Kodokan

Kodokan, formally the Kodokan Judo Institute, is the original dojo and central authority for the sport and art of judo. Founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 in Tokyo, Japan, it established the modern form of judo and serves as the training hall and administrative headquarters for Kodokan Judo. The institute and its affiliated dojos worldwide promote the practice, teaching, and advancement of the discipline.

Kano created the Kodokan to transform traditional jujutsu into a modern educational system that emphasized character development, physical education, and sport. The Kodokan codified techniques into throwing (nage-waza) and grappling (katame-waza) including pins, chokes, and joint locks, and established a ranking system based on kyu and dan levels. Its guiding principles—Seiryoku Zen'yō (maximum efficiency with minimum effort) and Jita Kyōei (mutual welfare and benefit)—shaped the curriculum, etiquette, and approach to training.

The Kodokan sets standards for technique instruction, competition rules, and rank promotions used by many national judo federations. It has trained numerous prominent judoka and, through its international affiliates and seminars, oversees global promotion and education in Kodokan Judo. The organization has played a pivotal role in spreading judo worldwide and in shaping its development as both a martial art and a competitive sport.

Today the Kodokan remains the spiritual and administrative center of Kodokan Judo. It maintains training facilities, conducts examinations and seminars, and continues to influence the practice of judo globally, preserving Kano’s philosophy while adapting to contemporary sport and education.