“J udo is the way to the most effective use of both physical and spiritual strength. By training you in attacks and defenses it refines your body and your soul and helps you make the spiritual essence of Judo a part of your very being. In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is the final goal of Judo discipline.” -- Jigoro Kano

A Brief History of Judo

The sport of Judo began in the late part of the 19th century. The art of Judo was a martial art (and sport) derived from a much older martial art known as Jujitsu. Judo was created and developed by Jigoro Kano. Kano was born On October 28th, 1860 in Mikage, Japan. Kano was a student of the body and mind going to collage and practicing the art of Jujitsu. Kano studied under many masters and became a strong and diligent student. In the year of 1882 he developed Judo which he named "Kodokan Judo". Judo was Kano's own kind of jujitsu which he believed was much improved from the many styles he studied. Judo grew in popularity in Japan. In 1902 One of Kano's students went to the United States and taught Teddy Roosevelt and many West Point graduates. Kano went on to become an educator and served as many important positions in Japanese history. Judo took off in America following the Second World War and has made itself a staple in the American martial arts community and culture.

A Brief History of the IU Judo Club

The IU Judo Club predates the sports club federation,we started in 1964,with few interuptions the club has been active ever since. The club was ranked 2nd in the nation in the 70's with players from all parts of the U.S. and some from overseas coming here to play under the leadership of coach Dan Phytila, prior to IU dan had been the finnish world games coach and after recieving a PhD from IU he went on to be the U.S. olympic coach. IU has produced many national champions including; John Walla, Ed Steele, Vlad Eydelmann, and Jackie Murray-White. Other national contenders like Gary Young, Tsunemi Yamashita, Oren Blaisedale, John Price, John Kammer, Margo Reed, Gene Eydelmann, Aaron Delmar, and current coach John Hampton have also represented the cream and crimson with distinction. Today the club is the home of several excellent competitors as well as a core of dedicated recreational players.

Special thanks to John Hampton for assistance with club history.