Kodokan
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The Kodokan Institute (講道館, Kōdōkan) is the headquarters of the judo world. It was established by Jigorō Kanō, the founder of judo in 1882, and is now located in an 8 story building in Tokyo, Japan. Judo is a derivative of jujutsu which is an art of either attacking or defending using one's own body.
The Kodokan Institute offers classes for those who want to master judo. The program is authorized as a non-regular school by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Its courses include the theories and practice of judo, and matters of general education. The course is divided into two; a general course for novices, and special courses for those who have completed the general course or its equivalent.
The Kodokan also issues ranks and many judo black belts around the world become Kodokan members and have their ranks registered with the Kodokan.
The Institute was founded with only nine disciples. The growth of judo in its early years is demonstrated by the growth of the Kodokan itself:
- 12 mats (May 1882 Eishōji Temple)
- 10 mats (Feb. 1883 Jimbōchō, Kanda)
- 20 mats (Sept. 1883 Shihan's house, Kōjimachi)
- 40 mats (Spring 1887 Mr. Shinagawa's house, Kōjimachi)
- 60 mats (April 1890 Hongō-ku, Masaga-chō)
- 107 mats (Feb. 1894 Koishikawa-chō, Shimotomisaka-chō)
- 207 mats (Nov. 1897 Koishikawa, Shimotomisaka-chō)
- 314 mats (Jan. 1898 Ōtsuka Sakashita-chō)
- 514 mats (Dec. 1919 1-chome Kasuga-chō, Bunkyō-ku)
- 986 mats (March 1958 2-chome, Kasuga-chō, Bunkō-ku)
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[edit] The Building
There are eight floors and a basement to the Kodokan Dojo each serving purposes for housing, training, and research by judoka. The basement holds the cafeteria and some conference rooms. The first floor has parking, a bank, and a store. The second floor contains a library and more conference rooms. The third floor is for judoka and visitors who are living in the dojo. The fourth floor is dressing rooms with the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors all used for training space (the seventh floor is called the Main Dojo) and the 8th floor is for specators and has seats that look down into the main space of the seventh floor.
[edit] The Research Floor
In the second floor there are the Kano Memorial Hall, Historical hall, exhibition room, and material stock room.
The halls contain photos of the development of judo as well as information on some of the great masters of the system, as well as written documents, photographs and other information of the life of Jigoro Kano and the people he has met.
The extensive library on the second floor holds over seven thousand books pertaining to judo and is planned to be increased eventually.
There are four research laboratories on the second floor:
1st Lab : Theoretical and historical study of Judo.
2st 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.
The Research Staff use fundamental and applied science to work with foreign researchers. Research gathered is placed once a year and is open to the public and free of charge to view.
[edit] Living In the Kodokan
Judoka visiting and training in the Kodokan can take lodging in the Third Floor. There are five rooms for use during training camps that hold twenty people each. Judo Sensei and Players (when no camp is in session) may live in suites for either one or two people that have their own baths and showers.
The lodging fees are as follows:
Room for training camps : 1 night / person 1,800 yen ($15.21 US) Single room : 1 night / person 3,500 yen ($29.58 US) Deluxe single room : 1 night / person 5,000 yen ($42.26 US) Deluxe twin room : 1 night / person 9,000 yen ($76.07 US) Extra bed : each 1,800 yen ($15.21 US)
[edit] Visiting the Kodokan
Short-term visitors to Tokyo can visit the Kodokan to watch or attend practice. You can walk up to the main floor of the dojo to watch practices. If you would like to take part in a practice, you should contact the main office beforehand to obtain permission. One-time visitors are most likely to be allowed to take part in a randori session with foreign students. Elsewhere on the mats you may have the opportunity to see remarkable kata practices in session.
[edit] The Main Floor
On the Seventh Floor the Main Dojo is found. The Dojo is designed with care to give the right amount of floor spring, brightness, and ventilation.
Four official contests can be held at the same time in the main Dojo on the seventh floor. It has 420 mats and approximately 900 spectators are received on the eighth floor which is provided with emergency equipment.
[edit] External links
- http://www.kodokan.org/ - Website of the Kodokan
