The Art of Judo

Our Judo History

Kano Jigoro founded judo in 1882 at the Eishoji Temple. He selected the most effective techniques from a variety of older fighting systems.

Mifune Kyuzo was considered the best technician ever to come out of the Kodokan. Small of stature, Mifune was able to easily defeat much larger opponents. He was awarded 10th dan in 1945.

Ito Kazuo was a contemporary of Mifune Kyuzo. Author of Judo Kyosho, a text for young judoka, Ito was known for his toughness and his powerful judo techniques.

Sato Shizuya is the Chief Director of Kokusai Budoin, IMAF, the International Martial Arts Federation. He was a direct student of both Ito Kazuo and Mifune Kyuzo, and teaches judo and Nihon Jujutsu at the American Embassy Judo Club in Tokyo.

Nicklaus Suino, a direct student of Sato Shizuya, is the Director of the Japanese Martial Arts Center, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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