Kanō Jigorō

Kanō Jigorō (1860-1938) was a Japanese educator, politician and judoka, best known as the founder of judo, which became the first Japanese martial art to gain widespread international recognition. His professional life was in education: he served as director of primary education for the Ministry of Education from 1898 to 1901, was president of Tokyo Higher Normal School from 1900 until 1920, and was the educational founder of Nada Middle High School in Kobe. He promoted several sports and physical education in Japan and played a key role in making judo and kendo part of the public school programs. From 1909 until 1938 he was the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee.