# Kanō Jigorō

> Japanese educator and judoka (1860–1938)

**Wikidata**: [Q190141](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q190141)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanō_Jigorō)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kano-jigoro

## Summary
Kanō Jigorō (1860–1938) was a Japanese educator, judoka, and the founder of judo, a modern martial art that became an Olympic and Paralympic sport. He established the Kōdōkan, the first judo institute, in 1882 and played a pivotal role in modernizing Japanese physical education and promoting judo internationally.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 10, 1860, in Mikage, Japan
- **Nationality**: Japanese
- **Education**: Studied at Tokyo University (1877–1886) and Nishogakusha University
- **Known for**: Founding judo and the Kōdōkan, promoting physical education in Japan
- **Employer(s)**: Tokyo Higher Normal School, First Higher School, Toyo University, Nishogakusha University
- **Field(s)**: Education, martial arts, sports administration

## Contributions
- **Founding of Judo (1882)**: Kanō Jigorō developed judo as a modern martial art, emphasizing physical and mental discipline. He established the Kōdōkan, the first judo institute, which became the center for judo training and philosophy.
- **Promotion of Physical Education**: He played a key role in introducing Western-style physical education to Japan, advocating for its inclusion in school curricula.
- **International Olympic Committee (IOC)**: Kanō was the first Asian member of the IOC, serving from 1909 until his death in 1938. He worked to promote judo and other sports globally.
- **Educational Reforms**: As an educator, he contributed to the development of Japan’s modern education system, particularly in the fields of physical education and sports science.
- **Publications and Translations**: He authored works on judo and education, and translated Western texts into Japanese to advance educational practices.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Kanō Jigorō best known for?
A: Kanō Jigorō is best known for founding judo in 1882 and establishing the Kōdōkan, the first judo institute. He also played a significant role in modernizing physical education in Japan and was the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee.

### Q: Where did Kanō Jigorō study?
A: Kanō Jigorō studied at Tokyo University (1877–1886) and Nishogakusha University, where he gained expertise in education and martial arts.

### Q: What organizations was Kanō Jigorō affiliated with?
A: He was affiliated with several institutions, including the Tokyo Higher Normal School, First Higher School, Toyo University, and Nishogakusha University. He also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Japan Sport Association.

### Q: What awards did Kanō Jigorō receive?
A: Kanō Jigorō received several honors, including the Order of the Rising Sun, 1st class, and the Asahi Prize, recognizing his contributions to education and sports.

### Q: How did Kanō Jigorō influence modern judo?
A: Kanō Jigorō transformed traditional jujutsu into judo, a sport emphasizing physical and mental discipline. His establishment of the Kōdōkan and promotion of judo internationally led to its inclusion in the Olympic Games.

## Why They Matter
Kanō Jigorō’s work revolutionized martial arts by creating judo, a sport that combines physical technique with philosophical principles. His efforts in education and sports administration helped modernize Japan’s physical education system and introduced Western sports science to the country. As the first Asian member of the IOC, he bridged Eastern and Western sporting cultures, paving the way for judo’s global recognition and Olympic inclusion. Without his contributions, judo might not have evolved into the internationally respected sport it is today.

## Notable For
- Founding judo and the Kōdōkan in 1882.
- Being the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee.
- Promoting physical education reforms in Japan.
- Receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, 1st class, and the Asahi Prize.
- Serving as an educator at prestigious institutions like Tokyo Higher Normal School and Toyo University.
- Authoring and translating works on judo and education.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Kanō Jigorō was born on December 10, 1860, in Mikage, Japan. He pursued higher education at Tokyo University (1877–1886), where he studied under influential educators and developed an interest in physical education and martial arts. He also attended Nishogakusha University, furthering his academic and philosophical training.

### Founding of Judo and the Kōdōkan
In 1882, Kanō founded judo, a modern martial art derived from traditional jujutsu. He established the Kōdōkan, the first judo institute, which became the epicenter for judo training and philosophy. His approach emphasized not only physical technique but also mental discipline and moral development, setting judo apart from other martial arts.

### Role in Physical Education
Kanō was a pioneer in introducing Western-style physical education to Japan. He advocated for its inclusion in school curricula and worked to integrate modern sports science into Japanese education. His efforts helped shape Japan’s physical education system, making it more comprehensive and aligned with global standards.

### International Olympic Committee Membership
In 1909, Kanō became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He used this platform to promote judo and other sports internationally, fostering cultural exchange between Japan and the Western world. His IOC membership lasted until his death in 1938, during which he played a key role in advancing the Olympic movement in Asia.

### Educational and Institutional Affiliations
Kanō held positions at several prestigious institutions, including the Tokyo Higher Normal School, First Higher School, Toyo University, and Nishogakusha University. His work at these institutions focused on modernizing education and promoting physical fitness as an essential component of academic life.

### Awards and Recognition
Kanō received numerous accolades for his contributions to education and sports. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 1st class, and the Asahi Prize, both of which recognized his lifelong dedication to advancing judo and physical education in Japan.

### Legacy and Influence
Kanō Jigorō’s legacy extends beyond judo. His work in education and sports administration helped modernize Japan’s approach to physical fitness and athletic training. His establishment of the Kōdōkan and promotion of judo internationally ensured the sport’s enduring popularity and inclusion in the Olympic Games. His influence is still felt today in martial arts, education, and global sports culture.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.club-judo.fr/index.php?module=page&page=histoire_judo)
2. [Source](https://www.ijf.org/history/hall-of-fame/96)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.nndb.com/honors/288/000130895/)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [National Diet Library](https://www.ndl.go.jp/portrait/e/datas/253.html)
10. Aozora Bunko
11. [Source](http://www.judomonde.com/pages/date-de-naissance-de-kano-jigoro-shihan.html)
12. JudoInside.com
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb130178073)
15. CONOR.SI
16. Quora
17. [161.º aniversário de Kanō Jigorō](https://www.google.com/doodles/kano-jigoros-161st-birthday)