women's Jūjutsu and Judo in the Early Twentieth-Century: The Cases of Phoebe Roberts, Edith Garrud, and Sarah Mayer link info
    • person
      Edward William Barton-Wright
      sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Possible
      Possible
      His own report, given as such; "some lessons" only.
      Some evidence points to the claim, but it is thin, indirect, or in unresolved conflict with other evidence.
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      His own report, given as such; "some lessons" only.
      “there also may have been some influence from Kodokan judo, because Barton-Wright reported having taken some lessons with its founder, Kano Jigoro (1860–1938), whose cousin lived in Kobe.”
      — Green, Thomas A.; Svinth, Joseph R.. (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation info

    Honours (1)

    • receipt_longShihan Probable
      Probable
      Founder of Kodokan judo, recognized as Shihan (master instructor) by virtue of creating the art
      The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
      Title
      granted by Kodokan
      fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
      Frederico Muñoz
      Researcher, Martialis
      1 source expand_more
      fact_check
      Founder of Kodokan judo, recognized as Shihan (master instructor) by virtue of creating the art
      “Rank Kōdōkan jūdō: Shihan (founder)”
      — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

    Sources

    visibilityFirst-hand
    “Aussi, dès 1928, il a créé la Kobudo Kenkyukaï, section de recherche sur les arts martiaux traditionnels anciens. Cette section, dont je faisais partie, regroupait au départ une trentaine de membres, tous champions de judo. Deux fois par mois, sur la demande de Kano sensei, qui payait les cours, quatre professeurs du Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu venaient spécialement de Narita à Tokyo pour nous enseigner leur art.”
    — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info
    visibilityFirst-hand
    “C'est Maître Jigoro Kano qui m'a choisi pour aller étudier l'Aïkijujutsu avec Maître Morihei Ueshiba, et le Shindo Muso ryu Ju jutsu auprès de Maître Koji Shimizu.”
    — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info
    嘉納治五郎 - Wikipedia (Japanese). Wikipedia (Japanese)link history info
    Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
    Kanō Jigorō: Wikipedia entry.link history
    visibilityFirst-hand
    DE CRÉE, Carl. Nanatsunokata, Endonokata, and Jogenokata: a pedagogical and qualitative biomechanical evaluation of Hirano Tokio's kuzushi (unbalancing) concept as part of skill acquisition for throwing techniques in Kodokan judo. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas (RAMA), 2014, 9.2: 69-96.link
    (2020). When was Professor Kano Born? link history info
    Lance Gatling. (2023). The Kodokan and Bōjutsu (jō) Staff Fighting and Jūdō. The Kano Chronicleslink history info

    Identifiers

    https://martial.is/entity/01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1S1
    Wikidata DBpedia

    Cite and reuse

    CC BY-SA 4.0expand_more
    Plain text
    Muñoz, Frederico (YEAR_PLACEHOLDER). Kanō Jigorō. In Martialis: Martial Arts Lineage Database. https://martial.is/entity/01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1S1 - CC BY-SA 4.0. Accessed ACCESSED_DATE_PLACEHOLDER.
    BibTeX
    @incollection{martialis_01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1S1, author = {Muñoz, Frederico}, title = {Kanō Jigorō}, booktitle = {Martialis: Martial Arts Lineage Database}, year = {YEAR_PLACEHOLDER}, url = {https://martial.is/entity/01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1S1}, urldate = {ACCESSED_DATE_PLACEHOLDER}, note = {CC BY-SA 4.0} }
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