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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

An essential part of many martial arts disciplines. Staying curious and open is what makes growth possible, and it requires practice to maintain that mindset. To keep learning, we have to avoid the temptation to slide into narrow, safe views of what we do.
Scott Berkun

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Other Glossary terms

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M
Metsubushi
Metsubushi, often translated as "eye closers" or "eye blinders," are tools or techniques used in traditional Japanese martial arts, particularly ninjutsu, to temporarily blind or disorient an opponent.
M
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U
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Shaolin monks are Buddhist monks associated with the Shaolin Temple, a historic monastery located in the Henan province of China.
S
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.
T
Horse Stance
The Horse Stance, also known as "Kiba Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in many martial arts, including American Kenpo.
H
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K
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Qwan Ki Do
Qwan Ki Do is a Vietnamese martial art that combines various techniques and philosophies from traditional Vietnamese and Chinese martial arts.
Q
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Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is a measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to one of several stimuli by selecting the appropriate response from multiple options.
C
Jogo do Pau
Jogo do Pau is a traditional Portuguese martial art that involves the use of a wooden staff, typically around 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) in length.
J
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Daoshu (刀术), also known as Broadsword Technique or Swordsmanship, is a traditional Chinese martial art focused on the use of the dao (刀), a single-edged Chinese broadsword.
D
Bogu
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