On 9 October 2026, I gave a presentation at the 12th German-Japanese Sport Science Symposium at Ludwigsburg University of Education. The symposium brought together researchers from Germany, Japan, France and the United States.
My talk, “Kanō Jigorō as a Blueprint: Funakoshi Gichin and the Modernisation of Karate”, explored selected parallels between the two men’s approaches to developing and promoting their martial arts.
Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957), who was born during the times of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, played a central role in establishing karate on the Japanese mainland. After demonstrating karate in Tōkyō in 1922, he worked steadily to secure its recognition and a place within Japanese institutions. His approach reveals clear parallels with the reforms of Kanō Jigorō (1860–1938), who had developed modern jūdō from traditional jūjutsu several decades earlier. Kanō systematised techniques, introduced grading and organisational structures, and emphasised jūdō’s educational and moral value in modern society. Funakoshi adopted and adapted many of these elements for karate.
The idea that Kanō served as a model for Funakoshi in several respects is not new. My presentation examined some of these connections within the wider political and social context of karate’s transformation. Drawing on Kiku Kochi’s work (2004), I worked out five key parallels between the transformation of jūjutsu into jūdō and the later development of karatejutsu into karatedō. These connections help explain how Kanō’s reform model provided Funakoshi with a blueprint for establishing karate in Japan.
Selected presentation slides
My heartfelt thanks go to the organisers for the opportunity to present my thoughts, their excellent organisation, and their warmth and hospitality. I also greatly appreciated the accompanying programme and the many opportunities for conversation and exchange. Finally, I would like to thank Martin J. Meyer for drawing my attention to the symposium and encouraging me to attend.
* Kiku Koichi (2004): The Development of Sport in Japan: Martial Arts and Baseball, in: Dunning, Dominic Malcolm / Ivan Waddington (eds.): Sport Histories: Figurational Studies in the Development of Modern Sports. London: Routledge, pp. 153–171
** Presentation slides created using AI
*** Photo by Martin J. Meyer
