History of Judo

The early history of judo is inseparable from its founder, Japanese polymath and educator Kanō Jigorō, born Shinnosuke Jigorō. Kano was born into a relatively affluent family. His father, Jirosaku, was the second son of the head priest of the Shinto Hiyoshi shrine in Shiga Prefecture. He married Sadako Kano, daughter of the owner of Kiku-Masamune sake brewing company and was adopted by the family, changing his name to Kano, and ultimately became an official in the Shogunal government.