The Kodokan Era Begins

In 1882, Jigoro Kano transformed a small temple room into the birthplace of modern judo. The Kodokan's founding set in motion a chain of events that would carry Japanese grappling across the globe.

1882
Kano opens the Kodokan at Eisho-ji temple in Tokyo with just 12 tatami mats and nine students. He synthesizes techniques from classical jujutsu schools into a safer, more systematic curriculum.
1885
The judo gi and randori (free practice) are formalized, emphasizing live training and mutual benefit. This innovation becomes the core of Kodokan pedagogy.
Early 1900s
Kano sends emissaries abroad—Tsunejiro Tomita, Mitsuyo Maeda, and others—to demonstrate the art. The public comes to know it as "Kano jiu-jitsu," a name that sticks through the century.

These milestones set the stage for judo's global expansion.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 101: The History of the Gentle Art

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