Kodokan Judo
講道館柔道
Founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, the Kodokan is the birthplace of judo. My father, Charles Gruzanski, dedicated years to its study and practice, earning recognition for his commitment to the art and for representing Kodokan principles with honor.
柔道
OVERVIEW
Charles Gruzanski began his training in Kodokan Judo in 1950, studying under influential instructors and developing a deep respect for its philosophy and discipline. Over the years, he traveled to Japan to train at the Kodokan Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, eventually achieving the rank of Nidan (2nd Dan). His journey in judo laid the foundation for his exploration of other traditional martial arts, including Masaki Ryu
Kodokan Judo
Nidan (2nd Dan)
Kodokan Hombu Dojo, Tokyo
1960s – 1970s
TIMELINE
1950
Training Begins
Charles began his study of Kodokan Judo in Kokura, Kyushu, Japan, training alongside the Japanese Police.
1953
Rank Achieved
Awarded the rank of Shodan (1st Dan) on January 11, 1953, by the Kodokan Institute.
1968
Japan Visit
Traveled back to Japan to train at the Kodokan Hombu Dojo, the global headquarters of judo.
1970
Nidan Rank
Promoted to Nidan (2nd Dan) by the Kodokan.
1970s
Teaching & Sharing
Returned to the U.S. to share the values, discipline, and techniques of Kodokan Judo..
The Jigoro Kano Connection
The photograph of Jigoro Kano (October 28, 1860 – May 4, 1938) was given to my father by his judo instructor, Inspector Obata of the Japanese Police. In 1950, my father studied judo in Kokura, Kyushu, Japan, with the Japanese Police. On January 11, 1953, he was awarded a Shodan (first-degree) black belt by the Kodokan Institute.
Certificates & Documents
CERTIFICATE
Kodokan Shodan certificate issued to Charles V. Gruzanski on January 11, 1953, signed by Kodokan Director Kano Risei
Booklet
Requested a copy of his Shodan from the Kodokan Institute in Japan
Book
Letter requesting a copy of Shodan certification from the Kodokan Institute
CERTIFICATE
Supplementary Kodokan archival certificate from Japan
CERTIFICATE
Membership certificate from the United States Judo Federation
CERTIFICATE
Kodokan certificate issued to Sumita Bunpei on January 8, 1933, signed by Judo founder Jigoro Kano
CONTEXT & NOTES
Judo is more than a martial art - it is a way of life. Through his training, my father learned the importance of discipline, respect, and continuous improvement.
These principles influenced all of his pursuits, including traditional Japanese martial arts and culture.
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