Kanō Jigorō

Kanō Jigorō (1860–1938) was a Japanese martial arts master who founded judo in 1882. He collected the knowledge of older jujitsu schools and established the Kōdōkan School of judo, meaning "gentle way". Judo techniques focus on using an opponent's force to one's advantage rather than opposing it directly, aiming to throw, pin, or master the opponent. Kanō removed the most dangerous techniques from jujitsu and emphasized free practice (randori), while also preserving classical techniques in judo's kata (forms). Judo became an Olympic sport for men in 1964 and for women in 1992.12