Exploring Judo - History and Competition

Exploring Judo - History and Competition

With Lance Gatling,
Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 09:30 JST

Join YCAPS for a guided visit to the Kōdōkan (講道館), the world headquarters of judo founded by Kanō Jigorō. We will meet at the Kanō Jigorō statue outside the main entrance for an outdoor orientation and group photo,then observe a Kodokan Judo Tournament from the spectator gallery overlooking the Dai Dōjō (大道場).

There are two tournaments scheduled for the day. At 10:00 am there will be the Tokyo Women's Judo Weight Class Championship, where we will be able to see a high level competition. In the afternoon, there will be a second Judo tournament - the 79th Tokyo Sports Tournament, Spring Judo Competetion which will be an open competetion in which amateurs, police officers, and professionals will compete in qualifers for an upcoming June major event. YCAPS members are free to stay for just the first event or enjoy both events along with other group members.

We will be guided by Mr. Lance Gatling. Lance teaches judo at the US Embassy Tokyo and serves on the Tokyo Judo Federation’s International Section Planning Committee. He is also the proprietor of The Kano Chronicles (www.kanochronicles.com), a research project on the life and times of Kanō Jigorō and the untold history of modern Japan. www.usejc.org

The itinerary for the day is:

• 9:30: Meet at the Kanō Jigorōstatue outside the Kōdōkan main entrance (google map location here)
• First, we will have a short presentation by Lance about the history of Judo and relevant information to help us understand the day's events
• From there we will go into the Kodokan to enjoy the Tokyo Women's Judo Weight Class Championship with Lance on hand to give us an expert's knowledge as we enjoy the tournament.
• There will be a small break after the Women's tournament in which members can enjoy lunch in the area or head home at their discretion.
• For those who would like to continue to enjoy more Judo competetion, Lance will still be on hand to enjoy the second tournament of the day together with members who would like to further their Judo experience

There are vending machines and toilets on the premises at the Kodokan. You may bring in outside soft drinks or small snacks but remember to please take your trash with you when you leave.

All participants take part in this event at their own risk.

RSVP required: Please confirm your spot via Richard Walton at richard.walton@ycaps.org. Spaces will be limited to 25 participants, so please RSVP early.

Cost: There is no charge for participating in the event itself; however, participants will pay for their own drinks and food with each individual paying separately.