|
At the age of seventeen Kano started his martial arts education. His first instructor was Master Fukudo of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu Jujutsu. At that time beginners were expected to perform the same techniques as advanced students. This would no doubt have an impression on Kano that would impact the forming of his Judo. After the death of Master Fukuda, Kano would continue his Jujutsu training under Master Iso. When Master Iso passed on in 1881 Kano had lost his second martial arts teacher. That same year he enrolled in Kito Ryu Jujutsu under Master Iikubo. Kano picked up his strangle holds and pinning techniques from Tenjn Shinyo Ryu Jujutsu and his throwing techniques from Kito Ryu Jujutsu. These techniques would set the stage for his founding of the Kodokan in 1882 at Eishoji Temple. According to Kano, the ideal of Jujutsu should be to prevent fights, to promote education, and to cultivate good manners and civilized behavior. Techniques will be secondary to achieving an understanding of the way (Watson, 51). This is where Kano separated his Judo from Jujutsu. His goal was to develop a system of martial arts that would promote mutual welfare and benefit and maximum efficiency with minimal effort. Additionally, he wanted a system that would reduce injuries and could be taught in the school system. The Father of Judo by Brian N. Watson published by Kodansha Interantional |
Autumn Wind Dojo
