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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

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Other Glossary terms

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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.
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Katana
The katana is a traditional Japanese sword known for its distinctive appearance and craftsmanship.
K
Straight Lead
The straight lead is a fundamental striking technique in Jeet Kune Do (JKD), the martial arts philosophy developed by Bruce Lee.
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Atemi-Waza
Atemi-Waza refers to striking techniques in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, Aikido, and Karate.
A
Chin Na
Chin Na, also spelled Qinna, is a Chinese martial art technique that focuses on seizing and controlling an opponent through joint locks, pressure point manipulation, and other grappling techniques.
C
Centerline Theory
Centerline Theory is a fundamental concept in Wing Chun, as well as in other martial arts, that emphasizes the importance of controlling the central axis of the body during combat.
C
Plong
In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "plong" refers to a long wooden staff used as a weapon.
P
Taekkyon
Taekkyon is a traditional Korean martial art that dates back to ancient times. It is characterized by its fluid, dance-like movements, which include a variety of kicks, strikes, and grappling techniques.
T
Ninjutsu
Ninjutsu, also known as "the art of stealth" or "the art of the ninja," is a traditional Japanese martial art that encompasses various skills and techniques used by ninjas (shinobi) for espionage, guerrilla warfare, and survival.
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Foam Rollers
Foam rollers are cylindrical pieces of exercise equipment made from dense foam, used for self-myofascial release (SMR), a technique that helps relieve muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation, and increase joint range of motion.
F
Vovinam
Vovinam, also known as Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo, is a Vietnamese martial art that was founded by Nguyễn Lộc in 1938. It incorporates a wide range of techniques, including striking, grappling, throws, and joint locks. Vovinam also includes the use of traditional Vietnamese weapons.
V
Judoka
A Judoka is a person who practices judo, a modern martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan.
J
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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Xuan Ji Bu
Xuan Ji Bu
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Satba
A "satba" is a crucial piece of equipment used in Ssireum, the traditional Korean wrestling sport.
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