Idokan judo in relation to Kodokan judo (1947–2017): remarks on the institutionalisation of martial arts

Abstract

In the era of the global dissemination of martial arts and combat sports, including those from East Asia, judo is a clear example of the successful globalisation of national sports discipline. Basically, no one doubts that this concerns a popular Japanese sports discipline, which is managed by one international federation, and the whole world competes in championship tournaments and the Olympic Games. However, is there really only one type of judo? And is it only understood as this sports discipline? The author cites facts showing the process of the parallel institutionalisation of other judo variants, appearing under different names. Firstly, there is the "European" judo-do, secondly Kodokan judo or Butokukai judo, complemented by techniques of jujutsu self-defence (Japanese jūjutsu) and finally today’s Idokan judo. The Idokan organisation has also been teaching judo in the broad sense for over 70 years as various methods of martial art guided by the principle of flexibility.