Jigoro Kano was a jujitsu expert who focused on throws. He melded jujitsu styles into one form that eventually became known as “judo.” His Kodokan judo style still lives today.

Contribution to Judo:

To help judo be incorporated into Japanese schools, he removed some of its more dangerous moves. By 1911, largely through his efforts, judo had been adopted as part of Japan’s educational system. In 1964, it became an Olympic sport. Pedagogical innovations attributed to Kanō include the use of black and white belts, and the introduction of dan ranking to show the relative ranking among members of a martial art style. Well-known mottoes attributed to Kanō include “maximum efficiency with minimum effort” and “mutual welfare and benefit”.

Professional life:

In his professional life, Kanō was an educator. Important postings included serving as director of primary education for the Ministry of Education from 1898 to 1901, and as president of Tokyo Higher Normal School from 1900 until 1920. He played a key role in making judo and kendo part of the Japanese public school programs of the 1910s.

International Sports:

Kanō was also a pioneer of international sports. Accomplishments included being the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) (he served from 1909 until 1938); officially representing Japan at most Olympic Games held between 1912 and 1936, and serving as a leading spokesman for Japan’s bid for the 1940 Olympic Games.

Honors:

He was honored with Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, 1938 (Japan). His official honors and decorations also included the First Order of Merit and the Third Imperial Degree. Kanō was inducted as the first member of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Hall of Fame on 14 May 1999.