Judo was established by Professor Jigoro Kano (1860-1938) as a modern sport in Japan in 1882. Professor Kano was well aware of modern Pedagogic and physical ideas. He selected and refined various ju-jitsu techniques (combative arts developed over hundreds of years) and created the modern sport of Judo.

Judo consists of throwing and grappling techniques. The many and varied techniques of Judo suit all shapes and sizes. The main objectives in Junior Judo (under 16yrs) are to destabilise your partner's balance in order to throw him or her flat on their back, or if on the ground to hold them down on their back (similar to a wrestling situation).

From 1909, Professor Kano contributed 30 years of his life to the Olympic movement as a collaborator of Baron Pierre de Cubertain, founder of the modern Olympic Games. It was not until the 1964 Tokyo Olympics that Mens Judo became an official sport of the Olympic Games. In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Womens Judo was also included on the official program.

Judo not only teaches physical attributes of body awareness and co-ordination but also self discipline and respect for others which is inherent within the sport.

What is Judo?

Judo is derived from ju-jitsu. It was created by Professor Jigoro Kano in 1882. Mastering several styles of ju-jitsu he began to develop his own system based on modern sports principles. In 1882 he founded the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, which is still the international authority for Judo.

The name Judo was chosen because it means the "gentle way". Kano emphasised the larger educational value of training in attack and defense so that it could be a path or way of life that all people could participate in and benefit from. He eliminated some of the traditional ju-jitsu techniques and changed training methods so that most of the moves could be done with full force to create a decisive victory without injury.

The popularity of Judo increased dramatically after a famous contest hosted by the Tokyo police in 1886 where the Judo team defeated the most well-known ju-jitsu school. It then became a part of the Japanese physical education system and began its spread around the world. In 1964, Mens Judo became a part of the Olympics competition. In 1992, Womens Judo was added to the Olympics.

Judo is practiced on mats and consists primarily of throws, grappling (which includes hold downs), strangles and armlocks. Judo is generally compared to wrestling but it retains its unique combat forms. Because the founder was involved in education (President of Tokyo University) Judo training emphasizes mental, moral and character development as much as physical training. Most instructors stress the principles of yielding to overcome greater strength or size, as well as the scientific principles of leverage, balance, efficiency, momentum and control.

Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more. Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for many other reasons. But most of all, people do Judo just for the fun of it.

Because Judo originated in modern times it is organized like other major sports with one international governing body, the International Judo Federation (IJF).

As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that govern competition and ensure safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls. Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and choking techniques.

Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for gaining self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility. As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, fine balance, and fast reflexive action. Above all, it develops a sharp mind, well-coordinated with the body. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises.

Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts, that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 16) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts, and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more.

Judo, which is translated as the "gentle way", teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For example, in Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent. The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world.

History of the Kodokan

The Kodokan was established in 1882 by Professor Kano, the founder of Judo. Professor Kano adopted the superlative parts of all the Ju-jitsu schools, and established the new Kodokan Judo based on his own insights and theories.

The Kodokan started with only nine disciples and a twelve-mat dojo. Kodokan Judo was soon recognized for its excellence, particularly after its students overwhelmed the Ju-jitsu athletes at a Police Bu-jitsu Contest. This was the first step on the road to future rapid progress for Judo.

Professor Kano promoted Judo as a physical exercise on a nation-wide basis. Proceeding with the organization of Kodokan and enacting the regulations of Judo, he became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee in 1909 and worked for the spread of Judo internationally.

The construction of the new Kodokan International Judo Center was dedicated in 1984 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Kodokan. The building is equipped with everything necessary for Judo practise and research: six Dojos, dressing rooms, shower rooms, research center, library, conference hall, hostels, and so on.

Six Dojos

The main Dojo
Four official contests can be held at the same time in the main Dojo on the seventh floor. It has 420 mats, and seats approximately 900 spectators.
School Dojo
With 240 mats, it can hold two contents at the same time, and can be divided into two rooms.
International Dojo
With 192 mats, it can be divided into three rooms.
Women's Dojo
With 240 mats, it can hold two contests at the same time, and can be divided into two rooms.
Boy's Dojo
With 114 mats, it can be divided into two rooms.
Special Dojo
This is for retired Judo players and for those who are studying the techniques of Judo.

Memorial Hall

At the center of the second floor of the International Judo Center are the Kano Memorial Hall, Historical Hall, Exhibition Room, and equipment store room. Photographs and documents which trace the development of the Kodokan are exhibited in the Exhibition Room. Pictures of the late eighteen masters of Judo honored for their dedication to Judo are displayed in the Historical Hall. Memorial goods, documents and letters which show Professor Kano's friendship with distinguished persons are displayed in the Kano Memorial Hall.

Lodging Rooms

Accommodation for visitors, including for use during training camps, is located on the third floor of the Kodokan International Judo Center. There are five rooms which can hold a total of 100 people.

There are also rooms with baths (twin, single) available for instructors, and also for people from the general public when training camps are not in session.

(We wish to express our appreciation to Mr Peter Herrmann, the Coaching Director of the Judo Federation of Australia Inc., for the following information.)

The first ju-jitsu demonstration in Australia was performed by Mr Cecil Elliott and Mr T. Young (ably assisted by a young lady who later married Elliott) in Sydney in 1906. Among the guests was the NSW Commissioner of Police, Mr Mackay (Ref: Sydney Morning Herald, 1906). Elliott was born in the village of Hackelton, North Hamptonshire, England on 20 May 1875. At the age of 16, he went to sea as an Apprentice Seaman under a training scheme introduced by Lord Brassey. Later on, he became an Officer in the Royal Navy. His duties took him to Japan, where he became interested in ju-jitsu. He obtained his 1st Dan in ju-jitsu at Yokohama in 1904, and commenced teaching the martial art in Sydney in 1905. He brought two Japanese - Mr Fushishima and Mr Okura - to Sydney to assist him with the ju-jitsu classes. Mr Fushishima went on to become the Australian Lightweight Wrestling Champion. Later, Elliott moved to Atherton in Queensland, where he started ju-jitsu and judo classes in his back yard. Elliott was recognised as a 2nd Dan in 1962, when he was 87 years old. Elliott passed away in 1963.

Dr Ross wrote the first book about judo in Australia in 1949. He learned judo the hard way, at the Kodokan in Tokyo. After obtaining his 1st Dan in under two years, a phenomenal performance in those days, he became Chief Instructor at the Brisbane Judo Club, which was founded in 1928.

The inaugural meeting of the Judo Federation of Australia was held in Sydney in 1952. Queensland was represented by Messrs V G Allen and Cliff Duncan; NSW was represented by Mr Ernest Chambers; Victoria was represented by Mr Ivan Zavetchanos; Western Australia was represented by Mr Andy Fleming; and South Australia was represented by Mr Moss Hollis. The inaugural meeting elected Mr Allen (Queensland) as the President and Mr Duncan (Queensland) as the Secretary.

In 1979, the Australian Coaching Council (ACC) was established as an initiative of the Sport and Recreation Minister's Council. In 1980, the ACC asked the Judo Federation of Australia (JFA) to develop a National Judo Coaching Scheme. This task fell initially to Mr Ivan Zavetchanos (Victoria), then technical Director of the JFA.

In 1981, the Black Belt Register (New South Wales) - BBR (NSW) – assumed responsibility for the National Judo Coaching Scheme. BBR (NSW) established a Committee comprising Mr Jim Sheedy, Mr John Buckley, Mr Peter Page and Mr Glen Lewis which, with financial assistance from the Federal Government, conducted workshops and involved other qualified specialists to develop the Level 1, 2 and 3 Judo Coaching Scheme. In 1982, Jim Sheedy became the first JFA National Coaching Director. This was a part-time position for which the Federal Government provided financial assistance. Following Jim Sheedy's resignation in 1983, Mr Peter Herrmann was appointed to the position. From 1984, the position became full-time. During the period 1982-88, the JFA developed 550 Level 1 coaches, 120 Level 2 coaches and 9 Level 3 coaches.

In 1984, the JFA established National Training Camps to prepare players for competition at the Olympics Games and World Titles, and to develop talented young players. During the period 1984-88, six National Training Camps were conducted at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. With financial support from the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission, approximately 180 players and coaches from around Australia and from overseas participated in the camps.

Mr Park - President of the International Judo Federation - and Sensei Arek Zygmunt during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

The Head Coach at IPPON Judo Club is Arek Zygmunt Sensei. Arek served as a Judo Technical Official at the Sydney Olympic Games.

IPPON Judo Club organises classes for Beginners 6-9 years of age), Juniors (10-13 years of age) and Seniors. Currently, we have approximately 50 registered members. We organise judo clinics and camps during school holidays, and participate regularly in competitions in the ACT and other States.

At IPPON Judo Club we aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and sportsmanship through friendship, repect and club identity.

History of the Kodokan

Six Dojos

Memorial Hall

Library

Research Center on Judo

Lodging Rooms

The History of Judo in Australia

	History of Judo
Judo origins What is Judo? Kodokan Benefits of Judo Judo in Australia	Judo was established by Professor Jigoro Kano (1860-1938) as a modern sport in Japan in 1882. Professor Kano was well aware of modern Pedagogic and physical ideas. He selected and refined various ju-jitsu techniques (combative arts developed over hundreds of years) and created the modern sport of Judo. Judo consists of throwing and grappling techniques. The many and varied techniques of Judo suit all shapes and sizes. The main objectives in Junior Judo (under 16yrs) are to destabilise your partner's balance in order to throw him or her flat on their back, or if on the ground to hold them down on their back (similar to a wrestling situation). From 1909, Professor Kano contributed 30 years of his life to the Olympic movement as a collaborator of Baron Pierre de Cubertain, founder of the modern Olympic Games. It was not until the 1964 Tokyo Olympics that Mens Judo became an official sport of the Olympic Games. In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Womens Judo was also included on the official program. Judo not only teaches physical attributes of body awareness and co-ordination but also self discipline and respect for others which is inherent within the sport. What is Judo? Judo is derived from ju-jitsu. It was created by Professor Jigoro Kano in 1882. Mastering several styles of ju-jitsu he began to develop his own system based on modern sports principles. In 1882 he founded the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, which is still the international authority for Judo. The name Judo was chosen because it means the "gentle way". Kano emphasised the larger educational value of training in attack and defense so that it could be a path or way of life that all people could participate in and benefit from. He eliminated some of the traditional ju-jitsu techniques and changed training methods so that most of the moves could be done with full force to create a decisive victory without injury. The popularity of Judo increased dramatically after a famous contest hosted by the Tokyo police in 1886 where the Judo team defeated the most well-known ju-jitsu school. It then became a part of the Japanese physical education system and began its spread around the world. In 1964, Mens Judo became a part of the Olympics competition. In 1992, Womens Judo was added to the Olympics. Judo is practiced on mats and consists primarily of throws, grappling (which includes hold downs), strangles and armlocks. Judo is generally compared to wrestling but it retains its unique combat forms. Because the founder was involved in education (President of Tokyo University) Judo training emphasizes mental, moral and character development as much as physical training. Most instructors stress the principles of yielding to overcome greater strength or size, as well as the scientific principles of leverage, balance, efficiency, momentum and control. Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more. Judo was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. People practice Judo to excel in competition, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, and for many other reasons. But most of all, people do Judo just for the fun of it. Because Judo originated in modern times it is organized like other major sports with one international governing body, the International Judo Federation (IJF). As in all sports, Judo has a strict set of rules that govern competition and ensure safety. For those who want to test their skills, Judo offers the opportunity for competition at all skill levels, from club to national tournaments, to the Olympic Games. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, and boys and girls. Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and choking techniques. Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. Judo provides the means for gaining self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility. As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, fine balance, and fast reflexive action. Above all, it develops a sharp mind, well-coordinated with the body. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises. Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts, that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 16) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts, and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more. Judo, which is translated as the "gentle way", teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For example, in Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent. The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world. History of the Kodokan The Kodokan was established in 1882 by Professor Kano, the founder of Judo. Professor Kano adopted the superlative parts of all the Ju-jitsu schools, and established the new Kodokan Judo based on his own insights and theories. The Kodokan started with only nine disciples and a twelve-mat dojo. Kodokan Judo was soon recognized for its excellence, particularly after its students overwhelmed the Ju-jitsu athletes at a Police Bu-jitsu Contest. This was the first step on the road to future rapid progress for Judo. Professor Kano promoted Judo as a physical exercise on a nation-wide basis. Proceeding with the organization of Kodokan and enacting the regulations of Judo, he became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee in 1909 and worked for the spread of Judo internationally. The construction of the new Kodokan International Judo Center was dedicated in 1984 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Kodokan. The building is equipped with everything necessary for Judo practise and research: six Dojos, dressing rooms, shower rooms, research center, library, conference hall, hostels, and so on. Six Dojos The main Dojo Four official contests can be held at the same time in the main Dojo on the seventh floor. It has 420 mats, and seats approximately 900 spectators. School Dojo With 240 mats, it can hold two contents at the same time, and can be divided into two rooms. International Dojo With 192 mats, it can be divided into three rooms. Women's Dojo With 240 mats, it can hold two contests at the same time, and can be divided into two rooms. Boy's Dojo With 114 mats, it can be divided into two rooms. Special Dojo This is for retired Judo players and for those who are studying the techniques of Judo. Memorial Hall At the center of the second floor of the International Judo Center are the Kano Memorial Hall, Historical Hall, Exhibition Room, and equipment store room. Photographs and documents which trace the development of the Kodokan are exhibited in the Exhibition Room. Pictures of the late eighteen masters of Judo honored for their dedication to Judo are displayed in the Historical Hall. Memorial goods, documents and letters which show Professor Kano's friendship with distinguished persons are displayed in the Kano Memorial Hall. Library The library is also on the second floor of the Kodokan International Judo Center. It contains seven thousand books about Judo, and there are plans to expand it even further. Research Center on Judo Laboratories and study rooms are on the second floor of the Kodokan International Judo Center. Staff undertake fundamental and specialized research, as well as cooperative research with other national and foreign researchers. There are four research laboratories: 1st Lab - Theoretical and historical study of Judo 2nd Lab - Psychological study of Judo 3rd Lab - Technical analysis of Judo; research on the physical strength of Judo players 4th Lab - Physiological study of Judo Lodging Rooms Accommodation for visitors, including for use during training camps, is located on the third floor of the Kodokan International Judo Center. There are five rooms which can hold a total of 100 people. There are also rooms with baths (twin, single) available for instructors, and also for people from the general public when training camps are not in session. The History of Judo in Australia (We wish to express our appreciation to Mr Peter Herrmann, the Coaching Director of the Judo Federation of Australia Inc., for the following information.) Mr Cecil Elliott – Founder of Ju-jitsu and Judo in Australia The first ju-jitsu demonstration in Australia was performed by Mr Cecil Elliott and Mr T. Young (ably assisted by a young lady who later married Elliott) in Sydney in 1906. Among the guests was the NSW Commissioner of Police, Mr Mackay (Ref: Sydney Morning Herald, 1906). Elliott was born in the village of Hackelton, North Hamptonshire, England on 20 May 1875. At the age of 16, he went to sea as an Apprentice Seaman under a training scheme introduced by Lord Brassey. Later on, he became an Officer in the Royal Navy. His duties took him to Japan, where he became interested in ju-jitsu. He obtained his 1st Dan in ju-jitsu at Yokohama in 1904, and commenced teaching the martial art in Sydney in 1905. He brought two Japanese - Mr Fushishima and Mr Okura - to Sydney to assist him with the ju-jitsu classes. Mr Fushishima went on to become the Australian Lightweight Wrestling Champion. Later, Elliott moved to Atherton in Queensland, where he started ju-jitsu and judo classes in his back yard. Elliott was recognised as a 2nd Dan in 1962, when he was 87 years old. Elliott passed away in 1963. Dr A Ross – Early Pioneer of Judo in Australia Dr Ross wrote the first book about judo in Australia in 1949. He learned judo the hard way, at the Kodokan in Tokyo. After obtaining his 1st Dan in under two years, a phenomenal performance in those days, he became Chief Instructor at the Brisbane Judo Club, which was founded in 1928. Judo Federation of Australia (JFA) The inaugural meeting of the Judo Federation of Australia was held in Sydney in 1952. Queensland was represented by Messrs V G Allen and Cliff Duncan; NSW was represented by Mr Ernest Chambers; Victoria was represented by Mr Ivan Zavetchanos; Western Australia was represented by Mr Andy Fleming; and South Australia was represented by Mr Moss Hollis. The inaugural meeting elected Mr Allen (Queensland) as the President and Mr Duncan (Queensland) as the Secretary. The JFA's "National Judo Coaching Scheme" and "National Training Camps" In 1979, the Australian Coaching Council (ACC) was established as an initiative of the Sport and Recreation Minister's Council. In 1980, the ACC asked the Judo Federation of Australia (JFA) to develop a National Judo Coaching Scheme. This task fell initially to Mr Ivan Zavetchanos (Victoria), then technical Director of the JFA. In 1981, the Black Belt Register (New South Wales) - BBR (NSW) – assumed responsibility for the National Judo Coaching Scheme. BBR (NSW) established a Committee comprising Mr Jim Sheedy, Mr John Buckley, Mr Peter Page and Mr Glen Lewis which, with financial assistance from the Federal Government, conducted workshops and involved other qualified specialists to develop the Level 1, 2 and 3 Judo Coaching Scheme. In 1982, Jim Sheedy became the first JFA National Coaching Director. This was a part-time position for which the Federal Government provided financial assistance. Following Jim Sheedy's resignation in 1983, Mr Peter Herrmann was appointed to the position. From 1984, the position became full-time. During the period 1982-88, the JFA developed 550 Level 1 coaches, 120 Level 2 coaches and 9 Level 3 coaches. In 1984, the JFA established National Training Camps to prepare players for competition at the Olympics Games and World Titles, and to develop talented young players. During the period 1984-88, six National Training Camps were conducted at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. With financial support from the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission, approximately 180 players and coaches from around Australia and from overseas participated in the camps. Mr Park - President of the International Judo Federation - and Sensei Arek Zygmunt during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games The Head Coach at IPPON Judo Club is Arek Zygmunt Sensei. Arek served as a Judo Technical Official at the Sydney Olympic Games. IPPON Judo Club organises classes for Beginners 6-9 years of age), Juniors (10-13 years of age) and Seniors. Currently, we have approximately 50 registered members. We organise judo clinics and camps during school holidays, and participate regularly in competitions in the ACT and other States. At IPPON Judo Club we aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and sportsmanship through friendship, repect and club identity. Back to top