Overview / History

Judo is derived from Japanese Jujutsu. It was created by Professor Jigoro Kano who was born in Japan on October 28, 1860 and who died May 4, 1938 after a lifetime of promoting Judo. Mastering several styles of Jujutsu including Kito-Ryu and Tenjin-shinyo Ryu in his youth he began to develop his own system based on modern sports principles. In 1882 he founded the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo where he began teaching and which still is the international authority for Judo.

The name Judo was chosen because it means the “gentle or yielding way”. It was introduced into the Olympic Games in 1964 and is practiced by millions of people throughout the world today. It is best known for it’s spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques. It emphasizes safety, and full physical activity for top conditioning.

According to Kano, Judo is not simply throwing other people around, and not in the sense of winning at any cost. Instead, it was Judo in the sense of "Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit."

Judo is a modern martial art which has since evolved into a combat and Olympic sport.

It’s very useful for self-defense yet can be a great way to stay in shape while learning many different techniques.

Topeka Judo Academy was founded by Judo Sensei Arden Cowherd in 1961.

Arden instructed students for more than 50 years, with many students enjoying great success in regional, national and international competitions. No matter if you were a wanting to become a competitor or someone who wanted to learn some fundamental techniques he welcomed you. It was always an encouraging and positive environment. Thank you to Arden Cowherd!!

We will continue this program and welcome students whether you want to become a

competitive Judoka, learn techniques for self-defense or discover a fun and interesting

martial art for exercise. We offer an encouraging, positive environment, with a relaxed, supportive instructors that have a more 100 years of combined experience in Judo.

We now have moved "Topeka Judo" from 1511 SW Huntoon to 5711 SW 21st in Topeka.