The Kodokan

The Kodokan is the birthplace of Judo.  From the Kodokan website: "The Kodokan was founded in 1882 by the late Professor Jigoro Kano who had established Judo.  Judo was derived from Jujitsu which had many names and schools.  Jujitsu is an art for either attacking others or defending oneself, with nothing but one's own body."  Today, Judo is a sport played around the world, and is part of all Olympic games.
It was a bit of a trip to find the Kodokan.  We ended up in a dentists' office, in the building next door; where the dentist stopped what she was doing to lead us through the back into the Kodokan.  We eventually left through the front door (seen here) with our heads high. <grin>

Standing next to the statue of Professor Kano outside the building adjacent to the correct building.  It was a little confusing... that's how we ended up in the dentists' office.
Once inside, we were met by the head sensei (teacher) at the door of the main workout room on the 7th floor.  He didn't want to let us in.  However, he allowed us to watch from the 8th floor and said we could take pictures, but no flash was allowed. 

So, being indoors and using a zoom lens with no flash, I have only a few pictures that are not blurry.  Too bad, because the one thing that my father wanted was for me to bring him back lots of pictures from the Kodokan.  I got lots of pictures, but most of them are not good.  The entire trip to Japan was successful, except this part, I am sad to say.

General photo.  But, if you look closely you will see something interesting.

It's blurry, but here is the interesting part.  There are women on the main mat; and at the same time as the men.  It's been said (and perhaps things have changed) that women could only practice on the lowest floor.  [There are dojos (mats) on three different floors.]  Well, if times have changed, I say "good!"
A blackbelt starting a throw called Tomoe Nagi.

 

 

 

 

 

Starting a throw called Ippon Seoi Nagi (shoulder throw).

 

 

 

 

 

Mid throw.
Here is an interesting sign on one of the doors at the Kodokan.  It's always fascinating to me to see things in English and try and figure out what they really mean, and what prompted it.  Got me again, I guess.
Outside the Kodokan.  A display seen from the sidewalk.  There are various documents, but I believe the poster is an advertisement for a tournament to be held April 29th in year 18.  [The 18th year in Japan is 2006, as it has been 18 years after the the death of the last emperor, in 1989, and the new emperor took power.]
And, right next door to the Kodokan is the Tokyo Dome and "LaQua Tokyo Dome City."* This radical rollercoaster did some amazing things.  I wanted to go on it, but the big, brave race car drivers I was with didn't want to "risk" it.  Sheesh!

* LaQua Tokyo Dome City is centered on the basic concept of "Enjoying self-refreshment in the heart of Tokyo."  LaQua embodies complex commercial facilities consisting of three zones: spa, attraction, and shop & restaurant.

It offers unprecedented access to pleasure, excitement, refreshment and relaxation all for the enjoyment of urban life in downtown Tokyo.  Imagine all this after a workout at the Kodokan.  Got to love Japan!
 

In closing, the visit to the Kodokan was both exciting and disappointing.  We were not really invited so I felt like we were intruding.  It was exciting to be there, but under the circumstances we didn't want to stay too long and wear out our welcome.  I will return next year, and hopefully have a some pre-made arrangements.