Judo practice at the Kodokan Judo Institute (©JNTO)
Nippon Budokan
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Judo is an official Olympic event - a status that sumo has not achieved - and
it has a large population of enthusiasts and athletes throughout the world. Many
people come to Japan to receive training at the Kodokan
Judo Institute, the de facto center of the sport. The institute does not offer
lessons to visitors, but for those staying in Japan for an extended period, the
door is open to anyone from beginners to seasoned athletes. With an initiation
fee of ¥6,000 and a monthly tuition of ¥5,000, you can receive instruction
in a class of just the right level. Promotion tests are held regularly, so if
you keep at it long enough, you may be able to become a black belt some day !
Meanwhile, the Nippon Budokan arena (site is Japanese only) near the Imperial Palace offers classes in most of the major martial arts that are practiced in Japan, including judo, kendo, karate, aikido, and Shorinji kempo. Visitors are free to watch any of these classes. |
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