Visiting the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo

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I recently went on vacation to Tokyo, Japan. While visiting, I stayed at the Kodokan Judo Institute. The Kodokan is the founding school and international headquarters for the sport of judo today. The Kodokan was established in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, and is now an eight-story building in Tokyo. It has over 1,300 mats across six dojos-a Main dojo for training and large competitions, and dojos for beginners, International players and events, women, and Boys' prep-plus a special dojo for retired judoka (like me) and special techniques training. There are also separate facilities for athlete housing, supplemental training, research -- and even a memorial museum tracing the lineage of judo. No cameras though. Must be some top secret stuff in there! All international promotions, clinics and Olympic games administration are also handled at the Kodokan.
Unbeknownst to me, during my stay the top university-level, corporate sponsored players from around Tokyo had come for an open practice. Even I couldn't resist an opportunity to train with the best players of tomorrow. My stay at the Kodokan is one memory I won't soon forget.
**This is a RE-POST**
I had to remove the original because of copyright background music.
Music by www.audionautix.com

[@mrv1271]

This guy is a true judoka. No ego just learning. Much respect Sir.

[@matthewoneill5354]

That's great to see. I had heard rumours that they are merciless when a westerner shows up on the mat. Especially the university players. He was working nicely with you there.

[@Reddragondiaries]

No generally they'll play at your level unless you seem like you want to give it a go

[@ESLinsider]

Trained briefly at Fukuoka university and I think everybody was very respectful and went fairly easy on me.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I'm glad you enjoyed. It was definitely an epic experience to be there. I would recommend it for anyone.

[@Reddragondiaries]

You're gonna love it. It's an epic experience to be at the Kodokan. The mecca!

[@MeleDrummer]

Nice randori and great sportmanship, true Judo.

[@Reddragondiaries]

That's right. Judo is many things. The sporting aspect is a limited subset of the full curriculum of techniques. There is also developing athletes, holding tournaments, doing admin stuff to further the sport. There are countless katas to master and learning all the techniques is nearly impossible! A lifetime is just a start.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks!

[@Bruceleekungfoo]

Awesome!

[@Reddragondiaries]

You'll love it. Judo in Japan is handled on a completely different level.

[@wicked1707]

Hello, I know I'm 10 years late for this, but I was wondering if you've returned to the Kodokan recently? If so has it changed? I am planning a trip to train daily.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you for this information!

[@u10201]

That looks so fun. Thanks for uploading!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks! It was so awesome just to be there. I would recommend it to anyone.

[@MrTrevor181]

That's something to experience given the chance.

[@manz92]

I can't wait to visit Japan, train my judo there, I love how grand all the Dojos are

[@Reddragondiaries]

Awesome. Visiting the Kodokan is really like nothing else. The location, the facility, the fact that it's the Kodokan! Have a great time.

[@BobSaint]

What was that last technique he pulled on you?

[@neilzyaus]

Awesome man, that would be so much fun. Thanks for uploading. Good tech btw 😁👍🏼

[@Pope2501]

Like you were wrestling a mountain! Cool. throws! Thank you for the demonstration.

[@fujikotokyo]

I found me. I was training with your friend there.

[@gualdacolorao]

Good experience. I´m watching your video and thinking at the same time It must be awesome to be in the kodokan dojos. For everything: The big Jigoro Kano story and all the cultural movements. Because for us Judo is a pure art. Thanks for the video. To be in Kodokan is also one of my dreams. Thanks.

[@ukere2211]

There is a good athmosphere in this place; your judo seems very good. I think to go over there very soon for few weeks; Thank you for the video

[@Reddragondiaries]

You'll love it.

[@Reddragondiaries]

That's awesome that you're going. I would definitely visit there again. Maybe in the future.

[@efrenrs7990]

nice movie thanks is another world kodokan is a dream..

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes.

[@shotokankaratedude89]

Was it a wensday? Im at the kodokan right now. And on wensday all the top judoka's train here

[@silviadsalinas1152]

thanks for the info! we are planning a visit to Japan and my husband would love to train there for a day. He just got his black belt and is exited about going to the Kodokan. I have no experience with judo but would like to be part of this experience, do you know if i am allowed to watch the training or even maybe participate with other beginners? regards!

[@brunonosich]

Goin to the Kodokan in April. My sensei has already made his calls to friends in Tokyo. This will be a great experience and improve my judo game.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I was only there for a few days. Japan is awesome. I'd like to visit again someday. Korea and Japan are both similar and different at the same time. Korea has been a great experience and it's my home now. I hope to stay here for a while.

[@poraquello]

wow! what an honor! so cool

[@smmr.2617]

What a great video I have a question, non-judo player (my friend) whos gonna just film me playing judo should also wear judo gi?

[@raymondmitchell3071]

I received my shodan from the founder of Judo son Resii Kano (sp) in '61. One of the best experiences in my Judo career with the Air Force. I also studied Aikido at Wesada University after training all day at the Kodokan. While Aikido was part of our training along with Judo & Karate I volunteered with two others to take extra training under Kenji Tomiki. I received a nikyu belt while they each received their shodan (black belt). At that time/era the Air Force (Strategic Air Command) had one of the best Judo teams in the country. We were trained to teach the SAC pilots & Air Police combative measures. We also promoted judo as a sport & gave exhibitions around the base to promote goodwill in the community. Good memories.

[@dragos8839]

Do you still practice it now ?

[@patochantk]

I'm going there in november really pumped.

[@djharto4917]

Went to Japan for rugby World Cup and went the kodokan for a look! Japanese people are great really respectful but do not for 1 second underestimate a Japanese judoka !

[@franka7691]

Thanks a lot for sharing. In the beginning of your video, I noticed a lot of ground techniques. Were the university students there to train in kosen judo? I was stationed in Japan years ago and visited Tokyo numerous times. I visited the Budokan, but unfortunately I didn't visit the Kodokan. Thanks for inspiring me to visit the next time I'm in Tokyo :-)

[@GoWiest]

Lucky you. I have been studying Judo and Jujitsu for about six years, I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to visit. You mentioned sport Judo. I began in my 30's, are there any older people there that do it for the beauty of the art and not as sport? At this point in life I am more interested in bettering myself and my technique rather than defeating opponents.

[@judorican973]

Great video ! you did a great job ,

[@caesar4857]

Heard they took leg attacks out of judo. Is it true? If so, that just in competitions or did they take it away from training/learning judo as well?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Japan and Korea are very similar in their approach to judo. From what I understand judo is much more prevalent in schools than Korea though. Korea has sport-specific schools, but I think Japan has it more frequently in general schools. Talent-wise, Japan still has the edge overall, but France is closing in rapidly and Korea is always a top threat as well.

[@rogerwilliams2629]

I wanted so badly to go to college in Tokyo and study at the Kodokan in the 70s. Didnt work out. Thanks for the video!

[@MrTrevor181]

I would like to the kodokan given the chance - great film!.

[@Rhobyn]

I make a similar experience. Although I would ad, that they will also adjust to how energetic/hard/aggressive you want to go. I nearly broke my neck once because I had too much fun on the mat with someone waaay more experienced than me. He checked if I was okay but didn't ask if I wanted a break. That was totally up to me. I enjoy it, honestly. (But obviously there ARE bad sensei/senpai out there who don't care about their uke at all and sometimes just want to prove something.)

[@abbisgm3453]

That’s the type of judo I love to learn the traditional not just judo olímpic because people forget about newaza (ground game ) judo has all that hate to pay extra to become a Bjj master when I can learn all that from judo

[@droman30]

Wonderful video!

[@srogiful]

Do you have to stay in the Kodokan to train there? How much is a lesson? I’m only a white belt but I was looking to go in a couple years! Great video

[@nidgeontour257]

Great stuff, I'll be there one day!!

[@riptorju4778]

How was it in Japan? Similar or very different atmosphere from Korea?

[@licjoseantoniocardenashern4901]

Desde Cuba, el judo es un arte marcial , donde, desde sus posiciones, kumikata, podemos realizar nuestras tecnicas, de Ashi Wasa, Koshi Waza, Tewasa. El trabajo de Newaza, es importante

[@tookurjaerbs]

I want to train there. It looks so interesting

[@maxmaxim9152]

hello . how much is for visiting the universety??thnx

[@1gabiii1]

I want training in kodokan tooo :'(

[@teslawolverine7009]

Is it a place to learn or is it just for practice?

[@kurtbrayford6491]

players?

[@srogiful]

Can you still film inside the Kodokan?

[@kodakanjudo]

That was certainly an honor to watch. I saw some good techniques during randori that I wish to try. No blue gis in Kodakan ?

[@richlee509]

Not allowed only white

[@jacobnuesca7181]

Is it true that kodokan judo still allows leg takedowns unlike the IJF?

[@TonySoprano55]

Seems like such a nice place to train in :)

[@brettmilano]

SeoulTee, you made a video about Korean judo excellence and explained how they have schools starting at the elementary level dedicated to judo instead of having sports teams in normal schools. How does Japan's judo culture and development of talent differ?

[@LostieMJ]

Dude, you are my doppelganger, at least in the picture from 0:46. I still can't believe it xd

[@edmundkim007]

Your Judo looks solid!

[@drutgat2]

Thanks for this. You said you were "a retired Judoka" - is that true, or was it a joke? If true, why are you a retired Judoka?

[@HHIto]

I miss it...

[@isagabriella]

it's possible to buy a kimono or obi in Kodokan?

[@Reddragondiaries]

yes you can.

[@TheFitnessmann]

I have never trained judo before, so I wonder if it´s possible to train there for only 2 weeks? And stay at the hostel athlete in the Kodokan....Thanks!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes that's possible. They have beginner programs there at the Kodokan. Just go to their website and you can read about the prices and everything.

[@TheFitnessmann]

SeoulTee ok thanks for the quick response.

[@Reddragondiaries]

That is correct. Blue gis are not permitted in the Kodokan.

[@Dencof69]

Hi guys. I'm heading to Japan in a couple of days and I am going to visit the kodokan. Is it possible to bring a GI (or purchase one) and train at the kodokan? I'm keen to train there but unsure how I go about it or if they even allow people to walk in and train. Thanks!

[@Reddragondiaries]

You can bring your own or buy one there. No blue gis allowed in the Kodokan. You can work out there and even stay at the athlete housing if you're a member. You should go to the Kodokan site and contact the international department. They are always helpful.

[@Dencof69]

SeoulTee Thank you SeoulTee for your quick reply!! I am hoping to just come in one day and see if I can train. Is that even possible? I'll also check their website in more detail. Thanks again for ur help :)

[@Dencof69]

SeoulTee Hey there! How much roughly did it cost involved to train at the kodokan? I've emailed them but no reply.

[@Reddragondiaries]

It sometimes takes them a few days to get back, but they will. The cost for the hospice was about $35/night. To get a membership is like $80 and you'll need that to stay there and train. Mat fee I can't remember. They'll respond. Fear not!

[@Dencof69]

Ok cool. Im mainly hoping to walk in randomly sometime next week and train with whatever class they have on at the time... Sorry with all the annoying questions btw!!!!

[@herockhernandez2794]

Nice

[@shipper611]

Hey, does anybody know if it is possible to borrow a Judo-gi over there? I will be nearby with my girlfriend but unfortunately i won't be able to carry my sports bag :/?

[@Reddragondiaries]

+shipper611 You can rent a gi at the Kodokan

[@kurtbrayford6491]

borrow a gi?yuck buy or byo

[@Reddragondiaries]

If you stay at the athlete hostel in the Kodokan it's about $35-40 per night. I recommend it to get the full effect of being there!

[@AnGhaeilge]

I think there's different mats for different things. There's a course you can take for beginners. All the info is on the Kodokan website.

[@santiagolascurain1614]

fantastic experience :)

[@vittocrazi]

I know its necroposting... but for that kind of money its even cheaper than i would expect any stay to be lol

[@isayabitende47]

I love to know it but I dont have the maney to come in japan to school about judo.

[@Svengali9889]

Whats the name of the last throw?

[@kaixabow]

+Svengali9889 Ko Uchi Makikomi, I believe. But if you wish to use that throw, under IJF/ Olympic rules, you cannot grab your opponent's leg.

[@kafkatamura2111]

What was the move at 4:40 ?

[@m5a1stuart83]

Looks like Ko Uchi Gari

[@ChamorruWarrior]

How do you get to visit this place? I am a BJJ practitioner and I'd like to visit Japan for 2 weeks and study Judo. I have never taken a Judo class, do they offer beginner classes for people going for a visit?

[@Reddragondiaries]

+ChamorruWarrior Yes they have beginners classes. The best way to find out about classes is to visit their website.

[@judoyas]

is there cadets programs for professional ??

[@Reddragondiaries]

I'm not sure I understand your question? Do you mean training for pros? I would have to think so. They have athlete housing in their hostel and each week the best teams come to the Kodokan for randori. If you wanted to improve high level, you could stay at the Kodokan and train daily, and have the opportunity to train against some of the very best of the best.

[@judoyas]

how much per a day ?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Here you go. You also need to be a Kodokan member which they take care of with you. www.kodokan.org/e_basic/nyumon.html

[@Reddragondiaries]

So, so true. The "kid" I was light sparring with was a tank. I actually wanted him to throw me hard but it just didn't happen. You definitely don't want to cop a 'tude with Japanese in judo.

[@knightsinc10]

Are all Judo clubs part of the Kodokan?

[@Reddragondiaries]

I suppose in some way yes since it is the headquarters for the sport

[@chingizjeandildin5912]

Jagger O’Connell the founder of Judo

[@francdejong]

Wow great experiance! I'm a bit jealous.

[@Barisdagame]

Can anyone show up and learn judo there like someone whose never studied judo?

[@Reddragondiaries]

yes

[@Barisdagame]

@@Reddragondiaries and they'll teach me ? Even if I don't speak Japanese?

[@douglashagan65]

I was just flew to Japan my private jet we're at the Japan coupe training center huh Japan

[@TonySoprano55]

Haha "this is crazy"

[@kodakanjudo]

I would love to live there. Find a judo gal 5th to 8th degree black and be married. With a judo family.

[@MeliorIlle]

Osu!

[@douglashagan65]

Lakota judican

[@xcvweirdo4823]

Judo sucks. Judo sucks. It absolutely sucks.

[@adityasikdar]

You sound like a salty 12 year old, who got his ass kicked by a Judoka