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. His lifelong dedication to the art allowed him to represent Kodokan principles with honor.
柔道
OVERVIEW
Charles Gruzanski began training in Kodokan Judo in 1951. He studied under influential instructors, developing a deep respect for the 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). This journey laid the foundation for his exploration of other traditional martial arts, including Masaki-ryu.
Style
Kodokan Judo
Rank
Nidan (2nd Dan)
Affiliation
Kodokan Hombu Dojo, Tokyo
Period of Training
1950s – 1970s
TIMELINE
1951
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
This 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 1951, my father studied judo in Kokura, Kyushu, Japan, training alongside the Japanese Police. On January 11, 1953, the Kodokan Institute awarded him a Shodan (first-degree) black belt.
Certificates & Documents
CERTIFICATE
Kodokan Shodan certificate issued to Charles V. Gruzanski on January 11, 1953, signed by Kodokan President Risei Kano.
ENVELOPE
Requested a copy of his Shodan from the Kodokan Institute in Japan
LETTER
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 this training, practitioners learn the core values of discipline, respect, and continuous self-improvement.
These principles influenced all of his pursuits, including traditional Japanese martial arts and culture.
RELATED SECTIONS
Library
Explore related books on karate and martial arts.
Articles
Read articles and interviews about Kodokan Judo.
People
Learn about the people who influenced this journey.