To speak of judo is to speak of Jigoro Kano. To hear the name of Jigoro Kano is to be reminded of the Kodokan. ("Kodokan Judo",Jigoro Kano, Kodansha Press, 1986)

Professor Jigoro Kano was born in Japan in 1860 and died in 1938. He was a highly-respected educator and public servant. Perhaps his most notable achievement, however, was the creation of "judo", the "gentle way". Using the old martial art of ju-jitsu as a basis, Professor Kano developed judo into a collection of defensive and attacking techniques which seeks to maximise the use of mental and physical energy. In essence, judo involves overcoming one's opponent by the use of throws, holds, armlocks and strangles.

Professor Kano established the Kodokan judo school in Tokyo in 1882. From humble beginnings - nine pupils and a twelve-mat dojo - Kodokan Judo expanded rapidly, overtaking ju-jitsu and gaining international popularity. Professor Kano worked tirelessly to ensure a place for judo on the world stage. In 1909, he became the first Japanese member of the International Olympic Committee. In 1928, he attended the Amsterdam Olympic Games as a member of the International Olympic Committee, and in 1938 he attended the International Olympic Committee meeting in Cairo. Professor Kano's efforts over many years to promote judo have been recognised and rewarded both in Japan and internationally. Judo is now an integral activity in the Japanese sports education program – in much the same way as rugby is an integral activity in the Australian sports education program. Internationally, judo made its debut as an official event at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964, and now boasts devotees in the millions.

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