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)

• Fu
  Fukuda Hachinosuke

  linkTenjin Shin'yō-ryū 3

  Confirmed

  Well-documented as Kano's first jujutsu teacher in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from 1877-1879, mentioned in multiple historical sources including Wikipedia and Kano's own writings

  sports_kabaddiFukuda Hachinosuke dojo badge (1877-1879)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Well-documented as Kano's first jujutsu teacher in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from 1877-1879, mentioned in multiple historical sources including Wikipedia and Kano's own writings

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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)linkhistoryinfo
• Is
  Iso Masatomo

  linkTenjin Shin'yō-ryū 3

  Confirmed

  Documented as Kano's second teacher in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from 1879-1881 after Fukuda's death, with Kano becoming assistant instructor at Iso's school

  sports_kabaddiIso Masatomo dojo badge (1879-1881)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Documented as Kano's second teacher in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from 1879-1881 after Fukuda's death, with Kano becoming assistant instructor at Iso's school

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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)linkhistoryinfo
• Ii
  Iikubo Tsunetoshi

  linkKitō-ryū 3

  Confirmed

  Well-documented as Kano's Kitō-ryū teacher from 1881 onward, who granted Kano menkyo kaiden and whose teachings heavily influenced judo development

  sports_kabaddiEishōji badge (1881)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Well-documented as Kano's Kitō-ryū teacher from 1881 onward, who granted Kano menkyo kaiden and whose teachings heavily influenced judo development

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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)linkhistoryinfo
• Os
  Oshima Masateru

  linkYagyū Shingan-ryū 1

  Uncertain

  Mentioned by Kano himself as having practiced Yagyū-ryū bōjutsu with Oshima, though Kano noted his practice 'had not reached the level of shugyō'

  (1881)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  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'

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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 Chronicleslinkinfo

Ranks (2)

• linkKitō-ryū

  receipt_longMenkyo Kaiden 3

  Confirmed

  Received menkyo kaiden (total transmission license) in Kitō-ryū from Iikubo Tsunetoshi

  Menkyo Licence System

  granted by Iikubo Tsunetoshi

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Received menkyo kaiden (total transmission license) in Kitō-ryū from Iikubo Tsunetoshi

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Kitō-ryū: Menkyo kaiden (total transmission license)"

  — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)linkhistoryinfo
• linkTenjin Shin'yō-ryū

  receipt_longMenkyo Kaiden 3

  Confirmed

  Received instruction and likely certification in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from Iso Masatomo

  Menkyo Licence System

  granted by Iso Masatomo

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Received instruction and likely certification in Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū from Iso Masatomo

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū: Instructor (formal rank unclear)"

  — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)linkhistoryinfo

Students (17)

• 
  Vasili Oshchepkov

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  Confirmed

  Studied judo under Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan in Tokyo from 1911 to 1917, becoming the first Russian to earn a black belt in judo, well-documented in multiple sources including Wikipedia and Kodokan archives

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1911-1917)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources

  fact_check

  Studied judo under Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan in Tokyo from 1911 to 1917, becoming the first Russian to earn a black belt in judo, well-documented in multiple sources including Wikipedia and Kodokan archives

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Oshchepkov spent much of his life living in Japan and training judo under its founder Kano Jigoro."

  — OCA Asia article - Oshchepkov biography link

  "In 1911, Oshchepkov entered the Kodokan judo school in Tokyo, Japan, where he studied under the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano."

  — English Wikipedia - Oshchepkov biography linkhistory
• 
  Yokoyama Sakujiro

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  Confirmed

  Well-documented historical relationship as one of the Four Guardians of Kodokan; multiple reliable sources confirm Yokoyama was an early disciple of Kano Jigoro who joined Kodokan in April 1886.

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1886)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Well-documented historical relationship as one of the Four Guardians of Kodokan; multiple reliable sources confirm Yokoyama was an early disciple of Kano Jigoro who joined Kodokan in April 1886.

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Yokoyama Sakujirō was one of the earliest disciples of Kanō Jigorō."

  — Yokoyama Sakujiro - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)linkinfo
• 
  Yamashita Yoshitsugu

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  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

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1884)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources

  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

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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)linkinfo
• 
  Uchida Ryōhei

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 2

  Probable

  Well-documented favorite student of Kanō Jigorō, one of three most senior 5th dan holders in Kodokan history

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1893)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources

  fact_check

  Well-documented favorite student of Kanō Jigorō, one of three most senior 5th dan holders in Kodokan history

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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 Chronicleslinkinfo
• To
  Tomita Tsunejirō

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  Confirmed

  First student of Jigoro Kano at Kodokan in 1882, well-documented as the first person to enroll at the Kodokan and receive shodan rank in 1883

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1882)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  First student of Jigoro Kano at Kodokan in 1882, well-documented as the first person to enroll at the Kodokan and receive shodan rank in 1883

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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
• To
  Tomiki Kenji

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō2

  Probable

  Mentioned in several sources.

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1910)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Mentioned in several sources.

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Circa 1910, Tomiki began practising at the Kodokan, under Judo founder Jigoro Kano."

  — Kenji Tomiki - Wikipedialink
• 
  Toku Sanpō

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 2

  Probable

  Wikipedia lists Kano among Toku's teachers and records his expulsion from and reinstatement at the Kodokan under Kano's authority

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1906)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Wikipedia lists Kano among Toku's teachers and records his expulsion from and reinstatement at the Kodokan under Kano's authority

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "After being scouted by Kaichiro Samura, he moved to Tokyo and joined the Kodokan school in May 1906."

  — Sanpo Toku - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English) linkinfo
• Sa
  Samura Kaichirō

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 2

  Probable

  The Wikipedia article records his 1898 Kodokan entry, implying Kano's direct authority over him

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1898)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  The Wikipedia article records his 1898 Kodokan entry, implying Kano's direct authority over him

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "he joined the Kodokan in 1898 and was awarded his 10th dan in April 1948"

  — Kaichiro Samura - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)linkinfo
• 
  Saigō Shirō

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  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

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1882-1890)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  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

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Shortly thereafter, in August 1882, the now famous Shiro Saigo became a student of mine"

  — WATSON, Brian N. Judo memoirs of Jigoro Kano. Trafford Publishing, 2008link
• Na
  Nagaoka Shūichi

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  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

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1893)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources

  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

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "In January 1893 he started training at the Kodokan, earning his first dan in September 1894."

  — Shuichi Nagaoka - Wikipedialink

  "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
• 
  Mochizuki Minoru

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  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; also in Wikipedia as one of his direct students and in the Karaté-Bushido interview

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1926-1930)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  4 sources

  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; also in Wikipedia as one of his direct students and in the Karaté-Bushido interview

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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) linkinfo

  Minoru Mochizuki - Wikipedialink

  Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1, Aikido Journal, November 2002link
• 
  Mifune Kyūzō

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  Confirmed

  Well-documented direct student of Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan, mentioned in multiple historical sources

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1903-1965)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Well-documented direct student of Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan, mentioned in multiple historical sources

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "1903年（明治36年）に上京して講道館に入門。"

  — Japanese Wikipedia article on Mifune Kyūzō link
• 
  Kotani Sumiyuki

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  Confirmed

  Well-documented as one of Jigoro Kano's last direct students, with multiple reliable sources including Judo Info and biography book

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1921-1938)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources

  fact_check

  Well-documented as one of Jigoro Kano's last direct students, with multiple reliable sources including Judo Info and biography book

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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."

  — The Way of Judo A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and His Studentslink
• 
  Itō Tokugorō

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 2

  Probable

  Well-documented student of Jigoro Kano at Kodokan, mentioned in multiple sources including Japanese Wikipedia and local historical publications

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources

  fact_check

  Well-documented student of Jigoro Kano at Kodokan, mentioned in multiple sources including Japanese Wikipedia and local historical publications

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  Cosmos, Daisen City Lifelong Learning Information Magazine, No. 3 , Daisen City Lifelong Learning Promotion Headquarters, December 15, 2008 link

  "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
• Mi
  Michigami Haku

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 2

  Probable

  The Michigami memorial site records him joining practices with Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan in the late 1930s.

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1937)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  The Michigami memorial site records him joining practices with Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan in the late 1930s.

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Although he joined practices with Tokyo University, Kodokan, and Master Jigoro Kano, they did not accept any matches."

  — Haku Michigami - Personal History and Mononofu Serieslinkinfo
• 
  Fukuda Keiko

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 1balance

  Uncertain - conflicting evidence recorded

  While a very popular assertion, more direct proof is needed and Lance Gatling's analysis stands.

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1935-1966)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources

  fact_check

  While a very popular assertion, more direct proof is needed and Lance Gatling's analysis stands.

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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 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 to judo, but was likely not 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
• 
  Sarah Mayer

  linkKōdōkan Jūdō 3

  Confirmed

  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.

  sports_kabaddiKodokan badge (1934-1935)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  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.

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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 linkinfo

Honors (1)

• receipt_longShihan 3

  Confirmed

  Founder of Kodokan judo, recognized as Shihan (master instructor) by virtue of creating the art

  Title

  granted by Kodokan

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Founder of Kodokan judo, recognized as Shihan (master instructor) by virtue of creating the art

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Rank: Kōdōkan jūdō: Shihan (founder)"

  — Kanō Jigorō - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)linkhistoryinfo

Sources