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.

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..

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.

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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