Judo related organizations: About the Kodokan

Learning at the Kodokan

The gate to Kodokan is open to all who wish to learn Judo. In addition to polishing their Waza by participating in training and contests, and by exchanges with many other Judo practitioners, Kodokan students can also deepen their knowledge of Judo by attending seminars and classes.

Newcomers to Kodokan training begin with the prescribed induction procedure. These new Kodokan members are then able to participate in training, contests, and seminars, etc.

Kodokan events

Kodokan members can train freely at any time during the hours when the dojo is open, and can receive instruction from a qualified instructor. In addition to weekday and Saturday training, members can also participate in the "Kan-geiko" (winter training) and "Shochu-geiko" (summer training) sessions.
Members with rank may participate in the monthly contests and in the Ko-haku contests, etc.

Review for promotion

The Kodokan is the only "Dan" certifier in Japan. For men, the promotion test is based on the points won in monthly and Ko-haku contests. For women, the promotion test is held 3 times per year.

Kodokan School

The Kodokan School teaches the theory, Waza, and general knowledge of Judo. Fully accredited by various Tokyo schools, and based on a unique educational curriculum, the Kodokan school offers the following courses: general education course, advanced training course, supplementary education course, and international course.
The general education course is designed for beginners, and the advanced training course is for those who have successfully completed the general education course, or who already possess an equivalent level of knowledge. The general education course is a 3-month course, and the advanced training course is a 9-month course. Each of these courses is divided into juniors, men's, and women's sections.
Classes are held every day except Saturday and Sunday, and at hours which allow students to attend after school or work. Course admission is open until the 10th of each month, with all courses (general education class, advanced training course, supplementary education course) beginning on the 1st of each month.
Admission to the international course and the junior course is allowed at any time.

International course

Students from overseas can also attend the Kodokan School and participate in training. Many of these students return to their own countries and become instructors there. Kodokan School's international course plays an important role in promoting Judo around the world.
Admission to the international course is open at all times, and is divided into two sections-an "A" course for students with ranks of 1st Kyu and 1st Dan and higher, and a "B" course for students with ranks up to 2nd Kyu. Group and individual instruction courses are also available.

Summer seminars

Summer seminars are held for those who wish to polish their Waza and Kata (form).

1st Judo Summer Seminar

This seminar is open to men with ranks of 4th Dan and higher, and to women with ranks of 2nd Dan or higher.

2nd Judo Summer Seminar

This seminar is for practitioners with ranks from unranked up to 3rd Dan, and it is open to the general Kodokan membership, college students, high school and junior high school students, and to 5th and 6th year primary school students. Women's courses are also offered.

Women's Judo Summer Seminar

This seminar is open to the Kodokan women's membership, and to men with a Dan rank who wish to become women's judo instructors.

Junior Judo Summer Seminar

This seminar is generally open to all 3rd year and higher primary school students, although Kodokan membership is preferable (non-members are encouraged to become members).