People of Judo

Judo: 8 documented people. Founder: Kano Jigoro. Also: codifier (1), master (2), notable figure (3).

Founder (2)

Kano JigoroJapanese educator and founder of judo, who opened the Kodokan in 1882, introduced the kyu and dan grades and became the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee.Mikinosuke KawaishiFounder: Kawaishi JudoA Japanese judoka who taught in Paris from 1935, co-founded the French Judo Federation and is credited with the colored belt system.

Codifier (1)

Tsunetane OdaCodifier: Kosen JudoJapanese judoka (1892–1955), a promoter of ground fighting, ne-waza, who criticized the Kodokan and stood at the birth of so-called kosen judo.

Master (2)

Jon BlumingDutch judoka and karateka (1933–2018), pioneer of Kyokushin in Europe and founder of the Netherlands Karate Association, later head of Kyokushin Budokai.Kyuzo MifuneJapanese judoka (1883–1965), a 10th dan holder and longtime teacher at the Kodokan, known for the air throw kuki-nage and the book The Canon of Judo.

Notable figure (3)

Mitsuyo MaedaJapanese Kodokan judoka nicknamed Conde Koma, who wrestled abroad from 1904 and from 1914 taught judo in Brazil, where the foundation of Brazilian jiu-jitsu took shape.Oleg TaktarovRussian sambo and judo athlete, winner of the 1995 UFC 6 tournament and Ultimate Ultimate 1995 finalist, later an actor in films such as Air Force One.Scott AdkinsBritish action film actor with a black belt in taekwondo, known for the role of the fighter Yuri Boyka in the film Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006) and its sequels.

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