Judo History

The founder of the art of judo was Dr Jigoro Kano.

He developed judo from the various schools of Ju Jitsu that flourished in Japan until the late 19th century when jujitsu began to fall into bad repute; experts having a habit of starting public riots in order to practice their skills on members of the public.

It was at this time that Dr. Jigoro Kano began to study the art. He spent a long time perfecting his skills under the instruction of many of the old masters and finally developed his own style. This style he named judo, or the gentle way and in 1882, he founded his own school, the Kodokan in Tokyo.

Dr. Jigoro Kano had removed the more dangerous moves such as punches or kicks so Judo could be safely practised as a full contact sport. Judo was introduced in Britain in 1912. In 1918, the first European judo club, the Budokwai, was founded by G. Koizumi, who was sent by Kano to spread the word of judo and develop its popularity in London and the UK.

The Renshuden judo club was another great London club that became very popular in the 60's and 70's producing such fighters as Dave Starbrook. It was here that the original founders of Welwyn Garden City judo club learnt their techniques and our practises are based upon the Renshuden training sessions they were used to. Judo is a fighting sport, requiring courage and endurance. It also teaches both mental and physical control and balance. It increases confidence and stamina while remaining a highly enjoyable pastime. If you remember the programme superstars then you will remember Brian Jacks who set incredible records in the gym tests. Brian was a british judo international and an Olympian. The superstars programme was coincidently also filmed at the Gosling sports park where the club is located.