The story of judo

For teenagers and adults: age 12 and up. Switch to for younger readers.

1. 1Who taught Jigoro Kano?Japan was turning away from its old fighting schools when a young man went looking for teachers, and found three who shaped judo. · 3 min
2. 2What happened on 12 mats at the Eisho-ji?In 1882 Kano opened a school in a Tokyo temple, renamed his art, and awarded the first Dan grades in any martial art. · 3 min
3. 3How did the gentle way prove itself?Contests against the police, the first written rules, a place in Japan's schools, and the two principles Kano gave his art. · 3 min
4. 4How did Kano carry judo round the world?An Olympic seat in 1909, 13 journeys abroad, the masters at his side, and a teacher who took judo from Liverpool to Paris. · 2 min
5. 5How did jujutsu reach the London stage?An English enthusiast, a Japanese wrestler of the music halls and a teacher from Liverpool built Britain's first home for Japanese martial arts. · 3 min
6. 6Who built British judo?After the war the Budokwai called the meetings that founded British and European judo, London hosted the birth of the world federation, and other families of British judo grew alongside. · 3 min
7. 7How did judo reach the Olympic mat?A vote in Rome in 1960, a Dutch champion in Tokyo, women and Paralympians, and the British judoka who have stood on the podium. · 3 min

Written from checked sources, listed on the sources page. Pictures are drawn, with computer help, under our direction; none shows a real child. Recorded chapters and words are read by a computer voice; a word not yet recorded uses your device's own voice.