Kodokan 9-dan and council member Chiba Midori contributes this month's "Word of the Month" column, titled "The Appeal of Kodokan Judo." Born in Iwate, Chiba looks back across 85 years of life and a lifetime devoted to judo.
Starting from the post-war years, Chiba traces the path from a first encounter with judo, through national competition, to the role of Kodokan council member. The through-line, she writes, is always people — coaches, rivals, training partners and the family that made it possible. Her message to the next generation is that the deeper value of Kodokan judo lies not in medals or grades, but in the discipline, etiquette and respect for others that consistent practice builds.
The piece aligns naturally with the spirit of hkjudo.com's history section: judo as a way of observing and refining the self. It is well worth a slow read — especially for younger students and parents looking for a senior voice on why Kodokan judo still matters today.
Full article: Kodokan