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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

Bushido meant stoicism, self-discipline, and dignity in one’s personal bearing; it emphasized mastery of the martial arts through long training and practice; it lauded sacrifice in service to duty, without the slightest fear of death; it demanded asceticism and simplicity in daily life, without regard to comforts, appetites, or luxuries. The samurai was “to live as if already dead,” an outlook consonant with Buddhism; he was to regard death with fatalistic indifference, rather than cling to a life that was essentially illusory. Shame or dishonor might require suicide as atonement—and when a samurai killed himself, he did so by carving out his own viscera with a short steel blade. But traditional bushido had not imposed an obligation to abhor retreat or surrender even when a battle had turned hopeless, and the old-time samurai who had done his duty in a losing cause could lay down his arms with honor intact.
Ian W. Toll

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Other Glossary terms

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Taihojutsu
Taihojutsu, also spelled Taiho-jutsu, is a Japanese martial art specifically developed for law enforcement and self-defense.
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Kendo
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasizes swordsmanship and mental discipline.
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Nanquan
Nanquan (南拳), also known as Southern Fist, is a style of Chinese martial arts originating from the southern regions of China.
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Muay Lopburi
Muay Lopburi is a traditional style of Muay Boran, the ancient martial art that is the foundation of modern Muay Thai. Originating from the Lopburi province in central Thailand, Muay Lopburi is known for its emphasis on boxing techniques, particularly punches and footwork.
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Chakra
The chakram (also known as chakra) is a traditional throwing weapon that originated in the Indian subcontinent.
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Parrying
Parrying is a defensive technique used in combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) to deflect or redirect an opponent's attack, typically a punch, away from its intended target.
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Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings, also known simply as rings, are a piece of equipment used in gymnastics and fitness training.
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Kimedashi
Kimedashi is a sumo wrestling technique where a wrestler forces their opponent out of the ring by immobilizing their arms.
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Malícia
Malícia in Capoeira is a complex and nuanced concept that refers to a blend of cunning, strategy, deception, and awareness.
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Taijijian
Taijijian (太极剑), also known as Tai Chi Sword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines the principles and movements of Taijiquan (Tai Chi) with sword techniques
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Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are fundamental concepts in Chinese philosophy and culture, representing the idea of dualism and the interconnectedness of opposites.
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Muay Korat
Muay Korat is another traditional style of Muay Boran, the ancient martial art that is the predecessor to modern Muay Thai.
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Wushu
Wushu is a modern exhibition and full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.
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Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
Gatka
Gatka is a traditional form of martial art that originated in the Punjab region of India.
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