Kanō Jigorō
嘉納 治五郎
Born
1860-10-28, Kobe
Died
1938-05-04, Pacific Ocean
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)
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Fukuda Hachinosukesports_martial_artsTenjin Shin'yō-ryū ConfirmedConfirmedWell-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 referralThe 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkWell-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 -
Iso Masatomosports_martial_artsTenjin Shin'yō-ryū ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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)
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3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent 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.”
“Following the passing of his second Tenjin Shinyo jujutsu master, Masatomo Iso, he took up the study of Kito style jujutsu”
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.”
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Iikubo Tsunetoshisports_martial_artsKitō-ryū ConfirmedConfirmedKano'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 citedThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onEishōji badge (1881)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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”
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Oshima Masaterusports_martial_artsYagyū Shingan-ryū ProbableProbableMentioned 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)
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1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkMentioned by Kano himself as having practiced Yagyū-ryū bōjutsu with Oshima, though Kano noted his practice 'had not reached the level of shugyō'
Lineage
Ranks (2)
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receipt_longMenkyo Kaiden ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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 Systemgranted by Iikubo Tsunetoshi
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it. They differ on the date: October 1883, or shortly after Kano first threw Iikubo, around 1885.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.”
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receipt_longMenkyo Kaiden ProbableProbableReceived instruction and likely certification in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from Iso MasatomoThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.Menkyo Licence Systemgranted by Iso Masatomo
Offices held (3)
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corporate_fareHead (館長, 1st)Kodokan ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent sources state it.The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.1882 – 1938
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4 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it.visibilityFirst-hand alt_routeIndirectalt_routeIndirect“In 1882, Kano established the Kodokan (“school for the study of the way”) in the storeroom of a small Buddhist temple in Tokyo.”
“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.”
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location_onPresidentTokyo Higher Normal School ProbableProbableOne authored history.The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.1893
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corporate_fareCo-headDai-Nippon Butokukai Judo Kata Committee ProbableProbableKano's own account only.The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.1906
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1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
Students (26)
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Vasili Oshchepkovsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableSingle 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
3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkSingle 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.”
alt_routeIndirect -
Yokoyama Sakujirosports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedWikipedia 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
3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkWikipedia and Kanō's own memoirs state it. -
Yamashita Yoshitsugusports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedWell-documented student of Jigoro Kano, entered Kodokan in August 1884 as the 19th member, mentioned in multiple reliable sources including Wikipedia and Judo ChannelThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1884)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkWell-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.”
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.”
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Uchida Ryōheisports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent sources state it.The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1893)
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent 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”
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Tomita Tsunejirōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent sources state it.The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1882)
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3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it.“Tsunejiro Tomita, Kano’s first student, wrote in his journal of those early days”
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.”
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Tomiki Kenjisports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent sources state it.The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1910)
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it. -
Toku Sanpōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it. -
Toharitaki Saburōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableKano's own account only.The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
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1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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Satō Noritakasports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableKano's own account only.The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
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1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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Samura Kaichirōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableThe Wikipedia article records his 1898 Kodokan entry, implying Kano's direct authority over himThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.location_onKodokan badge (1898)
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Saigō Shirōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedOne of Jigoro Kano's earliest students, enrolled at Kodokan in August 1882, mentioned in Kano's memoirs with quotation about becoming his student shortly thereafterThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1882–1890)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkOne of Jigoro Kano's earliest students, enrolled at Kodokan in August 1882, mentioned in Kano's memoirs with quotation about becoming his student shortly thereaftervisibilityFirst-hand“Shortly thereafter, in August 1882, the now famous Shiro Saigo became a student of mine”
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Nangō Jirōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedKano'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
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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Nagaoka Shūichisports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedEarly 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 sourcesThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1893)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkEarly 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 -
Munakata Itsurōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedKano'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
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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Mochizuki Minorusports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedExplicitly 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 itThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1926–1930)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
4 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkExplicitly 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 itvisibilityFirst-hand“Je me suis inscrit au Centre Mondial du Judo de Jigoro Kano sensei en 1926.”
“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.”
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Mifune Kyūzōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableDirect student of Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan, stated in JA and EN Wikipedia; Wikipedia onlyThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.location_onKodokan badge (1903–1965)
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Kotani Sumiyukisports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedWell-documented as one of Jigoro Kano's last direct students, with multiple reliable sources including Judo Info and biography bookThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge (1921–1938)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkWell-documented as one of Jigoro Kano's last direct students, with multiple reliable sources including Judo Info and biography book -
Kimotsuki Munejisports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableKano'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
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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Itō Tokugorōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent sources state it.The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKodokan badge
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Honda Masujirōsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableKano'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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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.”
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Hirose Takeosports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableKano'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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano's own account only. -
Michigami Hakusports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableThe 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
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkThe Michigami memorial site records him joining practices with Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan in the late 1930s. -
Fukuda Keikosports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō PossiblebalancePossible – conflicting evidence recordedWhile 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkWhile 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”
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.”
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Arima Sumiomisports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableKano'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
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKano'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.”
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Sarah Mayersports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō ProbableProbableIn 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)
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1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIn 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. -
Edward William Barton-Wrightsports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō PossiblePossibleHis 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
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkHis 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.”
Honours (1)
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receipt_longShihan ProbableProbableFounder of Kodokan judo, recognized as Shihan (master instructor) by virtue of creating the artThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.Titlegranted by Kodokan
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.”
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.”
Brian N. Watson. (2008). Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kanoinfo
visibilityFirst-hand
Identifiers
https://martial.is/entity/01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1S1
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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