Right next to Tokyo Dome City in Bunkyo Ward — surrounded by a stadium, an amusement park, shops, and hotels — stands a building that every judoka dreams of visiting at least once in their lifetime.
This is the Kodokan(講道館), world headquarters of judo — often called “the Mecca of Judo.”
Beginnings – Jigoro Kano and the Birth of Kodokan
The Kodokan was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), the man who transformed Japan’s traditional jujutsu into the modern international sport of judo.
The first dojo was a modest 12-tatami room, but from that small start, judo has spread to more than 200 countries and regions.
Kano was not only a martial artist but also a pioneering educator.
As principal of the Tokyo Higher Normal School (today’s Tsukuba University), he built the foundations of physical education in Japan and came to be known as “the father of Japanese physical education.”
He also became Asia’s first member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and helped found the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) — leaving a lasting legacy in world sports.
The Mission of Kodokan – Nurturing the Spirit of Judo
Before Kano, Japan had many different schools of jujutsu.
Kano studied their techniques, restructured them into a single, organized system, and added ethical and educational values — transforming a martial art into a way of self-improvement.
Today, the Kodokan is far more than a dojo.
It sets international standards for judo rules, trains instructors, supports youth education, and promotes research and cultural exchange.
As a public foundation, it truly serves as “a place that nurtures the future of judo.”
Judo from Kodokan to the World
Judo is now one of the world’s most recognized Olympic sports, and all of it traces back to the Kodokan and Jigoro Kano’s teachings.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) acknowledges that “true judo” originates from Kano’s Kodokan.
Kodokan and the IJF work in harmony — the Kodokan preserving the roots and spirit of judo, while the IJF manages its modern, international form.
Interestingly, tournaments held at the Kodokan follow slightly different rules from Olympic competitions — with variations in match time, scoring, and technique restrictions.
Colored judogi, for example, are not allowed; only pure white is permitted, reflecting a commitment to the traditional form and spirit of the art.
Training at Kodokan – Open to Visitors with Experience
The Kodokan welcomes both Japanese and international judoka.
At the Kodokan, training on the mats is reserved for two groups: students enrolled in the Kodokan’s judo school, and members who have officially registered to practice.
Anyone with prior judo experience can apply for membership, which allows them to join regular training sessions alongside other practitioners.
Anyone with prior judo experience can apply for admission.
The registration fee is ¥8,000 (waived for holders of black belts and above), and practice sessions cost ¥880 per day.
No reservation is required — you can register at the front desk on the day of training.
Sessions are typically held in the evening until around 8:00 p.m.
Only white judogi are allowed.
Men train without undershirts, while women wear plain white T-shirts under their uniforms.
Kodokan --Learning Judo
What to See – The Statue, Museum, and the Dojo’s Energy
 |
| The Kodokan building stands right beside the roller coaster tracks of Tokyo Dome City. |
Even if you don’t train, the Kodokan is well worth a visit.
Located near Kasuga and Korakuen Stations,a bronze statue of Jigoro Kano welcomes visitors.
The eight-story main building houses the Kodokan Judo Museum on the second floor, open free of charge.
Exhibits include early documents, wooden plaques, records of international tournaments, and items related to Kano’s life.
You can even try on a judogi and take a commemorative photo — giving the museum a surprisingly friendly atmosphere amid its solemnity.
From Children to Champions: A Day Inside the Kodokan
The dojo itself is located on the upper floors, accessible from around the third level.
While only registered practitioners may enter the training area, general visitors can watch practice sessions from the top-floor viewing gallery, where you can look down on the broad expanse of tatami and feel the pulse of the Kodokan.
Training begins around 4:00 p.m., when young children in crisp white judogi step onto the mats.
Their movements may seem playful at first — a mix of smiles, energy, and laughter — yet every bow, every throw is practiced with sincerity and focus.
As the evening deepens, around 6:00 p.m., the atmosphere changes.
The dojo fills with the sound of more experienced practitioners — students, working adults, and even top-level, Olympic-class athletes — testing their skills and refining their techniques side by side.
Watching from above, you can sense the living spirit of Kano’s philosophy — that judo is not merely a combat sport, but also a lifelong path of learning, respect, and self-cultivation.
A Unique Experience – Staying at Kodokan
Few know that the Kodokan also operates its own hostel.
The Kodokan Hostel is available exclusively to registered members who come from across Japan and around the world for study or training.
Rooms range from dormitory-style to single and twin rooms, with rates typically between ¥4,400 and ¥16,500 per night.
For many judoka, staying here — literally sleeping at the birthplace of judo — is a rare and unforgettable experience.
kodokan-hostel
A Place of Spirit and Respect
For those who love martial arts, the Kodokan is not merely a historical building — it is a living temple of discipline, respect, and self-improvement.
Whether you come to train or simply to watch, you’ll find yourself moved by the calm energy and deep tradition that fill this place.
When visiting Tokyo, take time to step inside, listen to the soft thud of feet on tatami, and witness the simple beauty of a bow between two judoka.
Here, the spirit of Judo — the gentle way — continues to live and breathe.
Comments
Post a Comment