Years as a teacher at Gakushuin University Kano is not only remembered as the founder of Kodokan, but was also successful in many other areas, gaining him names such as the ‘father of education’ and the ‘father of physical edu-cation’. At the age of 23 he became a teacher at Gakushuin Uni-versity, engaging in education that leads to character building fo-cused on a balance of intellectual education, moral education, and physical education, alongside Kodokan. He was highly fa-vorable with the Gakushuin Chancellor, and was selected as the Gakushuin’s executive secretary at the young age of 25. This made him both a professor and vice-chancellor. He also carefully observed education in other countries with the aim of advancing education in Japan. Years at Tokyo Higher Normal School In 1893, at the age of 32, Kano was appointed as principle of Tokyo Higher Normal School (currently Tsukuba University). In addition to appointing excellent professors, he made constant ef-forts towards achieving a high quality in education, in order to improve physical education for the students. In particular, he in-vited top class Judo and Kendo teachers, and also encouraged swimming. Implementing a complete boarding enrollment sys-tem, he advanced the principle of self-improvement within a group entity. Extending the light of higher normal school educa-tion from three to four years etc., he engaged passionately in the training of excellent teachers and professors. Improving thought on physical education Familiar with many sports from a young age with the purpose of creating a strong body, he taught many students through his teaching of Judo based on his philosophy that teaches that in order to become excellent, one must be physically strong, and a relentlessly strong mind. In 1911, at the age of 50, in preparation for the first time in the Olympics, the Japan Amateur Sports Association was estab-lished. Kano was appointed as the association’s first chairper-son, and was instrumental in selecting Japan’s first team to be sent to the Olympics. The ‘Kodokan’ gateway to success for Judo practitioners Kano advanced Judo with the aim of improving physical strength and building character at Kodokan, and in doing so he raised many Judo practitioners. He was passionate about studying Judo, and mastered unconventional training, such as having 30 pupils practice ‘randori’ (free style Judo practice) at once. The pupils he taught in this manner went on to practice Judo in all parts of Japan, and Judo was incorporated into education in Ja-pan as a form of personal education.

As vice-chancellor at Gakushuin

Unveiling of bronze statue of Jigoro Kano at Tokyo

Bunrika University (Currently: Tsukuba University)

28th November, 1936

Giving a lecture

Jigoro Kano giving a speech

at the first meet for revitalizing

Judo practice. (1923)

Jigoro Kano giving an explanation at the 3rd All-Japan

Judo Championships (November, 1932)

Giving a lecture in Kobe Photographs provided by: Kodokan Judo Institute Source: Token Corporation, Supervision: Kodokan Judo Institute