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Kodokan

What is Kodokan?

Kodokan is the name of the institute founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, where the modern martial art of Judo was developed. The term "Kodokan" can be translated as "the institute for studying the way," with "Ko" meaning "to teach," "Do" meaning "way or path," and "Kan" meaning "hall or building."

Kodokan Judo emphasizes various techniques, including throws (nage-waza), joint locks (kansetsu-waza), pins (osaekomi-waza), and strangles (shime-waza). Judo was created by Kano by adapting and refining techniques from traditional Jujutsu schools, with a focus on principles such as maximum efficiency (seiryoku zenyo) and mutual welfare and benefit (jita kyoei).

The Kodokan serves as the headquarters for Judo and plays a significant role in the development, promotion, and standardization of the sport worldwide. It is a central place for training, research, and the dissemination of Judo techniques and philosophy.

Related Article: Judo: The Gentle Way of Overcoming Opponents

True mastery, it turns out, is not found in accumulating each and every tool under the sun. True mastery is learning that there are really only a handful of tools, and it is the proper application with correct timing and setting that makes them so useful.
Chris Matakas

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