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History
The
History of Judo
Kodokan
Judo was originally derived from the ancient art of combat,
jujitsu, which has been practiced in the Orient for over
1,000 years. It is believed to have been introduced to Japan
in the mid 1600s by a Chinese, Chen Tsu U, whose lecture
to three lordless samurai stimulated the development of
jujitsu to a fine art. Originally, the objective of jujitsu
was to kill or seriously injure the opponent, but with the
advent of modern warfare it fell into disuse. Judo is a
sport developed from jujitsu, utilizing its best techniques
but eliminating the harmful throws and modifying others
so that they can be practiced safely. Judo incorporates
ethics into jujitsu; it is an art and science that is practiced
as a sport t turn an opponent's strength against himself.
Kodokan
Judo had its humble beginning in June 1882 in Tokyo, Japan.
The first dojo (hall) founded by Dr. Jigoro Kano at Eishoji
temple housed only 12 tatami (mats) and the judoka (students)
numbered 9. Judo literally means "the gentle way"
and the Kodokan, a hall to preach the way. Unlike jujitsu,
judo was to embody mental culture as well as physical skills
resulting in behaviour that would develop the student's
personality. Professor Kano was aiming at the understanding
and attainment of life concepts when in 1922 he formulated
his principle of mutual welfare and benefit - jita kyoei.
Professor
Kano defined the purpose of judo as the development of physical
education (fitness) by training one's mind and body in the
most efficient use of energy, not only in combat but also
in everyday life. Judo is regarded as the harmonious development
and eventual perfection of human character. In summary the
three goals of judo are physical development, contest proficiency,
and mental and moral development. In essence, the judoka
should endeavor to become a valuable asset to his/her society.
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Judo
in Canada
Judo
in Canada made its debut on the west coast, when Japanese
immigrants brought with them the fundamentals of the gentle
art. Around 1914, Mr. Takagaki, then a 4th Dan, became one
of the first teachers of judo. He opened a dojo, which was
inaugurated by Master Kano himself. He later returned to
Japan and reached the grade of 9th Dan.
Among
the promoters of judo in Canada at that time were Messrs.
Kamino and Sasaki, members of the Vancouver Kidokwan and
founders of eastern Canada's first dojo in Toronto. Toward
the end of 1940 they became the first persons to be awarded
the grade of 6th Dan in Canada. There were also Canadians
of Japanese origin who helped the sport to grow, in particular
the Mitanis whose sons and grandsons would eventually make
their way to all the provinces. Mr. Hatashita, our past
national president, Mr. Okimura and Mr. Tokairin were among
the first to teach Kodokan judo in eastern Canada around
1946. Around 1950, a number of black belt holders from Europe
settled in the East. Doug Rogers, who won a silver medal
in the Tokyo Games, began his judo training under the technical
guidance of a young French immigrant. It was a group of
judokas in the East who formed the first association in
the 1950s known as the Canadian Judo Federation. This federation
became affiliated with the International Federation in 1958,
the Canadian Judo Federation lost its accreditation with
the International Judo Federation (IJF). That same year
Mr. Umetsu represented Canada at the 2nd World championships
in Tokyo. The IJF gave him the mission of forming a single
association, which eventually became known as the Canadian
Kodokan Black Belt Association (Judo Canada). Today it is
the only official association in Canada, grouping for the
first time the judokas in all the provinces and territories.
Judo Canada has complete jurisdiction over the standards
imposed by the IJF and among its functions designates Canadian
representatives to the World Championships, the Olympic
Games, the Pan-American Games and other international events.
Judo
became an official olympic sport in the 1964 Olympic Games
in Tokyo. Women's judo became an official olympic sport
in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
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Judo
in Alberta
The
first judo club in Alberta was established in Raymond in
1943 with Yosh Katsuta as instructor and Yosh Senda as assistant
instructor. That same year, a club was established in Picture
Butte under the direction of E. Hashizume and H. Kuramoto.
In the 1950s other clubs became established in Calgary by
Hiro Kanashiro, in Lethbridge by Yosh Senda and in the northern
part of the province at the University of Alberta by Ray
Kelly and at the Edmonton Y.M.C.A. by Victor Hunt.
The
Alberta Kodokan Black Belt Association (Judo Alberta) was
formed in 1952 and met for the first time on March 16 at
the Lethbridge Y.M.C.A. The Association elected Mr. Yosh
Katsuta as its first president. In 1957, E. Hashizume was
elected as the second president. In 1959, the Association
became incorporated under the provincial Societies Act and
Yosh Senda became the third president that same year. Succeeding
presidents are Allan Sattin, Ron Senda, William Cox and
Frank Perich. The current Judo Alberta president (2003-2004)
is Gary Yamashita
The
sport of Judo has come a long way in Alberta since 1943.
There are now many clubs operating in the province. Alberta
judokas have been members of Canadian Olympic and World
Championship teams. Judo Alberta will continue to flourish
due to the efforts and ability of its leaders.
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Judo
in Calgary
The
sport of Judo was established in Calgary in 1958 when Mutsuhiro
(Hiro) Kanashiro opened a club on 8th Avenue where the Convention
Centre now stands. This wasthefirst formal club established
in the city and is still in operation, though in a different
location. Over the years a number of clubs have operated
in Calgary at various times including S.A.I.T., The University
of Calgary and the Y.M.C.A. The establishment of the Ishi
Yama Judo Club under the direction of Mr. Paul Knoll in
1975 has further expanded judo in Calgary.
The
Canadian National Junior Judo Championships were held in
Calgary for the first time in March 1993 and again in March
1996. Both of these events were organized and hosted by
Ishi Yama Judo Club and Hiro's Judo Club.
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