Judo History
In May of 1882, Jigoro Kano found inspiration in traditional martial arts to create judo, an integrated system that addresses physical, intellectual, and moral education. Initially designed for self-defense, judo garnered acknowledgment for its educational benefits and its positive influence on both physical and character growth. The elevation of judo to Olympic status occurred during the Tokyo Games in 1964, signifying its evolution into a sport with global significance. Currently, the International Judo Federation brings together more than 200 national federations and five continental unions, underscoring the widespread global acceptance of this martial discipline
Jujutsu: The Kano Method
In the early twentieth century, the Western world discovered the artistic beauty and the military power of Japanese civilization and the effectiveness of strong Japanese soldiers based on their warrior spirit, the bushido, and their fighting techniques, Jujutsu. In many countries, the Japanese art is introduced in military curriculum. Jujutsu also appears on the stage of music halls, circuses and fairs.
Jujutsu in the World
In the USA and in many countries of the world, Jujutsu first spreads in the army and the police. At the same time, the martial art is taught in fitness centers (Sandow in England Desbonnet in France, the McFadden in the USA, etc.)
Jujutsu and Women
The art of the ‘weak against the strong’ is not reserved for men, and women start practicing the Japanese art early on. In London, the “jujutsuffragettes” used the Japanese art as a tool in the service of their political struggle to gain the right to vote.
